Everyone’s body stores fat in different places, and for some women that means lots of fat on their hips and thighs. Your body may look unbalanced as your top half has only a little fat, and your hips and thighs are more expansive. With age or significant weight loss, skin laxity on your thighs can lead to unsightly saddle bags. Unfortunately, you may not be able to get rid of the extra fat and skin with exercise and diet alone.
If this resonates with you, you don’t have to continue feeling unhappy about or embarrassed by your appearance. A thigh lift in Charlotte may be just what you need to feel happier and more confident in your own skin. This
body contouring surgery reshapes your thighs by slimming and smoothing them to align with the rest of your body. Learn more about the procedure and how it can help you achieve your cosmetic goals by scheduling a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon,
Dr. Jeffrey Ditesheim.
Types of Thigh Lifts
You may carry more fat on one area of your thighs, or multiple areas may be affected. You may only have excess fat up high on your thighs, or the fat may run the entire length of your thighs. The type of thigh lift, or thighplasty, needed is determined by where the stubborn fat is lying and how much excess, sagging skin must be addressed. Dr. Ditesheim will discuss your concerns and examine your thighs during your initial consultation at our clinic in Charlotte. He will be able to tell you the exact procedure you need to bring your thighs into balance with the rest of your body.
A medial thigh lift removes stubborn fat on your inner thighs. It can include your entire thigh down to your knee, or less, depending on where the issue lies. Medial thigh fat can cause skin irritation where your thighs rub against each other as you walk. This surgery can significantly reduce this problem.
Outer Thigh Lift
An outer thigh lift addresses the fat and skin on the outside of your thighs. Ridding your thighs of this excess will significantly change your entire body’s silhouette as it reduces your body’s breadth across your hips and upper thighs. You can still be curvy but without the extra, unwanted width.
Posterior Thigh Lift
If your extra thigh fat and skin lie on the back of your thighs, a posterior thigh lift is what you will need. This procedure can also decrease the look of cellulite on the back of your thighs by removing stubborn fat and smoothing the area.
360 Thigh Lift
At this point, you may be thinking about how you seem to have excess fat all around your thigh, not just in one area. The various thigh lifts can be combined into one total 360 thigh lift to address all areas on your thighs that need improvement. This is an extensive surgery but can leave you with an amazing change. Your thighs will be toned and tight all the way around from hip to knee.
What’s Involved in a Thigh Lift Procedure?
Together with Dr. Ditesheim, you will discuss and determine how much work you would like done and what procedure best addresses your problem areas. Then, you will be able to decide on either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. When extensive work is needed, a thigh lift surgery can last up to three hours or more.
Our thigh lift procedure in Charlotte is performed in an outpatient setting, allowing you to go home later in the day. You will not be able to drive immediately after surgery so be sure to have a trusted family member or friend available to drive you home.
Recovery & Results
Recovery time after a thighplasty is dependent on how wide-ranging your surgery is. It can be uncomfortable to sit, stand, and walk for a minimum of a week, sometimes longer. You may need to arrange for child care or a dog walker until you feel comfortable moving normally. Returning to work will also depend on your specific surgery as well as what your job encompasses. If you sit at a desk for most of your day, you may be able to return relatively quickly, but if you have an active job that requires a fair bit of walking, you may need more time off. Do not expect to be back to all of your usual activities until about six weeks after the procedure.
It is typical to have mild swelling in all of the treated areas. You will wear a compression garment to help your body adjust to your new thighs. This garment will help keep swelling down as well as the judicious use of cool packs throughout your day. Bruising is also expected and will clear as your body heals. Using cool packs during the first few days after surgery will keep bruising to a minimum. As you regain normal activity, gentle movement will help dissipate both swelling and bruising.
You will see results immediately after your thigh lift surgery in Charlotte, though your final results will not be evident until all of the swelling is gone. The results are considered permanent, especially if you maintain a healthy lifestyle without significant weight gain.
Schedule Your Thigh Lift Consultation in Charlotte
If you are tired of the shape of your thighs, consider making a change with thigh lift surgery. If you have lost significant weight, taking care of the last stubborn fat pockets and excess skin will complete your transformation. If you have lived with wide thighs your entire life, you will appreciate the wonderful change that a thigh lift in Charlotte could bring you.
Make an appointment with Dr. Ditesheim to discuss your cosmetic goals. He will answer your questions and create a personalized surgical plan just for you.
Call today to take the first steps toward getting the slimmer and smoother thighs you’ve always dreamed of.