Achieve Sleeker, Toned Thighs in St. Louis with a Thigh Lift
Patients who experience significant weight loss experience discomfort and embarrassment from excess skin in the thighs. This excess skin may be evident in the outer thighs, the upper thighs or the inner thighs. A medial thigh lift can remove the excess skin to restore the shape and contour of the thighs.
For most women, this involves a 2-3 hour outpatient procedure to remove excess tissue. In heavier patients with thicker thighs, Dr. Cabbabe will discuss the option of a staged procedure with liposuction first to aggressively contour the thighs followed by skin excision at a later time. The advantage in this scenario is that more contouring of the thighs can be done and overall safety, lower complication rate. In patients who are having multiple procedures done and will require 2 surgeries, this is an appealing option.
Depending on your needs and desires, a lower body lift/belt lipectomy or liposuction may be recommended in addition to a medial thigh lift in order to contour the outer thighs more completely or help lift the outer thighs.
Dr. Cabbabe incorporates his experience with reconstructive and cosmetic surgery of the body to give his patients the best results possible to meet their desires. He is an expert in cosmetic, reconstructive and minimally invasive body surgery. Many bariatric surgeons refer their patients to Dr. Cabbabe for his care and expertise. During your consultation, Dr. Cabbabe will carefully examine you and will make recommendations in order to help you achieve your desired result.
Understanding Your Thigh Surgery Procedure
In this procedure, Dr. Cabbabe removes extra skin and fat from the inner thighs, making sure to place the scars in a concealed area on the inside of the thigh. The scar often extends from the knees to the groin. If needed, Dr. Cabbabe will extend the scar past the groin and into the buttock crease to remove extra skin and fat from the upper inner thigh. Liposuction may be incorporated into this procedure as needed.
For staged procedures, aggressive liposuction is done to contour and “de-bulk” the thighs. Compression wraps are placed and approximately 2-3 months later, patients return to have the excess skin removed.
Essential Preparations for Surgery
Dr. Cabbabe requests that all patients take iron (ferrous sulfate) supplementation, approximately 300 mg three times a day, for 3 weeks prior to surgery. This helps patients increase their red blood cell counts prior to surgery and makes recovery much smoother for patients.
Do NOT take any aspirin, plavix, or ibuprofen at least 10 days prior to surgery. Coumadin or any other type of blood thinner prior to surgery. Dr. Cabbabe may also recommend that you stop any hormones or oral contraceptives to reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs around the time of surgery.
It is helpful to have a recliner to sleep on for the first week or two when you transition to a bed. Extra compression garments, including FAJA’s in different sizes, are helpful as your size will decrease after swelling goes down. Female urination devices can be purchased on Amazon to be used while garments are worn.
Eat a healthy diet and avoid alcohol at least 48 hours prior to surgery to maintain hydration around the time of your procedure. Nicotine usage leads to a well – known higher rate of complications including infection and should be stopped at a minimum of 3 weeks prior. Take this as an opportunity to quit smoking forever to enjoy the health benefits long – term as well as improved skin texture with less wrinkling.
Recovery
Most patients are able to go home the same day. Pain medication and antibiotics will be prescribed. There may be some numbness of the thighs which improves with time. Most patients are able to shower within 24 hours. Drains are left in place and generally removed within 1-2 weeks of surgery. Recovery time is 2 weeks. Dr. Cabbabe will ask you to elevate your legs and wear compression garments for 2 weeks after surgery to help minimize swelling and maximize your result.
”Potential
Cost
The overall cost of an Arm Lift is affected by anesthesia fees, hospital fees, post-surgery garments, and medications. Price is also impacted by medical tests, surgeon’s fees, and the exact techniques employed.
Contact Our Office
Dr. Cabbabe is a highly-skilled, double-board certified plastic surgeon who will develop a surgical plan that’s tailored to your specific needs. If you’re interested in learning more about the procedure, contact our office to schedule your informative consultation today.