Thigh Lift

Summary

Thigh Lift

What is a THIGH LIFT?

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

Who is a THIGH LIFT indicated for?

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

What do the scars look like after a thigh lift?

Scars will depend mainly on the amount and location of skin laxity, that is, the extent of the dermolipectomy (skin resection). In plastic surgery, we always try to hide scars, and in thigh lifts, 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, or double T-shaped.

What type of anesthesia is used for a Thigh Lift?

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

What is the hospitalization like?

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

What is the postoperative period and recovery like?

Postoperative / Recovery: Normally, the patient can return to activities in 2 to 3 weeks. They should wear an elastic garment for at least 1 month. The use of drains is common and may remain for more than a week, depending on the postoperative evolution.

What are the risks of a Thigh Lift?

As with any surgery, the main risks are bleeding, infection, and thrombosis, which are paramount not due to their frequency, but because they can cause greater harm to the patient. Additionally, 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), hematoma and ecchymosis, seroma, edema, and even loss of local sensation.

Interesting questions to ask your surgeon before surgery:

• When is the expected discharge?

• What medications will be prescribed?

• Will dressing be necessary? How to perform it?

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

• Will there be a drain? Generally, for how long? How to manage it?

• When will the follow-up appointment be?

• When can I return to my activities?

How much does a Thigh Lift cost?

The price may vary depending on each doctor, considering factors such as:

• Surgeon's fees
• Hospital or surgical center costs

• Anesthesiologist's fees
• Prescribed medications
• Postoperative care and garments
• Medical exams

Is a Thigh Lift covered by insurance?

It is a procedure that is not on the ANS (National Supplementary 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, bad 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 that can have a reconstructive character, meaning it can be covered by the SUS. However, the SUS system is overloaded and not sufficient to meet all demands, so the procedure is only performed in services that have a reference plastic surgery department, such as university hospitals with medical residency in plastic surgery.

When is a Thigh Lift indicated for LIPEDEMA?

Lipedema is a disease of adipose tissue that involves the accumulation of fat mainly 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. It is not uncommon to combine liposuction with skin resection.

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