4660 Kenmore Avenue
Suite 220
Alexandria, Virginia 22304
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Tel: 703-832-4000
Fax: 703-832-4001
Thigh Lift
What is a Thigh Lift?
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Fatty deposits and excess skin along the inner or outer thighs can be very bothersome to patients, especially in certain clothing. Despite a healthy diet and weight loss, many people are unsatisfied with the contour of their thighs. A thigh lift, commonly referred to a thighplasty, is a surgical procedure that contours the thigh by a combination of tissue excision and liposuction.
Why is it performed?
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A thigh lift is performed in patients who wish to have a thinner thigh contour and to remove excess skin. In a subset of patients, large amount of excess skin can lead to chronic skin irritation and infection. A thigh lift can help alleviate these symptoms if present.
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What are the types of Thigh Lifts?
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Several types of thighplasty procedures are used depending on the location of excess skin and fat. Commonly a vertical incision along the inner thigh is used in combination with liposuction. In cases where there is significant excess skin, a horizontal incision hidden in the groin crease may be created. In patients with localized fatty deposits and elastic skin, liposuction alone may be the only procedure needed.
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How to prepare:
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Stable weight
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Smoking cessation
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Avoid blood thinning medications
What to expect:
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Most patients go home the same day of surgery
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You will have a compression wrap to assist with post-operative swelling. Depending on the excision size you may have a drain in each thigh
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You will be encouraged to walk at home and to refrain from strenuous activity for 4 to 6 weeks
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By one week, most patients have minimal discomfort and can return to work if no strenuous activity is required. At this time the drains are usually removed
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Over the next several weeks your swelling will improve. During this time, you are encouraged to wear a compression garment
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The final scar takes up to 9 to 12 months to mature. You will be given detailed instructions on how to minimize scar appearance
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Dr. Diaconu will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions and will meet with you regularly throughout your entire recovery