Thigh Lift in Tucson, AZ

Losing weight is an amazing feat for anyone to accomplish. However, people who make it to their goal size typically require one final step to complete their transformation journey. Depending on how long you carried the extra weight and how much weight you lost, excess skin may be an entirely new concern if the skin was not able to conform to the new size and shape of your body. The thighs are specifically an area of concern for a number of patients. Thankfully, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao offers thigh lift surgery (also called thighplasty) at his self-owned practice, Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery, to remove the loose skin keeping you from achieving the silhouette you've worked so hard for. This procedure serves to trim loose skin on the inner thighs to reveal a firmer, slimmer appearance. Thighplasty surgery has risen in popularity because it provides natural results for patients who don't want to deal with hanging skin throughout their thighs.

Loose skin on the thighs leads to a number of cosmetic and functional problems that impact your quality of life. First, hanging skin makes it difficult to find jeans or pants that fit properly. The extra skin may also rub together, causing painful chafing and irritation. A thigh lift at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery provides relief from these issues by addressing these unwanted areas directly. Patients choose to work with Dr. Rao for our safe and natural-looking results. Our team is also known for ensuring each patient feels comfortable and confident throughout their individualized treatment process.

A thigh lift is a skin removal and skin tightening procedure that improves the appearance of excess skin. Thighplasty is typically an after weight loss procedure and is commonly performed for patients who have lost 100 or more pounds. This surgery is also popular among older women and men who are concerned about excess skin caused by age, as well as with women whose body shape has been altered due to pregnancy. If you have wrinkly, loose, or hanging skin on the upper thighs (either the inner or outer thighs or both), thigh lift surgery may be an option. If cellulite is your primary concern, Dr. Rao can suggest other procedures that are designed to help decrease the appearance of cellulite.

During a thigh lift, general anesthesia is commonly administered. An incision is made close to the top portion of the thigh in the natural crease where the thigh attaches to the torso. This incision typically travels down to the midpoint of the thigh area, allowing enough room to use liposuction (if necessary) to remove isolated pockets of fat and to trim all loose skin at the upper thigh area. The remaining skin will be pulled tight and safely secured with sutures. For some patients, an incision may be necessary for the outer thigh area or underneath the buttocks, depending on the amount of tissue being removed. This surgery at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery reshapes the complete thigh area, leaving a tighter and smoother appearance.

Thigh lift surgery takes an average of 2 – 3 hours to complete. After your procedure, you will be monitored for some time and sent home to begin your recovery. Typically, patients will experience swelling, discomfort, and bruising during the first few days of their healing period. Within a few days, most patients are able to stand up and walk slowly. Performing this mild level of activity is recommended to improve blood circulation and promote healing. The full recovery period often takes about 6 – 8 weeks. Dr. Rao will provide you with wound care instructions to follow while you recover to ensure that your incisions heal smoothly and fade evenly into the skin. Even though there will be some scarring, the new shape and contour of your thighs will raise your self-esteem. Finally, you'll be able to show off your legs with pride.

How much does thigh lift surgery cost?
The total cost of thigh lift surgery will include various fees, like those for the surgical facility, anesthesia, testing, and more. As soon as Dr. Rao has created your customized thigh lift treatment plan during your consultation, he will be better able to estimate your costs. Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery can help you find low-interest financing that will make your thighplasty more affordable.

Will a thigh lift remove cellulite or stretch marks?
A thigh lift is the best choice to slim the contour and improve the appearance of your legs. Since the procedure calls for skin tightening and correcting excessive fat deposits, it can improve the appearance of cellulite or other skin irregularities (like stretch marks) on your thighs as well. If you are interested in addressing cellulite or stretch marks, let Dr. Rao know during your consultation so he can adjust your surgical plan to match your goals as closely as possible.

How long will my results last?
If you follow a healthy lifestyle that includes a proper diet and regular exercise, you should enjoy the results of your thigh lift for a long time. Dr. Rao recommends you be at or near a healthy weight before surgery so it is easy to maintain your results. Pregnancy or significant weight changes after a thighplasty can compromise your results. During your consultation, Dr. Rao will discuss what you can do to make your surgical results last longer.

Can I combine a thigh lift with other surgeries?
You may consider combining a thigh lift with a tummy tuck or butt lift for an overall lower body lift. A thigh lift is also a common part of a mommy makeover and after weight loss surgery. During your consultation, go over all of your concerns and goals with Dr. Rao so he can create a treatment plan that provides you with the results you want.

What about a nonsurgical thigh lift?
While there are nonsurgical options, such as CoolSculpting, available to tone your skin and reduce fat, they only provide mild improvements. A thighplasty is the best way to address a moderate to severe amount of excess skin and stubborn pockets of fat throughout your legs. If you are interested in nonsurgical procedures, ask Dr. Rao for more information during your consultation. He will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of surgical and nonsurgical treatments and give you his expert opinion regarding which would be the best fit for your condition and goals.

If you have excess skin on your inner or outer thighs that causes frustration, embarrassment, or keeps you from wearing the clothes you want, we invite you to call Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery in Tucson, AZ to learn more about thighplasty. It's common for patients to combine this procedure with other body sculpting procedures, especially those that address the lower body (like a tummy tuck or lower body lift). Schedule your consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao and achieve the slimmer look you desire.