Metamorphosis Clinic
When you're ready for something special
Many women find that following a period of weight loss, they have significant skin redundancy in either their inner or outer thighs. This can occur as part of the ageing process coupled with a loss of skin elasticity. These patients then feel reluctant to wear revealing clothing due to the loose skin in their thighs. There are essentially two options for these patients – one is liposuction of the area and the other is to excise a strip of skin and fat from the buttock area or inner thighs. (See ‘Liposuction’ for more details on how the procedure is done)
The
best candidate for a thigh reduction
A thigh reduction can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence,
but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause
other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have
surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with
your surgeon.
The best candidates for an arm reduction are healthy, emotionally-stable
women who are realistic about what the surgery can accomplish. The best
results are usually achieved in women with loose skin hanging from the
inner or outer thighs.
Many women seek an a thigh reduction because severe weight loss has left
them with stretched skin.
Surgery
All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
A thigh lift is not a simple operation, but it's normally safe when
performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, as with any
surgery, there is always a possibility of complications or a reaction to
the anesthesia. Bleeding and infection following a breast lift are
uncommon, but they can cause scars to widen. You can reduce your risks
by closely following your physician's advice both before and after
surgery.
A thigh lift does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they are
well concealed and can be hidden by clothing or swim wear. (Poor healing
and wider scars are more common in smokers.)
Planning your surgery
In your initial consultation, it's important to discuss your
expectations frankly with your surgeon, and to listen to his or her
opinion. Every patient--and every physician, as well--has a different
view of what is a desirable shape for the upper arms
The surgeon will examine your legs and measure them while you're sitting
or standing. He or she will discuss the variables that may affect the
procedure--such as your age, the extent of skin redundancy and the
condition of your skin.
Your surgeon should describe the procedure in detail, explaining its
risks and limitations and making sure you understand the scarring that
will result. He or she should also explain the anesthesia to be used,
the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs
involved.
Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have, especially
those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.
Preparing for your surgery
You'll also get specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery,
including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or
avoiding certain vitamins and medications.
While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to
drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if
needed.
Where
your surgery will be performed
Your thigh reduction may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient
surgery center, or a surgeon's office-based facility. It's usually done
on an outpatient basis, for cost containment and convenience. If you're
admitted to the hospital as an inpatient, you can expect to stay one or
two days.
Types
of anesthesia
Thigh lifts are usually performed under spinal or epidural anaesthesia.
You'll be awake but relaxed, and will feel minimal discomfort.
The
surgery
Thigh reduction usually takes one and a half hours.
Surgery involves the removal of a long strip of skin and fat from the
inner or outer thigh and suturing the wound closed.
After
your surgery
After surgery, you'll wear an compression bandage over gauze dressings.
Your legs will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for a day or two,
but the pain shouldn't be severe. Any discomfort you do feel can be
relieved with medications prescribed by your surgeon.
Within a few days, the bandages will be replaced by a supportive
compression garment. You'll need to wear this garment around the clock
for three to four weeks, over a layer of gauze. The stitches will be
removed after a week or two.
Getting back to normal
Healing is a gradual process. Although you may be up and about in a day
or two, don't plan on returning to work for a week or more, depending on
how you feel. If you have any unusual symptoms, don't hesitate to call
your surgeon.
Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions for resuming your
normal activities. You may be instructed to avoid strenuous sports for
about a month. After that, you can resume these activities slowly.
Your
new look
Your surgeon will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous
as possible. Still, it's important to remember that the scars are
extensive and permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for months,
then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin
white lines.
You should also keep in mind that the skin won't be firm forever--the
effects of gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuations will
eventually take their toll again.
Your satisfaction with a breast lift is likely to be greater if you
understand the procedure thoroughly and if your expectations are
realistic.