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Thigh Lift in Minneapolis / St. Paul – Dr. Fasching

Thigh lift, also known as thighplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure in which excess skin and fat are removed from the thigh area. For women in particular, the thighs are subject to fat deposits that are difficult to reduce by means of diet and exercise. This extra skin and flab can result in a chunky, dimpled appearance rather than a smooth, svelte hourglass figure. Patients who have lost a large amount of weight due to bariatric surgery are especially likely to have saggy thigh skin because, with age, the skin loses its elasticity — its ability to retighten following weight loss.

Thigh Lift Variations in St. Paul / Minneapolis

At his state-of-the-art plastic surgery suite, Dr. Fasching performs several variations of the procedure, depending on each St. Paul / Minneapolis thigh lift patient’s skin quality, aesthetic desires and the amount of excess tissue they wish to eliminate. For patients who require a relatively minor thigh lift, Dr. Fasching performs the inner thigh lift. In this procedure, the most popular type of thigh lift, the incision is made in the groin fold. The skin is then lifted, tightened and sutured.

Patients who require more substantial fat and skin removal may opt for either an outer thigh lift or a vertical lift. In the outer thigh lift, the incision starts at the groin fold and extends around the outside of the hip. In the vertical lift, the incision is made from the groin down to the knee, and a wedge of skin is removed from the inner thigh. Dr. Fasching may also perform a newer procedure known as a spiral thigh lift, which treats the back, front and inner thighs.

In many instances, Dr. Fasching will recommend a combination of thigh lift procedures. Thigh lift may also be combined with body lift and/or liposuction for the best possible body sculpting outcome.

The Thigh Lift Procedure

Depending on the thigh lift variation agreed upon by Dr. Fasching and the patient, the thigh lift may be performed using general anesthesia or “twilight” anesthesia (in which the patient is awake but sedated). Following surgery, Dr. Fasching will use deep support sutures in order to provide maximum support for the patient’s new body shape as well as surface sutures to aid scar healing. For more extensive procedures, a hospital stay may be necessary.

Recovery from Thigh Lift

Thigh lift is a major surgery and requires significant recovery time. Following surgery, Dr. Fasching places bandages on the incisions and provides compression garments to help minimize swelling. Dr. Fasching may also recommend nutritional supplements to help with swelling and will insert drainage tubes in order to funnel away excess fluid. The swelling may take as long as three to five weeks to completely resolve.

Patients will experience tightness, discomfort and pain, especially during the first 48 to 72 hours. Prescription medications will be provided to treat the pain. Despite the discomfort, it is important that patients begin walking as soon as possible in order to prevent the development of blood clots. Patients should be able to shower a few days after surgery. However, the resumption of work, exercise and other activities will vary depending on the extent of the surgery.