Thigh Lift in La Mesa, CA

Losing weight is a great victory for any person. However, women and men who reach their goal weight may need one more step to finish their body transformation. Depending on how long you carried the extra weight and how much weight you lost, hanging skin may be a separate concern if the skin was not able to shrink to the new size and shape of your body. The thighs are especially an area of concern for most patients. At Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre in La Mesa, CA, plastic surgeon Scott Sessions is happy to offer thigh lift surgery (also known as thighplasty). A thigh lift removes extra skin on the outer and/or inner thighs to produce a more contoured, tighter appearance. Thigh lift surgery has risen in popularity because it offers natural-looking results for patients fighting sagging skin on the thighs.

Thigh lift surgery is a skin removal and skin tightening procedure that corrects hanging skin. A thigh lift is best as an after weight loss procedure and is typically performed on patients who have lost at least 100 pounds. It is also popular in older patients who are fighting sagging skin due to age, as well as with women whose body weight changed due to pregnancy. If you have hanging, loose, or wrinkly skin on the upper thighs (either the inner or outer thighs or both), a thigh lift may be a big help. Please bear in mind that a thigh lift does not necessarily combat the appearance of cellulite. If cellulite is your main issue, Dr. Sessions can suggest other procedures that may help address your concerns.

During a thigh lift, general anesthesia is usually administered to the patient. An incision is made around the upper area of the thigh in the natural crease where the thigh and torso meet. This incision often runs down to the middle point of the thigh area. This allows enough room to use liposuction (if needed) to remove isolated pockets of fat, as well as to excise all the loose skin at the upper thigh. The remaining skin will be pulled upward so it is taut and then safely secured with sutures. In certain cases, an incision may be necessary in the outer thigh area or underneath the buttocks, depending on the amount of tissue being removed. This surgery at Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre reshapes the whole thigh area, leaving a shapelier, tighter, more contoured appearance.

A thigh lift takes around 2 – 3 hours to complete. As soon as the surgery is over, you will be monitored and then sent home for recovery. There may be bruising, swelling, and discomfort during the first several days after surgery. Within a few days, most patients are up and walking slowly, which is important for better blood circulation and faster healing. The total recovery period typically takes about 6 – 8 weeks. At-home wound care instructions provided by Dr. Sessions will help the incisions to heal so they are less visible. Even though there will be some scarring, the new shape and contour of your thighs may help you boost your confidence so you can flaunt your legs with pride.

How much does thigh lift surgery cost?
The total cost of thigh lift surgery is different for every patient and depends on many factors, including how much excess skin needs to be removed. When Dr. Sessions creates your personal thigh lift surgical plan at your consultation, he will be better able to estimate your costs. Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre can help you find low-interest financing that will make your thigh lift easier to afford so you can focus on selecting a skilled surgeon instead of on the budget.

Will a thigh lift remove cellulite or stretch marks?
A thigh lift is the best choice to improve the contour and appearance of your legs. Since the procedure calls for skin tightening and lifting, it may improve the appearance of cellulite or other skin irregularities (like stretch marks) on your legs. However, this is not always the case and is not what a thigh lift is designed to do. If you are worried about cellulite or stretch marks, let Dr. Sessions know during your consultation so he can personalize your surgical plan to match your goals.

How long will my results last?
If you follow a healthy lifestyle that includes a proper diet and regular exercise, you should enjoy the results of your thigh lift for a long time. Dr. Sessions suggests you be at or near a sustainable weight before surgery so it is easier to maintain your results. Pregnancy or significant weight changes after a thighplasty can compromise your results. During your consultation, Dr. Sessions will talk about what you can do to make your thigh lift results last longer.

Can I combine a thigh lift with other surgeries?
Some patients pair a thigh lift with a tummy tuck or butt lift in a lower body lift. A thigh lift is also a common part of after weight loss surgery. During your consultation, talk to Dr. Sessions about all your concerns and goals so he can create a treatment plan that gives you the results you want.

What about a nonsurgical thigh lift?
While there are nonsurgical procedures for fat reduction and skin tightening, they only produce small improvements. A surgical thigh lift is the best way to address a moderate to severe amount of sagging skin and pockets fat on your legs. If you are interested in nonsurgical treatments, ask Dr. Sessions for more information during your consultation. He does not offer the nonsurgical options, but he will explain the benefits and drawbacks of nonsurgical and surgical thigh lift options, as well as his suggestion on which would better suit your goals.

If you have sagging skin on your legs that causes anxiety or embarrassment, we invite you to call Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre in La Mesa, CA to learn more about surgical thigh lifts. It is common for patients to combine this procedure with other cosmetic procedures, especially procedures that treat the lower body, like a tummy tuck or a lower body lift, depending on your unique aesthetic desires. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Sessions, and he can help you achieve more toned, taut thighs.