Thigh Lift and Mini Thigh Lift

Thigh Lift and Mini Thigh Lift in Toronto

A common concern for many of Dr. Tong’s Toronto-area patients is looseness in the thigh area. Saggy, lax skin and soft tissues are a result of diminished elasticity, and may be caused by aging, significant weight gain or loss, sun exposure, and additional factors. For patients concerned about the appearance of their inner thighs, Dr. Tong can perform a thigh lift. For patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and are encountering sagging of the outer thighs, a Lower Body Lift can be performed.

Benefits of a Thigh Lift

Candidates for Thigh Lift often have undergone significant gain followed by significant weight loss. With the weight changes, there is accompanying skin stretch and loss of skin elasticity. The thigh skin may become loose, sagging, wrinkled, or rub together. A Thigh Lift can help correct these issues.¹ Ideally, the appearance of the inner thighs should have skin that is smooth, tight, and firm. There should not be an excessive layer of fatty tissue, and when standing, the inner thighs come together but ideally do not touch each other.

Thigh Lift Techniques

A Thigh Lift can help make the thighs look sleeker, smoother, and shapelier. It accomplishes this through a combination of Liposuction and skin removal. There are two types of inner Thigh Lift:

Short Scar Technique (Mini Thigh Lift)

The short scar technique uses an incision along the groin line, and improves wrinkling of the upper third of the inner thighs. Patients who have laxity limited to the upper third of the inner thighs are the best candidates for the Mini Thigh Lift technique. These patients usually have laxity related to age, moderate weight changes, or sun damage.

Vertical Scar Technique (Vertical Thigh Lift)

The vertical scar technique utilizes an incision along the entire inner thigh, and improves wrinkling/loose skin of the entire inner thigh, from the groin down to the knees. The vertical incision allows for much more skin removal when compared to the short scar method, and therefore, more improvement. Patients who have undergone significant weight loss (e.g. post bariatric surgery) are more likely to be candidates for the vertical scar technique (as opposed to the Short Scar technique) because of the need for tightening along the entire length of the thigh.

Both methods have a component of Liposuction which helps to de-bulk the fat, and provide a sleeker smoother appearance.

Who Is a Candidate for Thigh Lift?

In order to enjoy the benefits of Thigh Lift surgery over the long term, patients should be committed to maintaining a stable weight and should have reasonable expectations about what can be achieved through plastic surgery.²

The ideal candidate for Thigh Lift surgery with Dr. Tong:

• Is in good overall health
• Does not smoke
• Has a stable weight
• Has a BMI (body mass index) of less than 35, and ideally, less than 30

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Thigh Lift Results

Following a Thigh Lift, Dr. Tong’s patients will see sleeker contours nearly immediately, although the full results of the procedure won’t be apparent until healing is completed in a few months. Patients also find that the skin of their upper thigh looks and feels firmer. Patients who maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle find that their Thigh Lift results are long-lasting.³

There are a number of points that patients considering a Thigh Lift would do well to consider:

• The Vertical Technique uses a Long Scar
  Use of the vertical scar technique will produce a visible scar when wearing shorts or above the knee hemlines. This should be taken into consideration when contemplating the surgery. Most patients who need the procedure, however, gladly make the trade-off in order to attain smoother and thinner looking thighs.
• Relaxation of the Skin Occurs Post Surgery in Weight Loss Patients
  Patients who have sagging of the thighs have decreased skin elasticity; this is particularly true for patients who have undergone significant weight loss. The skin stretches more easily; the effect of decreased elasticity is that the taut appearance of the thigh may loosen up somewhat after surgery. When Dr. Tong performs the Thigh Lift, he makes the skin fairly tight (within appropriate surgical limits), but there is always some relaxation to be expected a few months after surgery.

How to Choose the Best Plastic Surgeon For You

Will I Have Scars After My Thigh Lift?

Any surgical procedure will leave some type of scar. An experienced plastic surgeon such as Dr. Tong specializes in obtaining the least visible scars, and putting them in the least visible places. There are two methods of Thigh Lift, each with different incisions.

• Horizontal (short) scar for a Mini Thigh Lift: the scar is placed in the groin crease, traveling along and around the junction of the thigh and pelvic region. Due to the tendency for the skin to stretch out after surgery, the scar may end up situated slightly below the groin crease.
• Vertical scar for a Vertical Thigh Lift: the scar starts at the junction of the inner thigh and pelvis and travels downward, along where the inseam of a pair of pants would run. It travels a variable distance, but usually ends at the knee, or slightly above. The vertical technique may produce a visible scar when wearing shorts or above- the-knee hemlines. This should be taken into consideration when contemplating the surgery.

Dr. Tong will discuss all incision options with you thoroughly.

Preparing for Your Thigh Lift

Preparing for your thigh lift with Dr. Tong involves a few essential steps to ensure a smooth and successful experience. During your consultation, Dr. Tong will review your medical history, discuss your aesthetic goals, and develop a personalized surgical plan. If a thigh lift is one component of multiple areas that require surgery (as commonly seen in massive weight loss patients), Dr. Tong may sequence your surgeries in stages as opposed to a single surgery. This is usually done in accordance to optimizing safety, post operative recovery, and a patient’s aesthetic priorities. It is important to stop smoking and avoid certain medications, such as blood thinners, as directed by Dr. Tong, to minimize the risk of complications. You may also be asked to undergo preoperative lab tests or evaluations. Planning for your recovery is crucial; arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours post-surgery. Following Dr. Tong’s specific pre-operative instructions will help you feel confident and prepared for your thigh lift journey.

The Thigh Lift Procedure

Your Thigh Lift surgery is performed in the CPSO accredited operating rooms at 7 St. Thomas Surgical Centre, conveniently located in the same building where Dr. Tong has his medical office in downtown Toronto. The Thigh Lift operation is performed in two parts; the first stage involves Liposuction, the second stage is the skin and tissue removal. Dr. Tong will make the surgical markings on your thighs before the surgery. Thigh Lift is performed under general anesthesia. You will be asleep and completely unaware of your surroundings.

Mini Thigh Lift

Dr. Tong performs liposuction of the thigh first. It is directed primarily at the upper inner thigh, although the central and lower inner thigh will be suctioned as well. Once Liposuction is complete, the pre-operatively marked crescent of thigh skin is removed just below the junction between the thigh and the pelvis. Dr. Tong lifts the inner thigh skin upwards, and stitches along the junction, leaving the scar within the groin crease. In female patients, the stitching must be done in a specific manner that maximizes lifting of the skin, but minimizes tension along the genital labial tissues. Excessive tension along the labial tissues can lead to spreading of the labia and significant dryness and discomfort of the vaginal region.

Vertical Thigh Lift

With the vertical scar technique, Dr. Tong first performs liposuction along the entire inner thigh, including the knee region. Liposuction helps to decrease the overall size of the thigh and allows for more skin removal. Once Liposuction is finished, the pre-operatively marked ellipse of skin is removed, along the long axis of the thigh. The skin is then meticulously stitched back together using plastic surgery techniques; no staples are used.

Recovery After Thigh Lift

Recovery From Thigh Lift Immediately After Surgery

Once your Thigh Lift Surgery is complete, our staff will transfer you the post- anesthesia recovery area. In the recovery area, our registered nurses monitor you as you slowly awake from the anesthetic. Once the anesthesia effects have worn off, you are allowed to go home accompanied by your family/friends.

Recovery From Thigh Lift at Home

Once at home you should try to take it easy. You are permitted to partake in light, everyday activities such as watching television, reading, dressing, getting up to the bathroom, showering, and making meals. You should not perform any type of strenuous activity for the first two weeks. Light exercise (slow to moderate paced walks) are permitted after the initial two weeks. No strenuous exercise is permitted until four weeks after surgery. Expect to have moderate bruising, and moderate swelling of the area. There may be moderate to severe discomfort that lasts between 7-10 days. Dr. Tong prescribes narcotic pain medication that should be taken as needed. All prescriptions are given prior to surgery and we encourage patients to fill them before the surgery.

Follow-Up Visits After a Thigh Lift

Your first visit with Dr. Tong is one week after surgery. At that first visit, he will remove your stitches. There are only a few stitches that need to be removed on the first visit. Most of the stitches used in Thigh Lift are buried under the skin and will dissolve on their own. Post-operative visits are also scheduled at 6 weeks and 6 months after surgery. Dr. Tong will monitor your progress as you recover to let you know about specific activity restrictions. During some post-operative visits, photographs will be taken to document your recovery. Photographs are kept strictly confidential, and will only be used for your care, unless you give us permission otherwise.

Like any surgery, the Thigh Lift procedure has risks and complications associated with it. The risks are low, but do exist. At your consultation, Dr. Tong will go over the pertinent potential risks and complications associated with Thigh Lift.

Your Thigh Lift Consultation

Your journey starts with a personal consultation with Dr. Tong. He has extensive experience treating post bariatric surgery patients with excess skin due in part to his previous practice in the United States. Be prepared to ask any questions you might have about Thigh Lift or Mini Thigh Lift. Dr. Tong will take the time to all answer questions and ensure that you have a clear understanding of the entire process from start to end. You will also have the opportunity to view photographs of many examples of Dr. Tong’s work. Our goal is to educate our patients. We know that an educated patient will make better decisions about their surgery, and their surgeon.

To learn more about how Toronto plastic surgeon Lawrence Tong, MD can help you with your goals, set up a Thigh Lift consultation with Dr. Tong by giving us a call at (647) 560-1325. You can also let us give you a call; just fill out our contact form and we will call you on the same or the next business day. No physician’s referral is needed.

See Dr. Tong’s work in our Thigh Lift before and after photos.

FAQs About Thigh Lift Surgery

How much does a thigh lift cost?

The cost of a Thigh Lift at Dr. Tong’s Toronto practice is unique to every patient, and is based on factors like the extent of the procedure (Mini Thigh Lift vs Traditional Thigh Lift) and the projected duration of the procedure. Before your thigh lift surgery is scheduled, you will receive a detailed breakdown of the cost for your customized treatment plan.

What are the potential risks and complications of Thigh Lift surgery?

Like any surgical procedure, a Thigh Lift carries potential risks and complications. These can include infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, scarring, asymmetry, changes in skin sensation, and complications related to anesthesia. Dr. Tong will discuss these risks in detail during your consultation and take all necessary precautions to minimize them. Following pre- and post-operative instructions carefully can also help reduce the likelihood of complications.⁴

How should I prepare my home for recovery after a Thigh Lift?

Preparing your home for Thigh Lift recovery is crucial for a smooth and comfortable healing process. You should set up a comfortable resting area with plenty of pillows, easy access to entertainment, and essential items within reach. Arrange for someone to help with daily tasks, especially during the first few days. Prepare easy-to-heat meals in advance and ensure you have any prescribed medications readily available. It’s also important to avoid activities that require significant movement, especially in the first two weeks.

How soon can I see the results of my Thigh Lift, and will they improve over time?

You will likely see some improvement in your thigh contours immediately after the surgery. However, the full results will become more apparent as swelling and bruising subside, typically within a few months. The skin will continue to settle, and the scars will fade over time. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle will help preserve and potentially enhance the results over the long term.

How long does the Thigh Lift procedure take, and what kind of anesthesia is used?

The Thigh Lift procedure typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. A Mini Thigh Lift usually takes approximately 2 hours, while a full Thigh Lift can take up to 3 hours. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring that you are completely asleep and unaware during the surgery. Dr. Tong and his team prioritize patient safety and comfort throughout the process.

 Can a Thigh Lift be combined with other procedures?

Yes, a Thigh Lift can often be combined with other procedures, such as Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, or other body contouring surgeries and is frequently part of a comprehensive Mommy Makeover treatment plan. Combining procedures can enhance overall results and may reduce overall recovery time. During your consultation, Dr. Tong will discuss the possibility of combining treatments based on your individual goals and health status.

¹American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What is a thigh lift? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/thigh-lift. Accessed March 22, 2021.
²American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for thigh lift surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/thigh-lift/candidates. Accessed March 22, 2021.
³American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What results should I expect after thigh lift surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/thigh-lift/results. Accessed March 22, 2021.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What are the risks of thigh lift surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/thigh-lift/safety. Accessed July 29, 2024.