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Thigh Lift

Miami Thigh Lift Surgery

Thigh Lift To Remove Excess Fat

The accumulation of excess fat on the thighs that is resistant to diet and exercise is a common problem for individuals in Miami. Furthermore, sagging skin and loose soft tissue frequently accompany this excess fat. However, a thigh lift (aka a thighplasty or thigh reduction) with South Florida’s premier plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Sam Gershenbaum can address all of these issues.

A Thigh Lift in Miami to Reshape the Thighs

Individuals in Miami who have excess, sagging skin and/or cellulite on their thighs may avoid wearing certain kinds of clothing. Thigh reduction surgery is a procedure specifically designed to reshape an individual’s thighs. Reshaping is accomplished by reducing the amount of excess skin on the patient’s thighs and tightening the soft tissue that lies beneath.

In some cases, Dr. G removes small portions of fat via liposuction. Removing portions of fat and excess skin reduces the circumference of each thigh. Furthermore, after thigh lift surgery, unsightly cellulite has been eliminated and the patient’s thighs have a smoother, more tone appearance.

A Thigh Lift in Miami to Address Functional Limitations

Besides being unsightly, too much skin on the thighs can also cause functional limitations. For example, individuals may avoid walking due to this excess skin rubbing together and causing irritation, including an intense burning sensation. A thighplasty with Dr. G can solve this problem.

Better-Proportioned Thighs Following a Thigh Lift

Many of the residents in and around Miami choose Dr. Gershenbaum to perform their thigh reduction procedure. After a thigh lift, the patient will have better-proportioned thighs. With better-proportioned thighs, the contours of his or her lower body are greatly improved: This allows individuals to wear their shorts, swimsuits, and miniskirts with confidence again.

Who Should Consider Thigh Reduction Surgery?

People who should consider a thigh lift are:

  • Individuals in Miami who are not significantly overweight, but are unhappy with the appearance of their thighs.
  • Those who have lost a substantial amount of weight and would like to improve the shape, and smoothness of their thighs.
  • Individuals who avoid wearing certain kinds of clothing due to insecurities related to the way their thighs look.

Candidates for a Thigh Lift in Miami

Candidates for a thighplasty should:

  • Be of a relatively stable weight.
  • Have excess skin along their thighs that they would like to eliminate.
  • Be healthy without any conditions that could increase the incidence of a problem during surgery or affect his or her ability to heal. That said, individuals who have asthma and/or diabetes can still have a thigh lift; however, these conditions must be well managed and stable prior to their surgery.
  • Live a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition and fitness.
  • Have realistic expectations concerning what a thigh reduction can accomplish for them.
  • Be a non-smoker or willing to stop smoking for approximately 4 weeks prior to their thigh lift and 4 weeks after their thigh lift. Following Dr. Gershenbaum’s recommendations related to smoking is extremely important: Smoking hinders blood flow and affects the amount of oxygen carried in the blood, which negatively affects the body’s ability to heal itself.

A Thighplasty in Miami – The Initial Consultation with Dr. G

During an initial consultation for a thigh lift:

  • Patients will need to provide information related to their medical history. This information should include previous medical treatments and/or surgical procedures that he, or she has had.
  • Dr. Gershenbaum will evaluate the patient’s overall health. Dr. G will also examine the quality of the patient’s skin. Following these evaluations, he will ask the patient what he or she would like to accomplish with a thigh lift.
  • Sometimes, Dr. Gershenbaum performs liposuction and a thigh reduction simultaneously.
  • At this time, patients are encouraged to ask questions related to the thigh lift procedure and/or any other procedures being considered.
  • Patients who take herbal supplements, prescription drugs, vitamins and/or over-the-counter medications will need to discontinue some of them 2 weeks before their thigh lift. These products and medications will also need to be avoided for 2 weeks after their thigh lift surgery. Dr. Gershenbaum provides a list of the products that patients need to avoid. To view this list, please click here.

If the patient decides that he or she would like to have a thighplasty (and/or any other procedure), Dr. G will discuss:

  • The type of anesthesia he recommends.
  • The risks and potential results associated with the procedure(s) the patient is interested in.
  • Preliminary testing (i.e., routine blood work, a visit to his or her general practitioner, etc.).
  • The need for a licensed driver on the day of surgery.
  • Length of recovery.
  • His desires related to having someone care for the patient, children and/or pets while he, or she recovers.

During the initial consultation, Dr. Gershenbaum may also decide to take photos of the areas he will be addressing during surgery. These pictures may be used as he plans the patient’s surgical procedure and/or for reference after the procedure is complete. The pictures remain in the patient’s file.

A Thigh Reduction in Miami with Dr. Gershenbaum

When patients arrive at Dr. G’s Cosmetic Surgery Center, which is located in Miami, they need to have a licensed driver with them. A thigh lift procedure usually takes from 2 to 3 hours. Patients who are undergoing multiple procedures should expect their surgery to last longer. Their driver needs to remain at the surgery center until the patient is released to go home.

1. Marking

Depending on the procedures being performed, Dr. Gershenbaum may make various markings on the patient. These markings are used as reference during surgery.

2. Anesthesia

During a thigh lift with Dr. G in Miami, patients receive anesthesia. For the safety of his patients, Dr. Gershenbaum ensures that all of these medications are administered by a licensed anesthesiologist. Types of anesthesia used during a thigh lift include general anesthesia and IV sedation with local anesthesia. No matter which form of anesthesia is used, patients will not feel anything during their surgical procedure.

If a patient receives general anesthesia, he or she remains asleep throughout the entire thigh lift procedure. Individuals who receive IV sedation are in what is referred to as a ‘twilight’ state, which keeps them comfortable throughout their procedure. One of the main benefits of IV sedation is that the patient can be awakened rather quickly. Furthermore, there are fewer side effects than are typically experienced with general anesthesia. Once the patient is asleep or in the twilight state, the surgery can begin.

3. Liposuction is Performed (When Applicable)

With liposuction, Dr. Gershenbaum can remove the patient’s fat deposits that have been resistant to diet and exercise. Some patients may just need liposuction to attain the slimmer-looking thighs they desire. However, liposuction in and of itself cannot eliminate cellulite or excess skin. If the patient is having liposuction in conjunction with a thigh lift, Dr. G will perform this portion of the procedure first.

4. Tiny Incisions Are Created

To perform a liposuction procedure, a thin, hollow tube that is attached to a specially-designed vacuum must be inserted beneath the skin; therefore, Dr. Gershenbaum will create tiny incisions at several locations on the patient’s thigh.

5. Tube Insertion

  • He inserts the tube and a special solution (tumescent) is used to break up the fat. By breaking up the fat, Dr. G is able to remove it easier.
  • He begins collecting the fat by gently moving the tube back and forth.
  • The liposuction scars are extremely small and usually diminish substantially with time.

For patients who are having a thigh lift, once their liposuction is complete, Dr. G will begin the thighplasty procedure itself.

6. The Thigh Lift Incision is Created

The length and location of the thigh lift incision is determined by the amount of correction the patient needs. Dr. Gershenbaum’s experience allows him to create incisions in areas that will typically hide the resulting scars, making the scars virtually undetectable. In fact, as time passes, a scar that heals well can become nearly invisible.

Inner and outer thigh lift incision locations:

  • For an inner thigh lift, the incision is usually created in the groin area and inner thigh crease.
  • Sculpting the outer thigh requires an incision in the groin area that extends around the hip. The location of this resulting scar allows patients to hide it with their undergarments and/or swimsuits. Some patients choose to combine an outer thigh lift with a lower body lift.
  1. Lifting the Underlying Tissue

    After the incision has been made, Dr. G lifts the underlying tissue and sutures it in place. This provides the patient with the smooth contours that he or she was unable to create with exercise. Following thighplasty, patients will have toned, athletic-looking thighs.

    8. Excess Skin is Removed

    Dr. Gershenbaum removes the excess skin.

    9. All Incisions are Closed

    Once the excess skin is removed, the incisions are closed using skin adhesives, sutures and/or surgical tape.

    10. Surgical Dressings

    Surgical dressings will cover the incisions themselves.

    11. A Drainage Tube May Be Used

    Some patients will have a drainage tube on each of their thighs following their thigh lift surgery. This tube keeps fluid from building up, thus reducing the incidence of excessive swelling.

    12. Applying the Compression Garment

    Each thigh will also be wrapped in a compression garment. This continuous compression helps reduce swelling. It also helps maintain the new shape of the thighs. Results are visible immediately following the procedure and will improve with time. These compression garments will be worn for at least 4 weeks.

    Recovering from Thigh Reduction Surgery in Miami

    Instructions are Provided Before Patients Are Released

    Before Dr. Gershenbaum releases his patients to go home with their drivers, he provides them with a printout that details caring for their incisions as well as restrictions and tips for achieving the best thighplasty results possible. This sheet may also have information about the patient’s follow-up appointment at Dr. G’s office in Miami.

    Keeping Track of Fluid Output

    Dr. Gershenbaum may ask the patient or caregiver to record the amount of fluid being drained through the drainage tubes that were placed during surgery. If a patient had liposuction in conjunction with a thigh lift, most of this fluid is the solution used during the liposuction procedure itself. Accurately recording fluid output is important because this is what Dr. G uses to determine how long the drains will need to remain in place.

    Stand and Walk Periodically – With Assistance

    Patients will have difficulty standing for a few days; therefore, Dr. Gershenbaum asks his patients to have someone help them for the first few days following their thighplasty procedure. Patients are encouraged to walk (with assistance) as this helps improve the blood flow in the legs and reduces the likelihood of blood clots forming.

    Strange Sensations and Numbness are Common

    Patients usually experience inflammation and strange skin sensations near the incisions, including numbness, however, these issues decrease significantly in 3 weeks.

    Take Medications as Directed

    Dr. Gershenbaum usually provides his patients with prescription medications. These medications are important because they ensure the patient remains comfortable as he or she begins the healing process. Patients should take all of their medications as prescribed.

    Avoid Putting Tension on the Sutures

    It is essential that patients avoid walking up and down stairs, squatting, and lifting heavy objects as they recover. These actions subject the sutures to tension, which causes the resulting scars to be more visible after they heal.

    2 days after surgery:

  • Patients will be on bed rest (besides walking short distances periodically, with help) for the first 2 days following their thigh reduction procedure.
  • During the patient’s follow-up visit (2 or 3 days after surgery) at Dr. G’s Miami surgery center, his or her bandages and drains will be removed. Once these are removed, Dr. Gershenbaum will be able to provide the patient with additional information related to caring for his or her incisions as well as any restrictions he or she should follow.

1 to 2 weeks after a thighplasty procedure:

  • After about a week, patients can resume some of their normal life activities.
    Dr. Gershenbaum removes the sutures about 2 weeks after surgery. However, it will take several weeks for the legs to fully regain their normal appearance.

3 to 12 weeks after thigh reduction surgery:

  • The majority of patients who work a sedentary job can usually return to work within 3 weeks of their thighplasty. However, patients with physically demanding jobs will need to wait longer (anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks) to return to work. Dr. G will inform his patients when it is safe for them to return to work.
  • For approximately 3 weeks, the legs will most likely be sensitive to direct stimulation; therefore, patients should avoid physical contact during this time.
  • After 3 weeks, patients can slowly return to their normal activities and duties.
  • All patients will need to avoid vigorous exercise anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. Dr. Gershenbaum will inform his patients when it is safe for them to return to performing more vigorous activities.
  • Initially, the resulting scars will be pink and feel hard. However, these characteristics only last for about 6 weeks.
  • Typically, all swelling subsides within 8 to 12 weeks.

Dr. Sam Gershenbaum is one of the top surgeons for plastic and reconstructive procedures in South Florida. If you are ready to schedule your in-depth initial consultation with Dr. G at his state-of-the-art office in Miami, contact our office today by calling (305) 933-1838 or by filling out our online contact form.