Inner Thigh Lift
An inner thigh lift procedure can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted skin and fat from the inner thighs. With the increased popularity of gastric bypass surgery, many people who have successfully lost a great deal of weight are left with excess sagging skin. After all the hard work of losing the weight, many feel they deserve to feel better about how they look. A thigh lift may result in a dramatic improvement in reducing the redundant skin to better match your new slim figure.
ALL SURGERY CARRIES SOME UNCERTAINTY AND RISK
Inner thigh lift is a commonly performed operation which may result in dramatic improvements; however, every surgery inherently carries potential risks and complications. Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but may occur. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, but may require a hospital stay. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by walking as soon as possible after surgery. Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second operation. You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following Dr. Baroody's instructions before and after surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.
PLANNING YOUR SURGERY
During your initial consultation, Dr. Baroody will evaluate your general health, evaluate the anatomy of your inner thighs. Be sure to inform Dr. Baroody of your past medical/surgical history, all medications you are taking, allergies to medications, and history of tobacco use. According to your anatomy, the most appropriate body contouring procedure(s) will be recommended. Whether you would most benefit from liposuction alone, inner thigh lift with/without liposuction, or an extended inner thigh lift, Dr. Baroody will weigh the potential results against the potential risks and offer the procedure right for you. During the consultation, Dr. Baroody and his staff will discuss the anesthesia, facility, and the fees involved.
PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY
You will be given specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins, and medications. If you smoke, you must quit at least four weeks before your surgery and not to resume for at least four weeks after your surgery. You must also avoid second-hand smoke. If you smoke or develop a cold/infection of any kind, your surgery will most likely be postponed. Whether your surgery is performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital, if needed.
LOCATION OF THE SURGERY
Dr. Baroody performs inner thigh lift procedures in both the hospital and outpatient settings. An Inner thigh lift may be performed in New Milford Hospital or the Orthopaedic and Specialty Surgery Center
TYPES OF ANESTHESIA
Dr. Baroody performs the inner thigh lift procedure under general anesthesia and will numb the thighs prior to awaking.
THE SURGERY
An inner thigh lift usually takes 2-5 hours, depending on the extent of work required. Most commonly, the incision will be along the groin area If there is a significant amount of skin present, an incision extending down the inner thigh toward the knee may be required. Next, Dr. Baroody elevates the excess skin. The skin is then pulled up and the extra skin is removed. Finally, the incisions will be closed with absorbable sutures, dressings will be applied, and two temporary tubes may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.
AFTER YOUR SURGERY
For the first few days, your thighs will be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized overnight. You may only sponge bathe during the first week the drains are in place. Although you will be sore, you should start walking the night of surgery.
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. If you start out in top physical condition, recovery from an inner thigh lift will be faster. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate. Even people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably. Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color.
YOUR NEW LOOK
Inner thigh lift, whether limited or extended, produces excellent results for patients with excess skin. And in most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. If you are realistic in your expectations and prepared for the consequences of a permanent scar and a lengthy recovery period, inner thigh lift may be just the answer for you!