Thigh Lift Surgery | Weight Loss | Dr Turner Plastic Surgeon

What Is a Thigh Lift?

A thigh lift is designed to contour and reshape the thighs, and it is most effective for individuals with a stable weight (BMI < 30) who have already explored non-surgical methods such as diet and exercise to address their concerns. Dr. Turner’s thigh lift procedures provide both aesthetic and functional benefits:

Enhanced Comfort:Excess skin on the thighs can cause chafing and irritation, especially during physical activities. A thigh lift eliminates this discomfort, making everyday movements more comfortable.
Improved Proportions:By removing loose skin and contouring the thighs, the procedure creates a more balanced and proportionate lower body, complementing overall body symmetry.
Greater Mobility:Excess skin can sometimes limit movement or cause physical discomfort during exercise and other activities. Thigh lift surgery restores freedom of motion, making daily activities and fitness routines more enjoyable.

Dr. Turner’s expertise in thigh lift surgery ensures that patients not only achieve their desired aesthetic results but also experience significant functional improvements.

Types of Thigh Lift Procedures?

Dr. Turner offers a range of thigh lift surgeries, each tailored to address specific areas of concern. The most suitable procedure for you will depend on your anatomy, the degree of sagging, and your desired outcome.

Inner Thigh Lift

An inner thigh lift focuses on the inner thigh region, which is prone to sagging due to aging or moderate weight loss. This procedure involves a horizontal incision made in the groin area, which may extend vertically downward along the upper aspect of the inner thigh. It’s ideal for individuals with loose skin isolated to the inner thighs.

Outer Thigh Lift

An outer thigh lift targets the outer thighs and hips. Incisions are typically placed from the groin around the hip and may extend to the lower back. This area is often targeted as part of a lower body lift procedure for massive weight loss

Vertical Thigh Lift

A vertical thigh lift is designed for patients with significant skin laxity along the entire thigh. This procedure involves a vertical incision along the inner thigh, allowing for the removal of a larger amount of excess skin. While it achieves dramatic results, it also results in a more visible scar compared to other thigh lift procedures.

Staged Procedures

For patients with overly heavy thighs, a staged approach is often necessary to achieve the best results. In the first stage, liposuction is performed to reduce the overall size and volume of the thighs. After allowing the body to heal and swelling to resolve over a period of three months. Next the second procedure—a vertical thigh lift—is performed to remove the excess loose skin. This two-step process ensures a safer procedure and more refined, lasting results.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for a Thigh Lift?

Thigh lift surgery is a highly individualized procedure, and the decision to undergo surgery should be made after a thorough consultation with Dr. Turner.

Suitable candidates for arm lift surgery should meet the following criteria:

Physical Health:Be in good overall health with no underlying medical conditions that could interfere with the wound healing process.
Emotional Well-being:Have realistic expectations and a positive mindset regarding the outcomes of body lift surgery. As of 1st of July 2023, patients are required to have a psychological evaluation to ensure they are suitable to proceed with surgery.
Stable Weight:It is recommended to be near your target weight before undergoing the procedure. Dr Turner does not perform brachioplasty surgery on patients with a body mass index (BMI) > 30.
Non-smoker: Smoking or vaping dramatically interferes with the healing process and increases the risk of complications. Therefore, candidates are required to cease smoking for a minimum 6 weeks before surgery.

What to Expect During Thigh Lift Surgery

Thigh lift surgery is a complex performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited hospital with the support of a qualified anaesthetist. Depending on the complexity of the surgery, the procedure typically takes between 2 to 3 hours, and Dr Turner recommends patients rest in hospital overnight before being discharged home the next day.

The surgery involves precise incisions designed to minimize visible scarring while effectively addressing excess skin and fat. The placement and length of the incisions depend on the type of thigh lift being performed. A standard thigh lift usually requires an incision along the inner thigh, extending from the groin down towards the knee or mid-thigh. In cases of more significant skin laxity, an extended thigh lift may include incisions that continue along the groin crease or buttocks to achieve optimal results.

During the procedure, excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining skin is tightened to create a smoother, more proportionate contour. Liposuction may be incorporated to target stubborn fat deposits, further enhancing the overall shape of the thighs. The incisions are meticulously closed with dissolvable sutures, and a specialised dressing is applied to promote proper healing.

After surgery, patients are advised to wear a compression garment for up to three months to help minimize swelling and ensure a smooth recovery. This garment plays a vital role in supporting the healing process and maintaining the improved contour of the thighs.

Recovery After Thigh Lift Surgery?

Recovering from a thigh lift surgery involves several stages and requires strict adherence to the post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Turner to ensure optimal healing and results.

Rest & Elevation: Rest is essential during the first week of recovery. Keeping your legs elevated while resting or sleeping helps minimize swelling. Most patients can return to their usual sleeping positions after two weeks, though using pillows to support the legs can provide extra comfort.

Post-Operative Dressings: Thigh lift sutures are often self-dissolving, so they won’t need to be removed. Specialized dressings will be applied to support the incisions, and Dr. Turner will replace them at your follow-up appointment.

Compression Garments: A surgical compression garment must be worn full-time for the first month to help reduce swelling and support the healing tissues.

Incision Care: Proper scar management is essential for optimal healing. Scars from thigh lift surgery typically mature over three years. Dr. Turner recommends a protocol including silicone scar therapy and, if necessary, laser treatments to improve the appearance of scars.

Medications: You will be provided with antibiotics and pain medication to manage discomfort and reduce infection risk during the first week of recovery.

Normal Activities & Exercise: Most patients can resume light activities within two weeks. However, strenuous exercise, especially activities that strain the lower body, should be avoided for three months.

Follow-Up Appointments: Dr. Turner recommends regular follow-ups to monitor your progress. Appointments are scheduled at one week, one month, three months, six months, and one year to ensure your recovery is on track and results are satisfactory.

By following these comprehensive post-operative guidelines, you can maximize your recovery and achieve the best possible outcome from your thigh lift surgery.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, thigh lift surgery carries certain risks and potential complications. While every effort is made to minimize these risks, they can still occur even with the highest standard of medical care.

It’s essential to fully understand these risks, which will be discussed in detail during your consultation with Dr. Turner.

Scarring: Visible scarring along the incision lines is common, although scars typically fade over time. In some cases, scars may remain more prominent or raised (hypertrophic scars or keloids).
Infection: Infections can occur at the incision sites, requiring antibiotics or, in rare cases, additional surgical intervention.
Sensation Changes: Some patients may experience numbness or altered sensation in the thigh and groin area, which may be temporary or permanent.
Asymmetry: Slight differences in thigh contours or the positioning of scars can occur. Revision surgery may be needed to address significant asymmetry.
Delayed Wound Healing: Incisions may take longer to heal, especially in individuals who smoke (including vaping) or have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes.
Blood Clots: There is a risk of blood clots forming in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism), which can be life-threatening if untreated.
Bleeding or Hematoma: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery can lead to the formation of a hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin), which may require additional surgical intervention.
Anaesthesia Risks: General anaesthesia carries potential risks, including adverse reactions or complications.
Unsatisfactory Results: While every effort is made to achieve the desired outcome, the results of surgery may not meet all expectations.

It’s important to approach surgery with a clear understanding of these risks and realistic expectations for the outcome. Dr. Turner and his team are committed to providing comprehensive pre-operative education and post-operative care to minimize complications and support a smooth recovery.

Cost of Thigh Lift Surgery in Sydney

The cost of thigh lift surgery varies based on several factors:

Surgeon’s Fees:Based on experience and expertise.
Hospital Costs:Including anaesthesia and facility fees.
Procedure Type:Full, mini, or extended abdominoplasty.

On average, the total cost for thigh lift surgery in Sydney can range between $12,000 and $35,000.

Dr Turner’s fees:

Patients seeking a vertical thigh lift

Privately Insured – $15,000 to $17,000
Uninsured – $22,000 to $26,000

A formal quote will be provided after your consultation with Dr Turner that gives a better estimate of costs involved in your planned procedure.

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