Thigh Lift Sydney

Who is the ideal candidate for Thigh Lift Surgery

The ideal candidate for Thigh Lift surgery, is someone that has undergone significant weight loss. When weight is lost, you will experience a reduction in fat. However, skin has a limited amount of ability to contract around the smaller thigh. Therefore, the skin starts to sag and hang from the body, and the thighs is a common area of concern.

Also, with the passage of time skin loses its elasticity and naturally becomes saggy. Lifestyle and genetic factors all play a significant role.

Your consultation with Dr Dona

Dr Dona and our team, understand that your first consultation can be a little nerve-racking. Understandably, you may be feeling excited and a little nervous all at the same time but let us assure you, that you will feel nothing but welcome and supported during your first visit with us. During your consultation with Dr Dona in Sydney, you will both discuss and create a tailored surgical plan to suit your unique requirements.

Preparation for Thigh Lift Surgery

Prior to your surgery, you will see Dr Dona to revisit your surgical plan and to discuss any additional questions that may have come to mind after your consultation. In addition to meeting with Dr Dona again prior to your surgery, our amazingly friendly team which includes our senior nurses, are always available to answer any question you may have.

Thigh Lift Surgical Procedures

A number of options are available to restore a more flattering contour to your inner thighs. Dr Dona will advise you on which option will be best suited to address your concerns.

Thigh Lift – Minimal Incision

A Minimal incision thigh lift involves making the surgical incisions where the inner, upper thigh joins the groin. This type of thigh lift surgery is considered only if there is a small amount of excess skin located near the upper inner thigh. The scar will be located along your groin crease only.

Full Thigh Lift

A thigh lift is best suited for most patients that have lost a significant amount of weight where they have excess skin extending down their inner thighs. During a traditional thigh lift procedure, incisions are made along the groin crease, and also extending down from the upper inner groin towards the inner knee for a variable distance depending on the degree of excess skin. The excess skin and fatty tissue are removed, and your skin is then tailored and closed using several layers of internal stitches. The end result is a smooth, defined and contoured inner thigh from groin down to knees.

When can you expect the final results?

While there will be some swelling and bruising, the results of your new trim and toned thighs will be apparent almost immediately after your surgery. However, it will likely take up to six months after your surgery, for swelling to fully settle. This is when you would be able to fully appreciate the new you.

Thigh Lift Surgery Potential Complications

Whenever someone is having an anaesthetic, no matter what it’s for, then things can potentially go wrong. That is why no surgery should be considered “minor”. Of course, whilst the chances of the following potential problems occurring are extremely small, you still need to know about then:

• Anaesthetic issues – which can affect heart, lungs or cause strokes
• Allergic reactions – This can be very mild to life threatening.
• Clots
  • Superficial vein clots, which is a complication of the cannula or drip that’s placed in your vein
  • Deep vein clots – these can potentially spread to the lung and be life threatening. We do several things during surgery and after surgery whilst you’re in hospital to minimise the risk of you developing these.
• Wound problems – such as infection and breakdown
• Bleeding – early or late
• Death – whilst the chances of this is exceeding rare, any of the previous issues can result in this devastating complication.

All these potential problems are standard for any operation, although some operations and some patients have an increased risk of developing them.

Other specific potential complications may include:

Asymmetry– Differences between the right and left thighs or unevenness of the skin.

Swelling– Swelling of the legs and feet after thigh lift surgery is normal. This can be quite dramatic in the beginning, and we are required to wear compression stocking for several months after surgery. However, in some cases, the swelling may take many months to resolve. Rarely can someone develop chronic swelling (oedema) of the legs/feet.

Loss of Sensation– You may experience a loss of sensation around the scars on the upper inner thigh or even in the leg, which typically subsides over several months. However, this may be permanent.

Genital Disturbance – with thigh lift surgery the groin incisions and tension are immediately adjacent to the vagina (scrotum in males). With tension, gravity, and scar tightening, it is possible for the surgery to cause movement of the vaginal lips (labia majora) downwards with the potential for creating a distorted and even gaping vagina.

Scars – May appear to be worse during the first six months of healing. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for thigh lift scars to become quite thick and dark – keloid scar formation is not uncommon. Very occasionally, a scar revision surgery is required.

Circulation– Circulation may be poor in some areas of the skin around the surgical area. This may lead to a loss of skin and a wound that needs to be dressed until healed.

Seromas– A seroma is where fluid builds up under the wound. If this occurs, it may need to be drained with a needle. It is not uncommon to develop seromas after thigh lift surgery.

Will Medicare or Health Insurance cover Thigh Lift Surgery costs?

In patients experiencing significant amounts of excess skin, Thigh Lift surgery may be partially covered by Medicare and your health insurance. Dr Eddy Dona will advise whether this applies to you during your initial consultation.