Thighplasty

A thigh lift procedure tightens the sagging skin on the inner thighs. Sagging skin in the upper legs is caused by ageing or slimming. Exercise and diet cannot tighten the skin of the thighs and may even worsen the condition.

Thigh lifts are performed under general anaesthesia. A bilateral thigh lift lasts approximately two-and-a-half hours. Through a hidden incision in the groin, excess skin is removed and the skin of the upper legs is tightened. Sometimes, it is necessary to also leave a scar on the inner side of the thighs. A thigh lift can be combined with liposuction if the legs have both excess fat and sagging skin. Compression tights are worn after the surgery. After the surgery, you should stay in hospital overnight.

Patients should take two weeks of rest after this procedure. Showering is allowed immediately after the procedure. The compression tights should be worn for about one month. Scar aftercare will be explained during the post-operative check-up at 1 week, 6 weeks and 3-6 months. The pain is well tolerated with classic post-operative analgesics.

Post-operative bleeding and infection are very rare complications of a thigh lift.

Wound separation may occur if the skin tension is too high (due to swelling) or if the skin is poorly vascularised (due to smoking). Sufficient rest, stopping smoking and wearing the protective pressure garments can help avoid these complications.

Leg swelling (lymphoedema) can occur after surgery, but this is temporary.

Deep venous thrombosis (a clot in the calf veins) or lung embolism can be avoided by administering a blood thinner before and after the procedure and wearing special compression stockings during the procedure. Stopping smoking can also reduce the risk of these complications.

In cases of severe skin excess, such as with significant weight loss, health insurers provide partial reimbursement.

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Latest publication date: 13/08/2024
Supervising author: Dr Vertriest Rudolf