Learn More About Minimally Invasive Thigh Surgery
Surgical results without the scars of a traditional thigh lift
By utilizing BodyTite radiofrequency skin tightening it is now possible to achieve dramatic thigh lift results without the traditional surgical scars. Dr. Shienbaum employs this cutting-edge skin tightening technique to literally shrink and tighten the fibrous connective tissue which holds and supports the thigh skin. These fibrous attachments weaken with age, allowing the thigh skin to fall away and hang from the underlying musculature. These loosened fibrous septae lead to skin folds, dimpling, and irregularities which often resemble cellulite in nature. Liposuction alone, which only removes fat, can often make matters worse. While not everyone is a candidate for this procedure, especially the elderly and massive weight loss patients, the procedure is very promising for patients wishing to avoid the permanent, unmistakable scars of surgery.
The BodyTite skin tightening procedure is radiofrequency based and is minimally invasive with no surgical scars. Most of our Tampa Bay patients prefer our office “Twilight “or “Awake” anesthesia. There are no drains, no sutures, staples, or clips involved, and it is performed as an outpatient in-office procedure. The downtime and recovery are quite rapid, especially when compared to a surgical thigh reduction procedure. The cost varies in proportion to the degree of deformity, the amount of excess fat, and the number of stages required. The total cost can range from $7,000 – $15,00 dollars in most cases.
Traditional surgical thighplasty techniques utilize surgical scar excisions placed either in the groin, inner or outer thighs. All too often these resulted in highly visually scars that tend to migrate, stretch and widen over time. In addition, possible scar thickening, hypertrophy or keloid formation can make the final result unacceptable. Many of these surgical procedures had promising names such as hidden scar, groin scar, mini scar, and short scar but the long-term results remain disappointing.
Dr. Shienbaum advises that the final result will depend on each patient’s unique set of circumstances. Those with lax, in-elastic tissues that have lost much of their recoil and snap may take multiple treatments to reach their goals. Patients with advancing age, have undergone a significant weight loss, or have had difficult pregnancies, fall into this category.
Often Liposuction alone may seem the perfect solution to reducing the size of the thighs. But Liposuction merely removes fat, it does very little to shrink and tighten the loose thigh skin. Often, aggressive liposuction performed by inexperienced surgeons can lead to a variety of deformities. Without some form of skin tightening, either with radiofrequency or surgery, the thigh tissues will remain loose and sagging. For patients with large, heavy thighs, Dr. Shienbaum will frequently perform his thigh lifts in multiple stages to achieve optimal results.
The single most important factor in you getting a satisfactory result is the experience and expertise of your surgeon. Whether Liposuction alone or in combination with skin tightening procedure is decided upon, it is ultimately the skill and artistry of your chosen surgeon that will determine your result. At the very least, make sure you consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon with proven expertise in body contouring. There is no substitute for experience.
The upper thighs are a difficult and stubborn area to improve. Exercise and diet alone often do little to remove the cellulite and excess skin. Massages and wraps provide only transient improvement while dietary supplements and creams do little, if anything at all. The appearance of the thick thigh obstructs your appearance and self-confidence. Often it is an inherited characteristic, which becomes a source of constant frustration and often leads to a lack of self-confidence. Unfortunately, many of our patients find it virtually impossible to achieve more slender and youthful appearing thighs despite the most vigorous forms of exercise, dieting, and lifestyle change.
The most common form of thigh lift addresses the inner medial skin excess with a curvilinear incision hidden in the groin and wrapping around to the posterior gluteal crease. A shorter version of this is the so-called crescent lift, which simply tightens the anterior medial thigh skin. Both procedures can give satisfactory initial results but are prone to scar widening and migration even when attached to the fascia encircling the thigh. Over time, the scar can sink to below the panty line to appear on the anterior thigh. Attempts to prevent migration of the scar by placing it higher have resulted in a widening of the vulvar commissure.
This procedure is performed through a vertical incision from the inner knee up to the inner groin. The excess skin, fat, and connective tissues are then surgically removed. This approach allows for the maximum amount of tissue removal which is especially needed in massive weight loss individuals. The resultant scar is quite visible. The scar is subject to widening and sagging even when attached to the inner thigh fascia.
This Lateral Thigh Lift is used for the reduction of the so-called “Saddle Bag.” Through an incision placed in the later thigh and hip region, the redundant fat and skin can be removed. The technique is often part of a complete body lift procedure for massive weight loss and bariatric patients which extends the incision across the back and flanks. Despite the extensive incisions these patients are typically satisfied and grateful for their results
Patients will require assistance from a family member or friend (or a hired nurse) to help them during the first week of their recovery. This will be the time when they need the most care and help with medication, food, and getting up to walk around, per Dr. Shienbaum’s instructions. You may also have drains placed during your procedure to prevent fluid accumulation. Being careful with the drains, taking medications as recommended, and finding a comfortable way to rest will be of the utmost importance for the first few days of recovery.
Bruising and swelling are expected after treatment and may take several months to resolve completely; however, this is common and is also experienced by patients who choose to have other body contouring procedures. Because treatment is in an area of the body that is often disturbed by routine activity, recovery may take longer relative to other parts of the body. Patients may need to take up to two to three weeks off work.
If you want to feel confident showing off your legs, but are embarrassed due to excess skin and fat, call Brandon Plastic Surgery for a thigh lift in Tampa. We provide skin and fat removal treatment to sculpt your legs, creating firm and supple skin. Many patients who seek this procedure have lost a significant amount of weight via bariatric surgery or non-surgical weight loss regimens and turn to this procedure as part of an overall body contouring plan.
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