What is Thigh Lift (Thighplasty) Surgery?
A Thigh Lift or Upper Thigh Reduction procedure involves reducing the size of the thighs and removing loose skin typically after significant weight loss. The complex procedure is known medically as a Thighplasty and is best performed by a Plastic Surgeon with expertise in incision placement, scar management and surgical tissue reduction/liposuction techniques.
Who May Be a Suitable Candidate?
You might be a suitable candidate for a Thighplasty if you;
- Have excess skin and fat on the inner and outer thighs
- Are a stable weight
- Do not have a history of clotting or bleeding disorders
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations
- Are mentally and physically prepared
- Don’t smoke
- Are committed to aftercare and following post operative instructions
Download the Checklist for Thighplasty
What are the outcomes of Thighplasty?
Thighplasty surgery has many possible outcomes, including;
- Chenged Contour: Thighplasty can significantly change the contour and shape of the thighs.
- It can address issues such as loose skin, excess fat, and cellulite, resulting in a smoother and more toned appearance.
- Skin Tightening: One of the primary results of thigh lift surgery is the removal of excess skin.
- This is suitable for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, as it can help eliminate loose skin on the thighs.
- Reduced Chafing and Discomfort: For people who experience chafing or discomfort due to excess skin on the inner thighs, Thigh Lift surgery can alleviate these issues and improve overall comfort, allowing for improved mobility and the ability to exercise more comfortably.
Individuals considering Thigh Lift surgery should consult with a fully qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, assess your candidacy, and receive personalised recommendations based on your unique circumstances.
Thighplasty Surgery – The Procedure
Although every surgery is tailored to the patients needs, the steps are generally as follows;
Anesthesia: Thighplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort and safety during the procedure.
Incision: The surgeon will make appropriate placed incisions based on the type of Thigh Lift being performed. Some of the incision locations can include inner thigh, the groin, outer thigh or hip area. The length and pattern of the incisions will depend on the extent of correction needed.
Tissue Removal: Excess skin and if necessary, excess fat are removed through the incisions. Liposuction may also be used to contour the thighs and remove localised fat deposits. The remaining skin and tissues are reshaped and tightened to create a smoother and more toned appearance.
Skin Closure: The incisions are carefully closed with sutures. Sometimes drains are placed to help remove excess fluid during the initial healing period.
Dressings and Compression Garments: Sterile dressings and compression garments are applied to support the healing process, minimise swelling, and help with skin contraction.
Recovery: After the surgery, the patient is moved to a recovery area and monitored closely as they wake up from anesthesia.
Risks and Complications
Like all invasive surgeries, a Thighplasty has several risks and potential complications. These can include but are not limited to;
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Scarring
- Poor wound healing
- Changes in skin sensation
- Blood clots – DVT (Deep vein thrombosis)
- Pulmonary embolism (PE)
- Anesthesia risks
- Separation of or reopening of the wound
- Unsatisfactory results
- Nerve damage
- Need for revision surgery
All surgery has risks – for detailed information about the risks and potential complications of Thighplasty surgery please visit the risks of surgery page.
Recovery
The length of your recovery period will depend on the extent of your procedure and other health and lifestyle factors.
Immediately after surgery you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the thigh area. Pain medications prescribed by your surgeon can help manage this discomfort. Your surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for the dressings and drains, and when to have them removed.
Most patients are encouraged to start walking gently within the first day or two after surgery to promote circulation and prevent blood clots. You should avoid strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects during this period. Swelling and bruising will be most pronounced during the first week and will gradually subside.
You will have follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress, remove sutures and address any concerns. These appointments are crucial for ensuring proper recovery and addressing any complications that may arise.
During the initial recovery period, you’ll need to limit physical activities, especially those that strain the thigh area. Your surgeon will provide guidelines on when you can gradually resume activities such as walking, light exercise, and returning to work.
Scars will continue to change and mature over the course of a year or more, using scar treatment products as recommended by your surgeon may help change their appearance.
Recovery experiences can vary from person to person and it is crucial to follow your surgeon’s guidance closely. Contact your surgeon promptly if you experience any concerning symptoms, such as signs of infection, excessive bleeding, or unusual pain. Remember that patience is key during the recovery process, and the final results of Thighplasty may take some time.
Reducing Scars after Thighplasty Surgery
It is important to remember that all surgical procedures leave scars but these generally fade over time with most scars being barely visible after 12 months. You will be seen post operatively by our nursing team to ensure everything is healing well and at about the eight week mark you will have a scar consultation to discuss scar treatments, if required.
The Coco Ruby dermal team offers a series of follow-up scar treatments using a customised selection of Skin Needling, Healite II LED and massaging with oils, Fraxel Laser and V-Laser. Silicone strips & gels and Steroids can also help minimise scars.
How Much is a Thighplasty?
Our Surgeons customise every surgery to each patient, therefore, the price of surgery varies. However, your Surgeon can give you a price quote for surgery during your consultation. The quote you receive will have a cost breakdown, which will include; Surgeon’s fee, an Anesthetist fee, a Surgical Assistant fee, hospital fees (including a hospital stay) and more.
If you need more information, visit our pricing page to learn more about payment, approximate prices, payment methods, and more.
Can I claim Thighplasty on Medicare and Private Insurance?
If a Thighplasty is deemed medically necessary for specific reasons, such as following significant weight loss, coverage may be considered, but it is often subject to strict criteria and documentation requirements. If the surgery is purely cosmetic you will NOT be covered and will have to fund the surgery yourself.
Why Choose Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery?
Not all Surgeons have the same experience or intensive training and testing qualifications. Be sure you learn the differences between a Plastic Surgeon, a General Surgeon, a Cosmetic Surgeon or other types of Surgeon.
Choosing a Specialist Plastic Surgeon means you are choosing an accredited recognised plastic surgeon that performs surgery in an accredited hospital. Look for members of FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) memberships. ASPS (Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons) ASAPS (Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) or ISAPS (International Society Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) as some of the Qualifications of your Plastic Surgeon.
About our Surgeons
- It is important to research a Surgeon’s qualifications and experience before deciding on the Surgeon.
- We suggest you seek a second opinion and have multiple consultations to see who you feel most confident with. Getting the opinion of an appropriately qualified health practitioner is vital.
- We also suggest that you check your surgeons’ credentials at AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).
- Another good source of information is Past Patients.
Our Thighplasty Surgeons
Dr Patrick Briggs and Mr Gary Kode are highly experienced, fully qualified specialist plastic surgeons with current FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) memberships.
Dr Patrick Briggs, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Melbourne MED0001537010
FRACS, Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
FRCSI, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland
FRCS, Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons
Dr Patrick Briggs is an internationally trained, Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 20 years’ experience.
Furthermore, he is experienced in Breast, Body, Face and Gender Confirmation Surgery having performed over 4500 Surgeries in private practice.
If you want to find out more about this procedure book a consultation.
Mr Gary Kode Plastic Surgeon MED0001405964
MBCHB(Hons) – Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (honours)
FRCS(SA) – Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons
FRACS(Plast) Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Mr Gary Kode is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, with experience in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, as well as non-surgical treatments.
With over 33 years of experience in Plastic Surgery, he has performed approximately 25,000 procedures, spanning various areas of the body.
If you want to find out more about a procedure book a consultation.
