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Thigh Lift


Substantial weight loss and the natural aging process can result in loose skin on the upper thighs that can cause physical and emotional discomfort. Thigh lift surgery reduces the circumference of the legs by trimming unwanted skin, tightening underlying tissues, and removing localized pockets of fat. Dr. Louis Bonaldi performs thigh lift surgery in Reno, Nevada, for men and women hoping to improve the appearance of their thighs.

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What Can a Thigh Lift Achieve?

Enhanced Comfort and Confidence


Excess thigh skin can cause physical discomfort, chafing, rashes, and poor self-image. Thigh lift surgery can reduce the size and enhance the appearance of sagging, dimpled, or flabby thighs to restore comfort and confidence.

Realization of Weight Loss


Many thigh lift patients turn to the procedure after losing a significant amount of weight. Massive weight loss results in loose, sagging skin that hangs down and hides the results of your hard work. Thigh lift surgery allows you to show off your body transformation.

Wider Range of Clothing


Having loose or flabby skin on the thighs causes many people to hide their thighs under clothing, which can be uncomfortable in the warm Nevada summers. Thigh lift surgery allows patients to feel comfortable in a wider variety of clothing.

What Does the Thigh Lift Procedure Entail?

Candidates


Men and women who are in good health and near their ideal body weight are good candidates for thigh lift surgery. Significant weight fluctuations will compromise the quality of the results, so patients should be able to maintain a stable weight. Thigh lift surgery will benefit patients with loose, sagging skin that has developed due to age, massive weight loss, or other factors.

Incisions


Thigh lift surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are made on the inside of the thigh that can extend from the groin crease to the knee. Incision length varies based on the extent of skin laxity and the amount of correction needed. The excess skin is trimmed away to reveal a tighter, smoother thigh contour.

Tissue Tightening


Excess fat is removed manually or through liposuction, and the tissues in the upper thigh are manipulated to create a firmer, more sculpted contour. Although the incisions are made on the inner thigh, smoothing and tightening can be accomplished around the circumference of the thigh. This procedure takes approximately one hour to complete.

Addressing Your Concerns

Recovery


Bruising and swelling are common following a thigh lift. We recommend that patients wear a compression garment over their incisions for several weeks to minimize swelling, prevent blood clots, and facilitate healing. Most swelling resolves within three weeks. However, residual bruising can last longer. Patients should rest during their initial recovery period but should get on their feet and walk to improve circulation. Many patients return to work and their regular activities within five to seven days and resume exercise after six weeks.

Scars


Scars will develop at the incision sites on the inside of the thigh but can be hidden by clothing and will fade with time. To minimize the appearance of any scarring, patients are advised to avoid stress on the healing incision (so that it does not separate) and keep it out of the sun. Silicone strips or gel can be used to minimize redness.

Cost


The cost of your thigh lift will vary depending on the specifications of the procedure. Anesthesia, facility, and surgeon’s fees will be factored into the price as well as pre-surgical tests and post-surgical dressings and bandages. Dr. Bonaldi will discuss the various cost factors with you during your consultation and provide you with an accurate cost estimate.

Pain


Thigh lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia to prevent pain during and after the procedure. Prescription pain medication or over-the-counter medication like TYLENOL® can be taken to relieve any postoperative discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What procedures can be combined with thigh lift surgery?

    Thigh lift surgery can be performed as a standalone procedure if your dissatisfaction is isolated to the thighs. The surgery can also be performed in combination with a lower body lift, tummy tuck, buttock lift, or liposuction.

  • Will my results be permanent?

    The outcome of your thigh lift should be fully visible within nine months to one year of your procedure. You can enjoy tighter, slimmer legs for many years as long as you maintain a stable and healthy body weight. Normal age-related skin laxity may develop, but your thighs will still be smoother than if you had not had surgery.

  • Is there a risk of serious complications?

    Thigh lift surgery is safe, and most patients only experience temporary, localized complications like bruising and swelling. Unfortunately, there is a possibility for more serious complications, including:

    • Anesthesia risks
    • Bleeding
    • Infection
    • Fluid accumulation
    • Poor wound healing
    • Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots)
    • Skin loss
    • Changes in skin sensation
  • Can the thighs be tightened with liposuction alone?

    Patients with good skin elasticity may be candidates for liposuction of the thighs without thigh lift surgery. However, liposuction does not address skin laxity, so patients with sagging skin are not candidates for liposuction without a thigh lift.

  • When can I go home after surgery?

    Thigh lift surgery is an outpatient procedure; however, as it is performed under general anesthesia, you will have to remain at the surgery center until the anesthesia wears off. Patients will be unable to drive themselves home and must have someone present to do so.

Schedule Your Visit


Bonaldi Aesthetics
Plastic Surgery & Med Spa
6630 South McCarran Blvd. Suite B20
Reno, Nevada 89509
(775) 828-7400


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