Thigh lifts are operations tailored to improve the contour of the upper leg. While these operations can be very effective in reducing the excess skin and fat around the thigh, they are associated with difficult scarring and therefore usually reserved for those patients in with a severe problem.
Surgery for a thigh lift usually lasts for a few hours and utilizes incisions both in the groin and down the middle portion of the leg. Because of the dependence on the leg for mobility and stability, thigh lift patients will require assistance following surgery for the first few days. Drains used during thigh lift surgery are often removed in the days to week after the operation, but but the incisions may require extended drainage if motion in excessive in the postoperative period.
For patients without a lot of fatty excesses, the use of J-Plasma can allow for tightening of the thigh skin and rejuvenation toward a younger appearance with only minimal scarring and down time. Call for an appointment with Dr. Lowenstein to see if you are a candidate for the J-Plasma alternative to tighter, more attractive upper legs.
Good candidates for thigh lifts have excess tissue hanging off of the upper leg. The best candidates have more skin excess than fat, though both fat and skin can be addressed with an thigh lift.
At your consultation you will meet with Dr. Lowenstein and his staff. Dr. Lowenstein will listen to your goals and examine your legs. You will learn about the different options for your surgery and expectations for your postoperative outcome.
One of our Center’s patient care coordinators will then review logistical information including schedule options and financial arrangements in a pressure-free atmosphere. Ask your coordinator for a tour of the operating facilities if you would like to see where the surgery is performed. Your entire consultation should take about an hour.
Your surgery will take place in our Center’s state of the art AAASF accredited operating facility. You will be instructed to arrive about an hour before surgery begins, and you will meet with our nursing staff, our anesthesia provider, and Dr. Lowenstein prior to surgery. Dr. Lowenstein will place marks on your body to aid in the surgery. All questions will be answered to maximize your comfort and those who will be taking care of you after your surgery. Your care giver will be given specific written instructions and have plenty of time to review them during your procedure.
Once in the operating room, an IV will be placed and you will be given medication to help you relax further before falling off to sleep. The operation takes approximately 3 hours after which you will be gently awakened and brought to the only private recovery room in Santa Barbara. After a bit of further recovery, your care giver will be brought in to see you, review instructions, and take you home.
You will feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you should up moving around. Periodic walking is a necessity after any aesthetic surgery. Most of your discomfort and/or pain will be well controlled by medications prescribed by Dr. Lowenstein. Additional prescriptions may include antibiotics and special medications to treat nausea in the rare instance that is an issue.
Your dressings will be changed in the first visit back to our Center on the day after surgery. Showering may be postponed until your drains are removed.
It is often possible to return to work within 7-10 days, depending on your job and you may begin driving 10-14 days after surgery. Vigorous activities should be restricted for 3 weeks as well as lifting anything over 10 pounds. Exercise that may increase your heart rate above 100 beats per minute should be avoided for 3 weeks. Swelling will progressively improve but should be largely resolved in a month.
Thigh lifts are associated with a linear scar in the region of the incision, but our state of the art techniques for scar therapy using Embrace Scar Therapy have been effective in minimizing the appearance of scars after leg thigh procedures.
