Thigh Lift
Chicago Thigh Lift Surgeon
Dr. Michael Epstein – Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Michael Epstein, a highly regarded Chicago plastic surgery specialist, has treated thigh lift patients with excellent results. In the paragraphs below, he explains the procedure, how a thigh lift is performed and expected recovery.
A thigh lift is a surgical procedure performed to remove excess skin and fat from the inner and/or outer thigh area, tightening the skin and improving the contour of the legs. The effects of aging, gravity, dramatic weight loss and weight gain and loss of elasticity can cause the skin to sag on the inner and outer thighs.
A thigh lift can be combined with other body contouring procedures such as an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or liposuction to dramatically improve your contour.
How is a Thigh Lift performed?
A thigh lift is an outpatient surgical procedure performed at our facility, Northbrook Plastic Surgery. There are many variations on how to perform this procedure and Dr. Epstein will discuss which techniques will give you the best possible results. For an inner thigh lift, generally an incision is made in the crease of the groin area extending down the inner thigh several inches. The skin on your thigh is separated from the fat and muscle below by pulling the flap of skin upwards. Excess skin is removed and the rest of the skin is stretched back into place. The incision is stitched together and the other side is completed.For an outer thigh lift, the incision is made at the hip and generally the same process is followed as above.
This procedure takes approximately 2 hours, but may vary depending on the complexity of the lift.
What to expect during the recovery period:
- Discomfort, bruising and swelling are normal and can be controlled with medication. Swelling can last for several weeks after surgery
- Light walking should be done as tolerated during the first 48 hours, avoid stairs, squatting and activities that place tension on this area for the first 3-5 days
- Sutures will be removed approximately 7-10 days after surgery, however most of the time Dr. Epstein puts in sutures that don't have to be removed
- A compression garment must be worn up to 3 weeks post-surgery
- May be some numbness in the areas treated, but feeling will return in 6-8 weeks
- Return to light activities and work 7-10 days post-surgery, with very limited lifting and bending
- Resume full activities 4-6 weeks post-surgery
- The scars will be red for months and will not reach their final appearance until approximately 12-18 months post-surgery
Dr. Epstein is a gifted Chicago cosmetic surgery specialist who offers a variety of plastic surgery and non-invasive rejuvenation procedures. For body contouring, in addition to thigh lift, he treats Chicago liposuction, arm lift and tummy tuck patients.
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