Excess thigh tissue may be the result of abnormal fat distribution, skin laxity (looseness), or being
overweight.
In some patients liposuction alone may be sufficient to correct the problem, in other patients especially in the inner thigh, a skin tightening procedure may be required. When skin tightening is undertaken the procedure is termed a thigh lift.
The incision used may be in the inner thigh crease alone or may include an extension downwards along the inner thigh depending on the amount of tissue that needs to be removed. Occasionally in extensive thigh lift procedures the incision may extend all around the upper thigh, at the front being in the groin crease and at the back in the buttock crease. It may be combined with more extensive surgery such as a lower body lift.
Thigh lift or reduction surgery requires a general anaesthetic and an inpatient
hospital stay.
Who benefits?
A wide variety of men and women ranging from those who have lost a significant amount of weight to those where weight is steady but there is loose or extra tissue in the thigh or buttock areas.
How is the surgery performed?
The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. The extent of the scar depends on the amount of tissue to be removed.
The scar used commonly extends on the upper thigh, in the groin crease, backwards in the buttock crease as required. When there is significant loose skin the scar often extends down the inside of the thigh, like a seam, as necessary.
Dissolvable stitches are used underneath the skin to support the healing scar and make it less noticeable in the long term.
Liposuction may also be used in conjunction with surgery both to remove fatty tissue and sculpt contours.
Drains are used and are usually removed within 48 hours of the surgerybefore going home. Firm bandages or elasticated stockings support the new shape and decrease swelling.
Other Useful Information:
Preoperative advice
The aims and expectations of surgery should have been discussed at the initial Consultation. Smokers have a higher risk of developing complications, in particular wound related problems, and it is therefore advised they should refrain from smoking for at least 2 weeks prior to and for 2 weeks following surgery.
Aspirin and related anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided for a similar time period as they may promote bleeding. Patients who are on the contraceptive pill (not HRT) should ideally stop taking it six weeks before surgery as there is a slight increased risk of thrombosis or DVT (clots in the leg veins).
During this time other forms of contraception should be used.
What happens before the operation
Patients are usually admitted on the day of the operation and are seen before surgery by the Anaesthetist who will talk about the general anaesthetic.
Nursing staff, often with a special interest in Cosmetic Surgery, will undertake routine preoperative checks. You will also be measured for a pair of stockings. The stockings are worn whilst in bed to improve the circulation and to reduce the risk of thrombosis or DVT (clots in the leg veins). Pre operative photographs (if not already done) will be taken.
The surgeon will review the original outpatient consultation and plan the operation by drawing on the thighs or lower body indicating the site of the scarring and amount of tissue to be removed.
Additionally before surgery a blood test may be required. In some patients a blood thinning injection may be given if the surgeon thinks it necessary.
Operative procedure
The surgery takes 2 to 4 hours to perform and is undertaken under general anaesthestic with patients usually being in hospital for up to 2 nights postoperatively. The wounds are closed in layers to maintain and support the new shapely thigh. Drains are used in most patients. Dissolveable stitches underneath the skin are used to help keep the scar neater.
During surgery a special device is also used to pump the calf muscles to further minimise the risk of clot formation in the legs.
What to expect following surgery
On return to the ward patients will have an
intravenous drip to provide hydration for the first 24 hours following surgery. Drains are usually placed into each thigh, these allowing any oozing or bleeding to accumulate either into a small bag or bottle by the side of the bed. These are usually removed at 48 hours just prior to discharge.
Thigh reduction and lift surgery may be quite uncomfortable after surgery. If any pain or discomfort is experienced, painkillers are given either by injection or as tablets. When the wound extends down the inner thigh, dressings are applied. With wounds in the groin crease, frequently dressings are not appropriate and the wound is either left exposed or is covered with a thin strip of tape. On occasions should patients find it very difficult to mobilise on the night of surgery, a urinary catheter is inserted. This is removed the following day when up and about.
The wounds may be lightly showered at 5 days but should not be soaked for at least 10 days. Driving is discouraged for 2 to 3 weeks following surgery. Exercising and sporting activities should be avoided for 6 to 12 weeks.
Risks and complications
As with all surgery complications can occur. With thigh reduction and thigh lift surgery some bleeding may occur and on occasions this can accumulate under the skin resulting in a haematoma( collection of blood ). This will usually occur within the first 24 to 48 hours and may require a return visit to the operating theatre.
As the wounds are in awkward areas and areas that are subjected to stress, small areas of wound breakdown do occur. Regular dressings are usually all that is required but a short course of antibiotics may be required.
A rare complication is deep venous thrombosis (a clot in the veins, usually calf, of the leg). This can be a serious complication with swelling and pain in the leg.
The whole team works very closely to minimise these types of problems occurring.
As with all cosmetic surgical procedures undertaken there is a fixed fee
policy which means that no further charges are incurred should treatment or surgery be required for complications that occur within one year following the initial surgery.
Follow up
After discharge patients require a wound check usually at three days following discharge. This can either be by the nursing staff in the outpatients where the surgery is undertaken or by the General Practitioner (though agreement would need to be sought). Dressings will then be required for two to four weeks postoperatively.
Scar massage with cream on a regular basis helps allow the scar to settle. If the scar becomes very itchy or red your will be advised on other forms of treatment.
Appointments for the initial dressing change are made prior to discharge. You will also be reviewed at one month and six months postoperatively.
The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. The extent of the scar depends on the amount of tissue to be removed. 