THIGH LIPECTOMY SURGERY
NB. This will be a graphic icon if there is no video
A Thigh Lift is a surgical procedure that addresses excess skin laxity, typically after patients have lost a considerable amount of weight. These patients are often left with loose and excessive skin folds along the upper inner thigh. At other times, patients simply have a large amount of loose skin that has lost its elasticity over time.
During surgery, excess skin and fatty tissue are removed, leaving a scar that hides along the fold where the groin and thigh meet. Often, there is an additional scar that runs down the inner aspect of the thigh to the knee.
There are various types of thigh lift procedures that Dr Dona performs, categorised by the specific areas of the thighs that require contouring and the amount of tissue removal necessary to achieve the desired results.
NB We should make use of icons demonstrating the incision pattern
If you’ve lost a considerable amount of weight or have excessive loose skin that’s lost elasticity, you may be wondering which type of thigh lift is for you. The descriptions of the four types of Thigh Lifts below may help you understand these procedures a little better before your Initial Consultation.
The Mini Thigh Lift is appropriate for patients with less pronounced excess skin and fat, primarily in the upper inner thigh. A crescent-like segment of excess skin and fat is removed from the upper inner thigh. This results in a single scar within the groin crease (and often extending to the lower buttock at the top of the back of the thighs) where the inner thigh meets the groin. The Mini Lift is ideal for individuals who are close to their ideal weight and have a more localised area of concern.
If an individual has significant excess skin extending down the inner aspect of the site towards the knee, then a more extensive Thigh Lift procedure is required. A Medial Thigh Lift would typically combine a crescent-shaped scar in the groin (Mini Thigh Lift scar) with a vertical scar extending from the groin to the knee. This procedure can significantly enhance the comfort and mobility of patients who have lost a considerable amount of weight.
Also known as a Lateral or Bilateral Thigh Lift, the Outer Thigh Lift aims to correct loose skin and excess fat on the outer thighs. It may also address the buttocks area. Incisions for the outer thigh lift a more extensive than those of an Inner Thigh Lift. They typically run from the groin around the hip. This surgical approach is often part of a Body Lift and is chosen by patients who have experienced significant weight loss and have excess skin hanging from the outer thighs and buttocks.
In addition to the above information, you may want to know that various options are available to address the reconstruction of your inner thighs. Dr Dona will discuss the appropriate option for you at length during your initial consultation. The two main options are:
This involves surgical incisions where the inner, upper thigh joins the groin. This option is only considered if there is a small amount of excess skin located near the upper inner thigh. The scar will be located along the groin crease only.
A Full Thigh Lift is best suited for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and have excess skin extending down the inner thighs. During a Full Thigh Lift procedure, incisions are made along the groin crease and also extending down from the upper inner groin towards the inner knee. The length of this vertical incision varies depending on the degree of excess skin. The excess skin and fatty tissue are removed, and your skin is then tailored and enclosed using several layers of internal stitches. The result is a reconstructed inner thigh from the groin down to the knee.
Fill in the form below and one of our team will be in touch as soon as possible.
The displayed before and after pictures are provided as an educational tool to demonstrate some of the results achievable from plastic surgery. All surgeries on this page are performed by Dr Eddy Dona and are published with the written consent by the patients
A Thigh Lift is a surgical procedure that is suitable for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or who have an abundance of skin that has lost its elasticity. Consequently, they have loose, excessive skin folds along the upper inner thigh. These skinfolds can cause various health concerns that may be emotionally and physically distressing to the individual.
NB I would like this to be expanded upon
All patients of Dr Dona can choose to have the procedure at either Norwest Private Hospital or Westmead Private Hospital. A Thigh Lift is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes between three and four hours, depending on the extent of surgery required. Most patients spend at least two nights in hospital. However, some may benefit from spending several more nights before feeling medically fit enough to return home.
NB I would like this to be expanded upon
Before your procedure, you’ll be given a detailed post-operative plan. This involves multiple weekly in-clinic post-operative care visits with our nursing team that continue for several weeks. This plan enables our nursing team and Dr Dona to monitor your progress, initiate post-operative treatments and wound care, and ensure you achieve all the necessary recovery milestones. Additionally, you’ll also commence your HeaLED Post Surgery Care Program.
Your Initial Consultation with Dr Dona is your chance to discuss any concerns you have about your thighs and to ask any questions. During this time, Dr Dona will also ask you various questions, including details of your medical history, previous surgeries and current medications. He’ll then conduct a physical examination of your body to determine whether surgery is the right option for you.
If Dr Dona deems you a suitable candidate for Thigh Lift surgery, he’ll then carefully create a surgical plan specifically suited to your goals. As an experienced specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Dona always aims to create a surgical plan that is both tailored to your personal preferences while aligning with your physical attributes.
Dr Dona will then clearly communicate the details of the surgery, your recovery process and outline all potential risks and complications related to the procedure. Rest assured, Dr Dona is very approachable and will take the time to ensure that you’re fully informed about the procedure and feel comfortable making any decisions.
At the end of your consultation, one of our friendly surgical team members will take the time to discuss the costs and all logistics related to your potential surgery dates with you.
When you wake from surgery, the head of your bed will be elevated and a pillow will be placed under your knees to maximise your comfort. To minimise any potential fluid accumulating in your wounds, drainage tubes will be inserted on each thigh — this will remain in place on average for two days. You will also have been fitted with compression garments/tights. These garments are fitted to your thighs and help to minimise swelling, reduce tension in the wounds, and aid in healing.
You’ll have a catheter placed in your bladder. This will allow you to stay relaxed in bed without having to go to the bathroom – the catheter is usually removed on day two, while you are in the hospital. You’ll also have at least one drip in place to give you IV fluids, pain medication and antibiotics.
To help prevent DVT, you’ll have special massage devices on both legs. These are designed to minimise the chance of any blood clots developing by promoting blood flow.
A waterproof dressing will cover your wounds. This dressing will stay in place until you arrive at our clinic for your first HeaLED post-op appointment. Your dressing will be removed, the areas will be treated with LED light, and micropore tape will be applied to your incisions. Micropore tape will be applied and removed between appointments until one week post-surgery, after which it will be left off. Your wounds will be stitched using several layers of internal dissolving sutures.
Here’s what you can expect regarding your recovery and wound care during your first two days in hospital.
WOUND CARE
Immediately after surgery, you’ll be fitted with a compression garment on each leg. These garments/tights play a vital role in controlling swelling and helping with the healing process. You must wear these compression garments for at least six weeks. You can expect your legs to be very swollen initially; however, most of this will disappear over the first few weeks. You may also notice that the amount of swelling differs from one side to the other, but this is normal and should not be a cause for concern. Some people may benefit from wearing compression tights for many months after surgery to control residual swelling.
At Bella Plastic Surgery, we strive to ensure that every patient achieves optimal surgical outcomes. This is why we provide all patients with a tailored and comprehensive post-operative care program before their procedure.
This plan involves multiple weekly in-clinic post-operative care visits with our nursing team that continue for several weeks. It enables our nursing team and Dr Dona to carefully monitor your progress, initiate post-operative treatments and wound care and ensure you achieve all the necessary recovery milestones.
A core component of this program is LED Light Therapy. This non-invasive treatment offers a range of excellent benefits:
LED Therapy typically begins on the day of your hospital discharge, although the timing may vary depending on the specifics of your procedure. In addition to Light Therapy, patients often receive Rejuran Therapy (for smoother, less visible scars) and Medical-grade skin treatments (for deep tissue repair and optimal scar formation).
NB. This could be a different image, depending on the procedure and relevant to the affected area
Dr Dona Answers Your
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Donec porta quis odio in tempor. Donec vulputate quam at arcu tempor, vel rutrum nulla consequat. Vivamus sit amet dolor ipsum. Ut facilisis tortor ut velit vestibulum eleifend.
If you have significant amounts of excess skin that is causing functional or health problems, your Thigh Lift Surgery may be partially covered by Medicare. This will be determined during your initial consultation with Dr Dona.
If you have significant amounts of excess skin that are causing functional and/or health problems, and Medicare has assigned you a relevant item number, your private health insurance may cover some of the costs associated with the procedure. Your eligibility will first be determined by having an initial consultation with Dr Dona (as explained above). If Medicare assigns you an item number, you will need to contact your health fund, provide them with the relevant Medicare item number, and ask for confirmation that they will cover some of your costs. Then, confirm exactly how much and what they will be covering.
NB: Your Private Health Insurance will potentially cover all your hospital costs, which can be significant, especially if you need to stay in hospital for one or several nights.
Learn MoreBefore proceeding with any surgery, it is essential to be aware of all potential risks and complications. Whenever an individual has an anaesthetic, regardless of the reason, there is always the potential for complications to arise. This is why no surgery should be considered ‘minor’.
Although the chances of potential problems occurring are minimal, it is still essential to be aware of them. These problems can include anaesthetic issues, allergic reactions, blood clots, wound problems (infection and breakdown), bleeding, excessive scarring and even death. All these potential problems are common to any operation, although some operations and patients are at an increased risk of developing them.
Learn MoreLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Donec porta quis odio in tempor. Donec vulputate quam at arcu tempor, vel rutrum nulla consequat. Vivamus sit amet dolor ipsum. Ut facilisis tortor ut velit vestibulum eleifend.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Donec porta quis odio in tempor. Donec vulputate quam at arcu tempor, vel rutrum nulla consequat. Vivamus sit amet dolor ipsum. Ut facilisis tortor ut velit vestibulum eleifend.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Donec porta quis odio in tempor. Donec vulputate quam at arcu tempor, vel rutrum nulla consequat. Vivamus sit amet dolor ipsum. Ut facilisis tortor ut velit vestibulum eleifend.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Donec porta quis odio in tempor. Donec vulputate quam at arcu tempor, vel rutrum nulla consequat. Vivamus sit amet dolor ipsum. Ut facilisis tortor ut velit vestibulum eleifend.
