Thigh Lift
Conveniently located to serve the areas of New Bern, NC
Also known as thighplasty, a thigh lift is done to remove excess skin from the thigh and buttock area. This sagging skin is usually caused by significant weight loss. This surgery can drastically improve the contour of the upper legs after patients have lost a lot of weight or have excess saggy skin in the thigh area due to aging and the loss of skin elasticity. (1)
The Zannis Center for Plastic Surgery, located in New Bern, North Carolina, offers outstanding cosmetic thigh lift procedures for patients across our region and beyond. With a thigh lift from Dr. John Zannis, your thighs will appear slimmer and more toned, resulting in an improved overall body contour.
Schedule your consultation today to begin your journey to smooth, attractive legs. If you have any questions or would prefer to schedule an appointment over the phone, please call our New Bern office at (252) 633-1197 and speak with one of our expert staff members.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Thigh Lifts
A thigh lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at enhancing the shape and appearance of the thighs. The goal of a thigh lift, also known as thighplasty, is to remove excess skin and fat from the inner or outer thighs and tighten the remaining skin. (1) Over time, factors such as aging, weight fluctuations, genetics, or pregnancy can lead to sagging skin in the thigh area, which may cause individuals to feel self-conscious about their appearance. A thigh lift can help create a smoother, firmer contour of the thighs, contributing to a more balanced body silhouette. Thigh lifts are becoming increasingly popular as a method of body contouring.
Benefits
Choosing to undergo a thigh lift can yield numerous advantages. At Zannis Plastic Surgery, we help patients improve their lives through:
- Improved contour: A thigh lift enhances the overall shape and symmetry of the thighs, resulting in a slimmer appearance.
- Increased comfort: Excess skin can chafe against clothing and cause discomfort. A thigh lift helps resolve this issue.
- Better self-esteem: By contouring the thighs to better match your desired appearance, many patients experience a boost in confidence.
- Long-lasting results: Thigh lift results are permanent, provided weight stability is maintained.
- Enhanced clothing fit: With improved thigh contours, patients often find that clothing fits more comfortably and looks better.
- Targeted fat reduction: Excess fat can be effectively removed from specific areas during a thigh lift.
- Improved muscle definition: A thigh lift can reveal underlying muscle structure and improve tone.
Candidates
Good candidates for a thigh lift include men and women who exhibit loose or sagging skin on the thighs, fat deposits that may not respond to diet and exercise, and realistic expectations about the outcomes of surgery. Candidates should ideally be in good health, and be non-smokers, as smoking can impede healing. Additionally, individuals planning future weight loss should consult with Dr. Zannis to ensure optimal timing for the thigh lift.
Personal Consultation
Your journey toward a thigh lift begins with a personal consultation at Zannis Plastic Surgery. During this meeting, Dr. Zannis will conduct a thorough evaluation of your medical history and cosmetic concerns. This assessment will help ascertain if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure and which specific thigh lift technique may best suit your anatomy and aspirations.
Dr. Zannis believes that patient education is paramount. He will take the time to answer all of your questions, as well as discuss pre-operative instructions and what you can expect throughout the process. Our main goal is to ensure you feel confident and informed moving forward.
Preparation
Once your procedure is scheduled, specific preparatory steps are crucial for ensuring smooth execution and optimal recovery. You will receive instructions regarding any blood thinners, supplements, or medications you should cease before the surgery. All nicotine use should stop at least two weeks before your operation to enhance healing capacities. Please make arrangements for a ride to and from the surgery location. Finally, schedule adequate time away from work and other obligations so you can recover peacefully. We recommend that patients take slightly more time off than they think they will need so their recovery is not rushed.
Procedure
The thigh lift procedure begins by marking the necessary incisions with a skin-safe surgical marker. During this process, you will be standing, and Dr. Zannis will carefully plan incisions and corrections, ensuring that the final results look natural and are harmonious with your body’s contours. (2)
Thigh lifts can target either the inside of the thigh, known as a medial thigh lift, or the outside of the thigh, known as a lateral thigh lift. (2) Patients can combine these procedures to sculpt multiple parts of the thighs in one appointment.
For a medial thigh lift, the incision will begin near the groin and descend the length of the thigh. In a lateral thigh lift, this incision is placed on the hips or the buttocks and then will follow the outer contour of the thigh. If your thigh lift includes liposuction, Dr. Zannis will perform this during the same appointment. Once fat is removed, Dr. Zannis will carefully remove excess skin. Once corrections are completed on one thigh, the same procedure will occur on the other thigh. Dr. Zannis takes exceptional care to ensure symmetrical, natural-looking results. Once adjustments are finalized in your procedure, Dr. Zarrabi will close your incisions.
Recovery
Following a thigh lift, bruising and swelling are to be expected, as well as a tight feeling in the treated areas. You may have a drain in place for a few days for the removal of any fluid buildup, though this is usually not needed. Patients must avoid working or driving for two weeks and cannot exercise for four weeks after their thigh lift procedure. It is essential to rest for at least one week after surgery while avoiding strenuous activities. Discomfort can be addressed with prescribed pain medication, aiding your overall comfort during recovery.
Regular check-ins with Dr. Zannis will allow for monitoring healing and addressing any concerns. Most patients can resume normal daily activities within two to four weeks, but vigorous exercise should be put off until cleared by Dr. Zannis.
Results
Once the healing process is complete, many patients enjoy a significant transformation in the appearance of their thighs. The final results manifest as tightened skin and improved contours. Scarring tends to fade over time, becoming less noticeable. Patients report increased confidence and satisfaction with their body image, appreciating their enhanced appearance.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
The same techniques employed in a thigh lift can be applied to other parts of the body that have excess, sagging skin and stubborn fat deposits. Arm lifts are especially similar to thigh lifts. In these procedures, incisions are made on the inside and outside of the arms, specifically along the upper arm, to remove the excess skin that can create “bat wings.” Patients are left with smooth, contoured arms that enhance their appearance and confidence as a result.
Many women will include a thigh lift in their mommy makeover treatments to sculpt their legs while also enhancing other parts of their body in the same appointment.
Cost of Thigh Lifts in New Bern
The total cost of your thigh lift will depend on the scale of your procedure, your goals, and a few other factors. When you meet with Dr. Zannis and discuss your plans, you will receive a price quote that includes the fees for anesthesia, surgery, facilities, recovery garments, follow-up visits, and others. You can also explore the prices for our procedure on our pricing page. Our practice also offers financing options to help you achieve your goals without financial stress.
If you have any questions about pricing, please feel free to contact our New Bern office at (252) 633-1197 to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members. We look forward to helping you achieve your thigh-sculpting goals!
FAQ
How long do thigh lift results last?
The results of a thigh lift can be quite long-lasting, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a stable weight can help patients preserve results.
Can a thigh lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes, many patients elect to combine thigh lifts with other surgeries like tummy tucks or liposuction to achieve comprehensive body contouring results.
Are there any non-surgical options for thigh lifting?
Yes, non-surgical treatments like radiofrequency skin tightening or ultrasound-based therapies can provide limited improvement in thigh appearance without invasive surgery, although they may not offer the same magnitude of results.
Is thigh lift recovery painful?
While every patient’s experience is unique, most report only moderate discomfort during the initial recovery phase. Pain management strategies will be discussed preoperatively to ensure a comfortable recovery.
References
- Hurwitz DJ. Thighplasty in the Weight Loss Patient. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2006;20(01):038-048. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-932448
- Gentile P, Gigliotti S, Colicchia G, et al. Medial thighplasty: Horizontal and vertical procedures after massive weight loss. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2012;5(1):20. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.94330