Excess thigh skin is one of the most frustrating realities for people who've worked hard to lose weight or who are simply dealing with changes from aging. At Southern Plastic & Reconstructive Surgical Institute (SPRSI), Dr. Nathan Brought and his team perform thigh lift procedures to remove that excess skin and give your legs a firmer, smoother shape.
What Is a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift — also known as thighplasty or leg lifting surgery — is a type of surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat and skin from the upper portion of the legs. This leg lift operation tightens the remaining skin and reshapes the thighs for a smoother, more toned appearance.
This procedure is particularly beneficial to those who have experienced significant weight loss and have loose skin that creates chafing, rashes, or hygiene issues. It's also beneficial to those who experience skin sagging due to age or genetic conditions.
Schedule A Thigh Lift Consultation TodayHow Is the Procedure Done?
Dr. Brought performs the thigh lift procedure through an incision along the inside of the thigh and usually in the groin crease, which creates minimal visibility of the scarring. The length of the incision varies based on the extent of the loose skin. For people with considerable loose skin, the incision could extend from the groin toward the knee.
After making the incision, Dr. Brought removes the excess skin and tissue, tightening and repositioning the remaining skin. Most thigh lift surgeries are performed under general anesthesia and typically take three to four hours. The incisions are closed using sutures and covered with bandages.
Combining a Thigh Lift With Liposuction
Some patients have both excess skin and stubborn fat deposits on their thighs. In these cases, Dr. Brought and his staff may recommend combining a thigh lift with liposuction for leg fat removal. Liposuction reduces excess fat, while the thigh lift addresses sagging skin, creating a more uniform contour to the legs. During your consultation, Dr. Brought will determine if a combination of the two procedures would meet your personal objectives.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Good candidates for a thigh lift procedure are individuals who have loose or sagging skin on their thighs that does not improve with diet and exercise. Ideal candidates are at a stable weight, in good overall health, and do not smoke. Patients whose weight fluctuates frequently may not achieve optimal results, as weight changes can affect the outcome.
You must have realistic expectations about what the surgery can accomplish. A thigh lift removes excess skin and improves the contour of the legs, but it is not a weight loss surgery. During your consultation with Dr. Brought, he will evaluate your medical history, inspect your thighs, and determine whether this is the right procedure for you.
Recovery Timeline
Following your leg lift surgery, you will need to wear compression garments to minimize swelling and provide support to the healing tissues. Compression garments should be worn for several weeks, as directed. Swelling, bruising, and some discomfort are typical during the initial few weeks following surgery.
Many patients resume working at a desk two to three weeks after surgery. Patients with physically demanding activities will likely need to wait four to six weeks before returning to work. Start light walking immediately after surgery to promote circulation, but avoid all forms of exercise and heavy lifting until Dr. Brought clears you for such activities. Postoperative follow-up appointments monitor your healing process and answer any questions you may have.
Why Choose SPRSI for Your Thigh Lift in Nashville?
Dr. Nathan Brought is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience performing body contouring procedures. Dr. Brought and his staff at SPRSI provide a comprehensive approach, including nutritional information, exercise recommendations, and other lifestyle tips to optimize your results. SPRSI understands the importance of timely scheduling and strives to schedule consultations quickly. Additionally, Dr. Brought is available directly via phone for your questions and concerns.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are frustrated or self-conscious because of loose skin on your thighs, a thigh lift procedure may be able to assist you. Contact Southern Plastic & Reconstructive Surgical Institute to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brought and his staff. We welcome patients from Franklin, Knoxville, Memphis, and the surrounding area of Middle Tennessee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some common questions about thigh lifts:
How Long Do Results Last?
As long as you remain at a stable weight, your results will last. Significant weight gain or loss may impact your results.
Where Are the Scars?
The scars will be located along the inside of the thigh, generally hidden by underwear or swimwear. Over time, the scars will fade but will always be present.
Can I Combine a Thigh Lift With Another Procedure?
Yes, many patients combine a thigh lift with liposuction to enhance the results. They can also be a part of a lower-body lift after losing a significant amount of weight.
Dr. Nathan Brought
Thigh lift surgeon Dr. Nathan Brought serves patients in the Franklin, Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga, TN region. He is board-certified in plastic surgery, and he performs plastic and reconstructive surgery in addition to providing advanced skin care.
For more information about the thigh lift or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Brought, contact SPRSI.
Information on Other Body Procedures
- Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck
- Weight Loss Surgery
- Panniculectomy
- Liposuction
- Labiaplasty
- Fat Transfer/Grafting
- Buttocks Augmentation
- Arm Lift
- Mommy Makeover Surgery