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Thigh Lift

A thigh lift is a surgical procedure designed to tighten the skin of the inner thigh and reduce issues with skin sagging in the thigh region. A thigh lift can significantly tighten the skin and improve the overall contour of the thighs.

Thigh lift surgery is a highly individualized procedure that may be a good option if you are bothered by excessive inner thigh skin that sags or is droopy.

Note: Success in thigh lift surgery is greater if you are physically healthy and maintain a stable weight, you do not smoke, and you have realistic expectations for your surgery and potential outcomes.

The Initial Consultation

The success of your thigh lift surgery depends on the quality of your participation in the initial consultation at the Birmingham Cohn Plastic Surgery office. You will need to be prepared to discuss why you want thigh lift surgery, your personal medical history, drug allergies, use of medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs, and any family history of disease.
Dr. Cohn will perform a physical examination and take detailed measurements of your individual physical attributes. Photographs will be taken for your medical record. At that point, Dr. Cohn will be prepared to discuss your surgical options, recommend a course of treatment, and discuss the use of anesthesia during your thigh lift procedure. The consultation consists of a thorough discussion of the procedural details, anticipated scar patterns, and expected recovery. Dr. Cohn is happy to assist with recommendations while using your personal goals to guide final decision making.

Preparing for Thigh Lift Surgery

Before thigh lift surgery, Dr. Cohn will discuss where your procedure will be performed – an accredited, office-based surgical center, outpatient / ambulatory surgical center, or in a hospital. Prior to your surgery, you may be asked to get lab testing or a medical evaluation, receive a prescription for certain medications or adjust your current medications, stop smoking, avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding. Some special instructions you receive will cover what to do on the day of surgery and post-operative care and follow-up.

The Birmingham Thigh Lift Procedure

Your thigh lift surgery can be performed through a variety of incision patterns and techniques. The appropriate technique for your thigh lift will be determined by Dr. Cohn during your initial consultation.

  • I. The thigh lift surgery begins with anesthesia, where intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be provided. Dr. Cohn will recommend the best choice for your surgery.
  • II. After the anesthesia has taken effect, incisions are made. There are two general types of inner thigh lift incision patterns:
    • a. Groin crease incision: There are no scars running down the length of the inner leg and the scar is kept within the natural crease of the inner groin. An appropriate amount of skin and fatty tissue is removed, after which the skin is closed.
    • b. Vertical incision: An initial incision is made along the inner aspect of the upper thigh to address excessive skin laxity and redundancy.
  • III. As part of the thigh lift closing procedures, dressing or bandages are applied to your incisions and a compression garment is often used to minimize swelling as you heal.

Risks and Complications

The decision to have thigh lift surgery is extremely personal and not without risk. Dr. Cohn will fully review and explain the risks associated with your surgery. After you fully understand the procedure, you will be asked to sign consent forms.

Recovery for Thigh Lift Surgery

Although many factors are involved in your recovery time, you will likely experience an initial post-surgical recovery period of a few days. You may also require a reduced-activity period of a few days. During recovery, you will likely experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks. Exercise and normal activity can resume at Dr. Cohn’s direction.

Following all of Dr. Cohn’s post-surgery instructions is crucial to the success of your surgery. Surgical incisions should not be subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during healing. Dr. Cohn will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incisions following your surgery, which medications to take, how to reduce the risk of infection, and when to make a follow-up appointment.

Thigh Lift Costs

As with any elective surgery, the cost of thigh lift surgery is a consideration for many patients. Cost may include a surgeon’s fee, hospital or surgical facility costs, anesthesia fees, prescriptions for medications, and any associated medical tests. Birmingham Cohn Plastic Surgery proudly offers patient financing plans, so be sure to ask if such a plan is of interest to you.

For more information about thigh lift surgery here in Birmingham, we invite you to call us at (205) 930-1600 – Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm – to schedule an appointment. You may also use the Contact Form page to send us a message.