What Is A Thighplasty?
A thighplasty, also known as a thigh lift, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the thighs by removing excess fat or sagging skin. The result is a smoother thigh that is proportionate to the upper body and lower legs. Thighplasty produces shapely contours in the thighs and a firmer, more youthful appearance.
As we age, the skin loses its elasticity, and deposits of fat become stubborn and difficult to eliminate. At the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, we understand that sometimes in order for you to feel like the best version of yourself, you need to look like the best version of yourself. Our board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in aesthetic surgery of the body and have performed numerous thighplasty procedures safely and effectively.
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AM I A CANDIDATE FOR THIGHPLASTY?
There are a number of factors that can lead to deposits of excess fat and sagging skin in the thigh region, not the least of which are aging, genetics, and weight fluctuation. You may be a candidate for a thighplasty if you have excess skin on the inner or outer thigh, a general loss of definition, or excess deposits of fat in the thighs.
A thighplasty is not an alternative to weight loss and should only be performed when you have reached a stable weight. If you plan to continue a weight-loss regiment, you should reach your target weight before undergoing a thighplasty.
Candidates for a thighplasty should be in generally good physical health, non-smokers, and not have any medical conditions that impede the healing process. If you think that this procedure might be right for you, call the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago to schedule a consultation.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR CONSULTATION
During your consultation, you will speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon about your aesthetic goals. Your surgeon will perform an evaluation and discuss treatment options based on your desires and body type; in some cases, liposuction might be a better alternative to a thighplasty or performed in conjunction with a thigh lift.
You and your plastic surgeon will discuss any aspects of the procedure, through recovery, as well as any potential risks associated with a thighplasty. If you have any questions about any of these factors, the consultation is the best time to have all of your questions answered.
HOW THIGHPLASTY IS PERFORMED
First, a general anesthetic is administered to ensure comfort during the procedure. Before the incisions are made, your plastic surgeon may use liposuction to remove fatty deposits. Then they will make incisions based on the degree of correction and problematic areas of the thighs.
Typically, these incisions are made in the groin region and on the inner aspect of the thigh. Whenever possible, your plastic surgeon will attempt to conceal the incisions in the natural creases of the body to avoid visible scarring. The underlying tissue of the thighs is reshaped, and internal sutures are placed to hold the tissue in its new position and shape. The skin is then contoured over the thighs and any excess skin is removed. Lastly, the incisions are closed with absorbable sutures. A drain may be placed at the incision sites to remove any excess fluid.
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RECOVERY AFTER THIGHPLASTY
The results of a thighplasty will be apparent almost immediately following the procedure. Your thighs may be wrapped in compression bandages to minimize swelling and help the tissue maintain its new shape.
Your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medication and issue specific instructions for post-surgical care. Swelling and bruising is normal following a thighplasty, and will usually subside in four to six weeks after the surgery.
You should avoid any rigorous physical activity following a thighplasty until your plastic surgeon clears you to return to your normal level of activity, which may be four to six weeks after the procedure.
WHAT DOES THIGHPLASTY COST?
The average cost of a thigh lift is approximately $4,800 in the United States, though this figure may be affected by your location, the plastic surgeon performing the procedure, and the extent of your aesthetic goals. Most medical insurers will not cover the cost of a thighplasty because it is considered a cosmetic procedure. Be sure to discuss all associated costs, as well as payment options, with your plastic surgeon during your consultation.
POTENTIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THIGHPLASTY
Any surgical procedure involves some potential risks. The risks associated with a thighplasty may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Hematoma (blood clot)
- Changes in skin sensation
- Skin discoloration
- Scarring
At the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, we take every precaution to avoid potential complications by employing the safest and most innovative techniques. You can further mitigate the potential for risk by carefully following all instructions from your plastic surgeon.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
If you have unwanted excess fat or skin in your thighs due to aging or weight fluctuation, a thighplasty may be an option for you. Contact the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic surgery of the body. We will walk you through every step of the procedure and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
All surgical procedures by the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago are performed at top hospitals in Chicago and CMS or AAAASF-certified surgical centers for safety.
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As the seasons change, so should your skincare! Fall is all about keeping your skin hydrated as the air gets cooler and drier. Here’s a go-to fall skincare routine you can reference when swapping out your summer products to help your skin thrive: 🍂
1. Start with a hydrating cleanser
2. Use a toner to remove any excess dirt, oil, makeup, and residue
3. Incorporate a gentle retinol
4. Boost brightness with a Vitamin-C serum
5. Swap your lightweight moisturizer for a richer, thicker formula
6. Don’t skip the SPF (yes, even in fall!)
7. Take care of your lips with a nourishing lip balm
8. Moisturize your hands with a thick hand cream
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This is a 3 month follow-up for an otoplasty or ear pinning procedure. The patient was bothered by how far his ears projected forward and how his ears were a major focus of his appearance. In the post-operative photos, the ears have been re-positioned in a more aesthetic and natural way. The patient’s facial features now become the focal point of his appearance and not the ears. A relatively simple yet powerful procedure. Posted with permission.
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This is a 2 year follow-up revision rhinoplasty case. The patient had had 2 prior rhinoplasties in the past and was bothered by the nasal deviation, the dorsal hump, and the under-rotated and under-projected tip. In the post-operative views, you can see the nose is straighter, symmetric dorsal aesthetic lines have been established, the dorsal hump was removed, and the tip was elevated and rotated. It’s amazing how a more symmetric and proportional nose improves the balance and overall aesthetics of the face. Posted with permission.
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This is a great example of how buccal fat removal changes the face. Buccal fat removal involves removing fat from the lower cheeks and the purpose is to narrow the lower 1/3 of the face. With removal of the buccal fat pad, the face appears less round and more angular or V-shaped. Buccal fat removal was popularized and trending during the pandemic, however, not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure. Ideal candidates are younger patients in their 20-30’s with a rounder face, and excess volume of the lower cheeks. As we age, the face loses volume and therefore patients in their 40’s plus may not be good candidates. An article in our journal from 2021, The Role of Buccal Fat Pad in Facial Aesthetic Surgery, by Drs. Rohrich and Stuzin, highlighted that this procedure can be beneficial in certain patients but if over resected or performed in the wrong patient, can lead to premature aging and midface distortion. Posted with permission.
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How important is the chin in a rhinoplasty case? This patient’s results show how important the nose-chin relationship is for a balanced and proportional profile. This patient had a crooked nose, a prominent dorsal hump, and a very deficient chin. After straightening her nose, removing the dorsal hump, lifting and refining the tip, and performing a sliding genioplasty; look how much her profile has changed aesthetically for the better.
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Thinking about getting a rhinoplasty? Here are some things you should know before getting this procedure!
1. Are you physically and mentally ready for a rhinoplasty and recovery process?
2. Can you articulate what your rhinoplasty goals are and are they realistic?
3. Have you found the right surgeon and practice to get you where you want to be?
If you have any questions, leave them down below!
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Is it a good night’s sleep, filler, or surgery? These patients underwent a lower blepharoplasty procedure, and in the post-operative photos, you can see an improvement in the contour of the lower eyelids, no more bags, and reduced dark circles. The results? A brighter, more youthful, and refreshed appearance. Posted with permission.
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