Sagging and wrinkled skin on the upper arms can occur due to a decrease in skin elasticity with the aging process or due to severe weight loss. A thigh lift can help restore the contour of the thighs by surgically removing excess skin and fat tissue from the inner thighs. Depending on the extent of the findings, the operation is combined with liposuction.
The consultation
As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Lüdi specializes in body contouring procedures and will be happy to advise you personally on the subject of thigh lift surgery in her clinic in Basel.
In an initial detailed consultation, Dr. Lüdi will take the time to address your concerns, analyze the findings together with you and advise you on treatment options. Furthermore, Dr. Lüdi will explain the surgical technique and the exact incision with the help of pictures and drawings and discuss the aftercare as well as possible risks and complications with you. It is very important to us that you are well informed about the procedure, that all open questions are answered and that your wishes are taken into account.
On the day of surgery
On the day of the operation, Dr. Lüdi prepares a photo documentation before the operation and makes the exact drawings on the thighs. You will then be prepared for the upcoming operation and accompanied to the operating room.
The operation
The thigh lift can be performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting in our clinic's own operating room in Basel. Depending on the initial findings, a vertical (incision along the inner thigh) or horizontal (incision along the groin) incision is performed. The excess skin-fat tissue is removed, the tissue is tightened and the wound edges are sutured. Depending on the findings, a combination with liposuction may be useful, for example, to contour the outer side of the thigh (riding pants).
Immediately after surgery
After the operation, you can recover from the procedure in our beautiful patient rooms with a view of the Rhine and will be looked after by our team. After another visit by Dr. Lüdi, you can be picked up by an accompanying person and return home the same day.
The aftercare
- During the first 6 weeks, you should wear the fitted compression pants consistently.
- We recommend a grace period of 6 weeks. During this time, you should refrain from sports.
- Lymphatic drainage can be started from 1 week postoperatively to reduce swelling.
- Pain intensity after surgery is generally moderate and well controlled with common analgesics.
- Scar care can be started from 3 weeks postoperatively.
Risks and complications
In principle, every operation involves certain risks, but serious complications rarely occur after a thigh lift. In the initial phase, swelling and bruising are usually to be expected, but these will disappear completely. In addition to the general surgical risks (e.g. bruising, secondary bleeding, infection), there may be wound healing problems, but these usually heal without problems.
Costs
The costs for a thigh lift depend on your wishes, the type and extent of the operation, the type of anesthesia, and the materials required. During a consultation, Dr. Lüdi will put together a treatment tailored to you personally and provide you with an individual cost estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Ideally, a stable weight should be demonstrated over a period of at least 6 months. If you are currently striving for further weight loss or if the ideal weight has not yet been reached after bariatric surgery, we recommend waiting with the operation, as a renewed significant weight loss could again lead to sagging skin on the thighs.
Slight pain and a feeling of tension after the operation are normal. These can usually be well controlled with common painkillers and are absolutely bearable.
Depending on the activity, an inability to work of 2 weeks must be expected.
After the thigh lift, we recommend abstaining from sports for six weeks and slowly increasing the activity again after this break.
Yes, there will be a fine scar. Depending on the surgical technique, there may be a horizontal scar in the crotch area, a vertical scar on the inner thigh, or a combination of both scars (T-shaped). However, the scars are hardly visible after healing.
The result of a thigh lift is normally permanent. Of course, very large weight fluctuations can cause sagging skin on the thighs again, but this is usually not comparable to the initial findings.
Dr. med. Simona Lüdi will be happy to receive you for a personal consultation for a thigh lift in our clinic in Basel. We look forward to seeing you.