Thigh Lift

Summary

Thigh Lift

What is a THIGH LIFT?

A thigh lift is a plastic surgery procedure performed to reduce excess skin on the THIGHS, also known as coxoplasty and thigh lift. In addition to skin resection, liposuction may be combined.

Who is a candidate for THIGH LIFT?

• Individuals whose weight is relatively stable
• Individuals with skin laxity along the inner or medial thigh region and/or outer thigh
• Healthy individuals without medical conditions that could impair healing or increase surgical risk
• Non-smokers
• Individuals with a positive attitude and realistic expectations of the surgical outcome
• Individuals committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and fitness.

What do thigh lift scars look like?

The scars will primarily depend on the amount and location of skin laxity, i.e., the extent of dermolipectomy (skin resection) performed. In plastic surgery, the aim is always to hide scars, and in a thigh lift, we try to place them on the medial aspect of the thighs and in the inguinal crease. They can be horizontal, vertical, inverted L-shaped, T-shaped, and double T-shaped.

What type of anesthesia is used for a Thigh Lift?

Anesthesia can be general, spinal, epidural, or sedation with local anesthesia. This will depend on a consensus among the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and patient.

What is the hospital stay like?

Hospital Stay: It can be performed on an outpatient basis with discharge on the same day if not combined with other procedures and if the patient is in suitable condition for discharge.

What is the post-operative period and recovery like?

Post-operative / Recovery: Normally, the patient can return to activities in 2 to 3 weeks. An elastic compression garment should be worn for at least 1 month. The use of drains is common and may remain for more than a week, depending on post-operative progress.

What are the risks of a Thigh Lift?

As with all surgeries, the main risks are bleeding, infection, and thrombosis, which are significant not due to their frequency, but because they can cause greater harm to the patient. In addition, there are specific complications of this surgery that may be related to the technique used, the location and extent of the scar, such as wound dehiscence (opening of the incision), hematoma and ecchymosis, seroma, edema, and even loss of local sensation.

Interesting questions to ask your surgeon before surgery:

• When is the estimated discharge time?

• What medications will be prescribed?

• Will dressing changes be necessary? How should they be performed?

• Will there be stitches? When will they need to be removed?

• Will there be drains? For how long usually? How should they be managed?

• When will the follow-up appointment be?

• When can I return to my activities?

How much does a Thigh Lift cost?

The cost can vary depending on each doctor, taking into account, in addition to experience and location, factors such as:

• Surgeon's fees
• Hospital or surgical center costs

• Anesthesiologist's fees
• Prescribed medications
• Post-operative care and garments
• Medical exams

Is a Thigh Lift covered by insurance?

It is a procedure not included in the ANS (National Health Agency) list, so there is no mandatory coverage. However, even if it is not on the ANS list, if functional alteration due to skin laxity, such as dermatitis, local infections, foul odor, or friction with clothing, is proven, it is possible to request the procedure and obtain authorization.

Is a Thigh Lift performed by the SUS (Unified Health System)?

It is an elective procedure, which may have a reconstructive character, meaning it may have coverage by the SUS. However, the SUS is an overburdened service, not sufficient to meet all demands, and is a procedure performed only in services that have a reference plastic surgery department, such as teaching hospitals with medical residency in plastic surgery.

When is a Thigh Lift indicated for LIPEDEMA?

Lipedema is a disease of adipose tissue that involves fat accumulation, primarily in the lower limbs. Thus, a thigh lift and other thigh lifting alternatives can be a surgical step, especially to treat excess skin and residual fat after conservative treatment or even surgical treatment with liposuction alone, and the association of liposuction with skin resection is not uncommon.

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