Thigh Lift in Scottsdale, AZ

Losing weight is a great victory for any person. But men and women who achieve their weight loss goals may need one extra step to complete their physical transformation. Based on how long you were overweight and how much of that weight you lost, excess skin may be an additional concern. Sometimes, the skin is unable to shrink to the new size and shape of your body. The thighs are an area of trouble for most patients. At Forma Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ, our plastic surgeons offer a surgical thigh lift (also known as thighplasty), which removes excess skin on the outer and inner thighs to create a tighter, more contoured look. Thigh lift surgery has risen in popularity because it offers natural-looking results for anyone who wants to reduce the appearance of saggy skin on the thighs.

Thigh lift surgery in Scottsdale, AZ can be life-changing, renewing a patient's confidence, appearance, and even their mobility. Some of the most compelling benefits of thigh lift surgery include:

• Can be used to remove excess, loose, or wrinkled thigh skin
• Can be performed on the inner thighs, outer thighs, or both
• Creates a smoother, firmer, more desirable leg shape
• Helps reduce chafing and skin irritation
• Boosts the patient's self-esteem
• Results can last for decades or longer

Thigh lift surgery, or thighplasty, is a skin removal and tightening procedure that improves the appearance of sagging skin. Thighplasty is typically a post-weight loss treatment. It is generally performed on patients who have lost 100 pounds or more. It is also helpful for older adults concerned about loose skin caused by natural aging, as well as women whose body weight changed due to pregnancy. A thigh lift can be helpful if you have wrinkly, hanging, or loose skin on the upper thighs (the inner or outer thighs or both). Please remember that if cellulite is your main issue, your Forma Plastic Surgery surgeon can recommend other treatments that may help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

A thigh lift is a skin removal and skin tightening procedure that treats sagging skin on the thighs. Generally, we can perform a thighplasty as an after weight loss treatment. It works best for patients who have lost 100 or more pounds. It is also helpful for older people who want to reduce excess skin caused by age or women whose body weight changed because of pregnancy and childbirth. If you have hanging, loose, or wrinkly skin on the upper thighs (whether it's the outer or inner thighs or both), a thigh lift may be a good option.

Thigh lift surgery takes about 2 – 3 hours to perform, and we use general anesthesia to help keep you comfortable. Surgical incisions can vary based on candidacy, but typically are made either on the inside of the thigh, or across the top of the thigh. This incision technique provides enough space to use surgical liposuction (if necessary) to remove stubborn pockets of fat and excise the excess skin at the top of the thigh. Finally, we stretch the remaining skin to tighten and secure it with sutures.

As soon as the procedure is over, we will monitor you and then send you home for recovery. At first, you may experience discomfort, bruising, and swelling. Within the first several days, many patients can get up and slowly walk around, which improves circulation and healing. Overall, the recovery takes about 6 – 8 weeks.

Will a thigh lift remove cellulite or stretch marks?
Thigh lift surgery is a great choice to improve the contour and appearance of your legs. Since the procedure calls for skin tightening and addressing stubborn fat, it can improve the appearance of cellulite or stretch marks on your upper legs. If you're interested in addressing stretch marks or cellulite, let your surgeon know during your consultation so they can personalize your treatment plan to match your goals.

How long will my thigh lift results last?
If you adhere to a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet, you should maintain the results of your thigh lift for many years. Our plastic surgeons recommend you be at or near a healthy weight before thigh lift surgery so it's easier to maintain your results. Significant weight changes or pregnancy following your thigh lift can compromise your results. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss steps you can take to make your thigh lift results last longer.

Are there nonsurgical thigh lift options?
Although there are nonsurgical options for skin tightening and fat reduction, these are best for mild improvements. A thighplasty is the best way to correct significant amounts of excess skin and stubborn fat on your thighs. If you are considering nonsurgical treatments, ask your surgeon at Forma Plastic Surgery for more information during your initial consultation. They will tell you the benefits and drawbacks of nonsurgical and surgical thigh lift options, as well as their recommendation on which would better suit your goals.

Are thigh lift scars visible?
Thigh lift incisions are typically made either vertically along the inner thigh or at the top of the thigh, where the thigh meets the pelvis and/or buttocks. These locations make it fairly easy to conceal thigh lift scars beneath clothing. While scarring is unavoidable after thigh lift surgery, our team will provide thorough scar care instructions and product recommendations to help your scars heal and fade as fully as possible.

Will a thigh lift get rid of cellulite?
Thigh lift surgery is not specifically designed to address fat and/or cellulite. However, liposuction is often performed in conjunction with thigh lift surgery to remove stubborn fatty tissue, which can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Additionally, when the skin is pulled taut during thigh lift surgery, patients often enjoy a noticeably smoother new look.

When can I start exercising after a thigh lift?
After thigh lift surgery, you'll need to refrain from exercise and heavy lifting for at least 6-8 weeks or until cleared by your surgeon. Resuming your exercise routine too soon can delay your healing progress and may cause your incisions to reopen.

If you have excess skin on your legs that creates anxiety or embarrassment, we encourage you to contact Forma Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ to learn more about thigh lift surgery. Depending on your specific needs, you can combine a thigh lift procedure with other contouring treatments for the lower body, including a tummy tuck or a lower body lift. Schedule your appointment with our team and attain slimmer-looking thighs.