Thigh Lifts in Albany
Thigh Lift (Thighplasty) Overview
Many individuals who have lost a large amount of weight may experience loose, sagging, excess skin around their thighs, hips and buttocks. This skin has lost what is known as elasticity. It is stretched and hangs. Men and women with this condition may be ideal candidates for a thigh lift at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York.
Sometimes, this extra, loose and flabby skin in the thighs can cause quite a bit of discomfort. It rubs when the person is walking. It can make finding clothing that fits comfortably very hard. It can even make bathing and personal hygiene difficult. And, physically it detracts from the natural shape of the thigh area. After working so hard through diet or exercise-or perhaps after undergoing gastric bypass surgery for weight loss-it can be discouraging to look in the mirror and see all of that loose, excess, flabby or dimpled skin around the thighs and buttocks.
If this sounds just like what you hate about your thighs, now's the time to do something about it. Contact the plastic surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York and schedule your private thigh-lift consultation.
The Procedure
A thigh lift at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York is usually performed with general anesthesia. The procedure involves small incisions in the inner thigh and groin area. Your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany will carefully determine where to make these incisions to minimize scar visibility when you are wearing a wide variety of clothing and to meet your personal desires.
In some instances, a thigh lift also involves the area around the outer thigh and the buttocks. In these cases, the incisions are somewhat longer and may extend from the buttocks over to the abdomen and to the groin. During your pre-surgery consultation, your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany will determine which type of thigh lift procedure will be best for you and just where the incisions will be made.
In both types of thigh lift--inner or those extending to the outer thighs and buttocks-excess skin tissue will be removed and the remaining skin will be stretched and repositioned creating a smoother and firmer contour.
Recovering
Immediately following your thigh lift, you will wear a supportive garment that will help compress the surgical area. This is very similar to an elastic girdle and will help reduce swelling and promote the skin around the surgical area to return to its natural tightness. Inner thigh lifts usually can be done on an out-patient basis while thigh lifts that involve the outer thighs and buttocks may require a brief hospital stay-usually just a day or so. Any discomfort that you may feel can be controlled by medications prescribed by your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York.
Within several weeks, you'll notice any swelling and bruising disappearing. In most cases, within five or six weeks, thigh-lift patients can resume most normal activities including exercise. In four to six months you'll see the final results of your thigh lift with a smoother, tighter contour and more attractive appearance to your thighs. Keep in mind that each person heals at a different rate. Your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group will monitor your recuperation during several follow-up visits.
Potential Risks and Complications
All surgery carries with it some risks, but in general thigh lift surgery is a safe and effective solution to eliminating loose and sagging skin. In the rare event of an infection or adverse reaction to anesthesia, your plastic surgeon can prescribe effective medications to control these situations. It is important to follow your plastic surgeon's directions about taking prescribed medications, caring for the incision area and changing any bandages. Your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany will discuss after-care with you thoroughly during your consultation. Be sure to ask him or her any questions you may have regarding the recuperation process.
Common Questions About Thigh Lift Surgery
Is a thigh lift covered by insurance?
In most cases a thigh lift is not covered by insurance. However, it is always best to check with your insurance carrier and to discuss insurance coverage with your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group in the Albany and Schenectady area.
Will I be hospitalized?
If you are having an inner thigh lift, you most likely will be an outpatient and will return home right after your surgery. Those having thigh lifts that involve the outer thighs and buttock areas will usually be in the hospital for just a day or two. Your Albany plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group will discuss this with you during your consultation.
How long will I be bruised and swollen?
You will notice bruising and swelling the first few weeks following your thigh lift. This will continually lessen as you heal. It's important to follow your plastic surgeon's recuperative directions and get plenty of rest during this time. In a month or so you'll see the swelling and bruising greatly diminish if not completely disappear.
Will scars be visible?
Your plastic surgeon will make incisions in areas that are hidden by the natural shape of your body. There may be some scarring depending on the extent of your thigh lift, but over time, these will fade and become almost invisible.
To find out more about thigh lifts in Albany, New York, contact The Plastic Surgery Group at 518-438-0505 or send us an email today. Fill our our online form for a complimentary cosmetic consultation.
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