With so many cosmetic procedures available to help you feel good about yourself, you may feel overwhelmed as to the choices you have. A thigh lift is one option — a common procedure performed by Dr. Mariam Awada of Michigan Cosmetic Surgery. This is performed on those who have recently undergone significant weight loss, resulting in unsightly stretched and loose skin in the thighs and buttocks. A boost in skin laxity also happens thanks to the aging process as well as environmental and genetic factors. No matter the cause, you are left with sagging skin that may limit your enjoyment of activities and prevent you from feeling comfortable in your appearance. However, you CAN wear short shorts again, or don a skimpy bathing suit at the beach. You can even ride a bike without your legs rubbing together, which can be extremely uncomfortable. A thigh lift may be your answer.

What Does it Entail?

You’re naturally curious about what a thigh lift is and what to expect. Dr. Mariam Awada makes incisions hidden in the natural crease of the groin area, removing the excess skin and lifting the tissues to smooth out the skin from the top of the thigh to the knee. It takes up to four hours to perform the procedure, depending on the extent of your needs and your condition. However, it is considered day surgery so an overnight stay is not generally required.

Versatility

This procedure is a versatile one, as it can be combined with other surgical procedures to result in a one-stop-shop of beauty enhancements. You may be able to have a tummy tuck, arm lift or breast lift at the same time, to remove unwanted saggy skin from many areas of the body. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says when the skin elasticity is poor, a combination of liposuction and thigh lift techniques may be in order. Essentially, thigh lift surgery reshapes the area of the upper leg by taking away extra skin and even fat to get a better contour and smoother-looking skin. Many patients opt for this surgery when their fitness and weight loss attempts have fallen flat after repeated tries. Is it time to get your youthful-looking body back? A thigh lift may be in your future.

After the Procedure

The recovery time for a thigh lift is about seven to 10 days in the short term. You’ll experience bruising, swelling, and soreness but those symptoms will all go away after about a week and a half. It’s recommended you wear an elastic garment, given to you by Dr. Awada, to reduce the chances of swelling. How long it takes you to return to work will depend on how much skin was removed and how complicated the surgery was. You should be up and walking the very same day of the procedure, and can resume your normal routine — provided there’s no strenuous lifting or exercising involved — within a few days. It’s best not to drive until 10 days have passed, and you’ll have to pass on the strenuous activity for a month.

Boost Your Self-Esteem

Cosmetic surgery such as thigh lifts can improve your self-confidence. In fact, a study published in Clinical Psychological Science says patients experience more joy in life, a higher sense of satisfaction and greater self-esteem when they undergo such procedures. A thigh lift isn’t always the answer for everyone, but you owe it to yourself to explore your options for greater confidence in your body. Call Dr. Mariam Awada, MD FACS, today at Michigan Cosmetic Surgery to schedule your initial consultation.