Many people face the dilemma of whether to opt for a thigh lift or thigh liposuction when looking to restore the attractive contour of their thighs. Experienced Baltimore plastic surgeons have formulated a comprehensive guide in this regard to assist the patients in taking the correct decision for themselves.
Thigh Lift
Thighplasty or thigh lift is a surgical procedure used to correct saggy and loose skin and extra lipid deposition in the thighs.
Types of Thigh Lifts
There are different types of thigh lifts available nowadays. These include:
Outer Thigh Lift
An outer thigh lift is performed on the sides of the patient’s sides. It’s also known as a lateral thigh lift.
Inner Thigh Lift
An inner thigh lift is performed on the area of the thigh which is present between the legs. It’s also known as a medial thigh lift.
Posterior Thigh Lift
Posterior thigh lift is a buttock lift which also includes the upper portion of the thighs.
These lifts can be performed individually or in combination, depending upon the desired area or areas of correction of the thigh.
The Procedure of a Thigh Lift
A single thigh lift procedure takes about 2 to 3 hours. In case of an inner thigh lift, the surgeon makes short incisions extending from the thigh and crease of the groin to the crease of the buttocks. If there’s excessive loose skin to be removed, then an additional incision can be made which runs along the inner thigh. In case of an outer thigh lift, the surgeon makes larger incisions over the patient’s hipbone.
If thigh lift is accompanied by liposuction, the liposuction is performed before the thigh lift. After making the incisions, the surgeon separates the extra fat and skin from the inner thigh structure. This extra lipid and skin is then removed from the thigh. After that, the surgeon closes the incisions and applies a compression bandage and gauze to minimize the swelling and bruising.
Recovery from Thigh Lifts
Bruising and swelling is common at the site of the incision after the surgical procedure. The discomfort and pain is controlled with pain-relieving medications (analgesics). The patients are usually able to start walking again after a few days of the surgery. However, it’s recommended to take plenty of rest in the first week after the surgery. People usually resume their work within two to three weeks after the procedure, but they’re advised to avoid any strenuous activity like heavy household work, running, weight lifting, or jogging as it may worsen the bruises present on the incision site.
Thigh Liposuction
Thigh liposuction is specifically performed to remove extra amount of fat deposition in the thighs. In case of thigh liposuction, the surgeon inserts the cannula into the fatty tissues present between the skin and muscles of the thigh, and then this extra fat is removed by using a large syringe or suction pump.
Which One to Opt For?
If there’s only extra fat deposition in the thighs, the patient can opt for the thigh liposuction alone, whereas, if the patient wants to rectify the condition of sagging and droopy skin, then thigh life should be performed. Those patients, who want to obtain a smooth thigh skin along with the removal of extra lipids, should opt for a combination of both thigh lift and thigh liposuction.
Surgeons who perform Baltimore breast augmentation are also experts in the procedures of thigh lift and thigh liposuction. The procedures of thigh lift and thigh liposuction are as famous and beneficial as breast augmentation in Baltimore.
