Procedure Spotlight
- Reduces excess skin and fat from the thighs
- Alleviate chaffing often associated with the excess tissue on the inner thighs
- Give better contour to the thighs and reduces the excess skin which results in smoother and firmer upper legs
- Often combined with Liposuction to get rid of stubborn fat.
- Incisions are done so that they can be concealed when the legs are together whilst standing
Patients may be unhappy with the appearance of their thighs, particularly after massive weight loss where they can be left with excess skin.
Thigh lift surgery gives the thighs a better contour and reduces the excess skin which results in smoother and firmer upper legs. Dr Safvat often combines the thigh lift procedure with thigh liposuction to get rid of stubborn fat.
A thigh lift is not a substitute for healthy diet and exercise.
Technique
Thigh lift is done under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited private hospital. Dr Safvat only works with highly trained anaesthetists accredited with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists.
Depending on skin tone and the area with the excess skin and fat, the incision can be just on the inner thighs (medial thigh lift) or in the groin crease (upper thigh lift) or a combination of the two which is where the incisions usually extend from the groin through to above the knee. The incisions (either in the inner leg or the groin area) allow for removal of soft tissue and excess skin in order to create a better line on both the inner and outer thigh. The scars are positioned so that they can be concealed when the legs are together whilst standing.
Dr Safvat will discuss with you what operation suits your thighs and how long the incision will need to be during your consultation.
Procedure Snapshot
| Anaesthetic Type: | General Anaesthetic |
| Length of Surgery: | 4 hours |
| Stay in Hospital: | Day only – 1 night |
| Downtime: | 1-2 weeks depending on type of work |
Recovery
A compression garment is worn for 6 weeks after a thigh lift surgery. This is to prevent fluid collection and reduce swelling.
Gentle walking is encouraged after thigh lift surgery; however, patients still need to rest and take it easy for the first few weeks post operatively. 1-2 weeks off work is recommended (depending on the type of work you do). You can resume more strenuous activities around 6 weeks post-surgery.
You will be able to see the initial results of your surgery fairly quickly, however swelling and bruising may prevent you from seeing the full results for 2-3 weeks.
Preparation
Smoking has been shown to cause more complications after any surgery. Dr Safvat would insist that his patients stop smoking at least 3 weeks before their thigh lift surgery.
Also, best results are achieved if patient’s weight are stable and they are near their ideal body weight. It is important to remember Thigh Lift is not a substitute for weight loss.
Scars
There is no way to prevent scars completely after surgery and everyone can scar differently. However, the techniques Dr Safvat uses to suture his wounds are designed to minimise scarring. What’s more, any scarring will fade over time, especially if they are cared for correctly.
Scarring from the thigh lift is concealed in the area of the groin and the inner aspect of the thigh.
Dr Safvat will provide you with his specific protocol for scar management that will help you protect and care for your incisions in a way that will minimise scarring. Patients who have followed Dr Safvat’s protocol for scar management diligently have been very pleased with their progress in reducing and fading of scars.
Dr Safvat will also include LED Light Therapy sessions (available in Miranda only) which will assist with wound healing, scarring and recovery.
Complications
While all care and diligence is taken by Dr Safvat to minimise or avoid complications, any surgical procedure can be associated with some general complications and/or specific complications related to the surgery you are having. Choosing a Specialist Plastic Surgeon such as Dr Safvat and having your procedure done in an accredited hospital minimises risks as does using an accredited Anaesthetist.
Some general surgical potential complications are:
• Infection that may require antibiotics (Dr Safvat prescribes all patients antibiotics after surgery to minimise this risk).
• Fluid build-up under the skin (seroma).
• Allergic reaction to dressings and other items used during the procedure.
• The formation of blood collection (haematoma) which could require additional surgery.
• Scars heal differently in different people. Some people are genetically prone to develop keloid scars. Hypertrophic scars develop when there is a complication in the healing process. Whilst not ideal, there is no threat to your health if you develop these.
Some potential complications related to thigh lift surgery specifically are:
• Visible and prominent scars such as keloids and hypertrophic scars.
• Asymmetry.
• Distortion of the genitalia’s contour and appearance (particularly in women).
• Loss of sensation, however this is usually temporary.
• Restrictive movement to the tightened skin.
• Discharge from surgical wounds or palpable lumps.
• Skin that does not heal may require a skin graft.
• Swelling of the feet and ankle and legs below the thighs.
Cost
In some cases, thigh lift surgery has an item number and patients will receive a rebate from Medicare and their health fund. If the patient qualifies for the item number, the hospital costs are generally covered by their private health fund however, it does depend on the patient’s level and type of cover. There are stringent guidelines from Medicare as to whether a patient qualifies for Medicare item number or not. Alternatively, you can have the procedure done in a Private Hospital as a Self-Funded patient. All of your options will be discussed during your consultation in Dr Safvat’s private rooms in Bowral, Miranda, or Concord.
Detailed information regarding costs will be provided to you after your initial consultation.
Frequently asked questions
IS THIGH LIFT THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME?
A thigh lift could be an option for you if:
- You have excess skin in your upper leg / thigh area that is causing you grief and you would like to remove.
- You have areas of fat and tissue that do not respond to exercise or diet
- You are in good health and you do not smoke
- You will maintain a healthy lifestyle after your procedure
- You have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery
WHAT CAN I EXPECT OVER THE LONG TERM AFTER THIGH LIFT SURGERY?
Thigh lift results should be long-lasting provided you maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle after your surgery.
ARE THERE ANY ALTERNATIVES TO THIGH LIFT SURGERY?
Not really. Liposuction can be used to minimise fat; however, it will not improve the skin laxity in the thighs and potentially could make the skin laxity worse.
CAN I COMBINE AN THIGH LIFT WITH OTHER COSMETIC SURGERY PROCEDURES?
Thigh lifts are generally undertaken to reverse the effects of weight loss and age. This means it is often paired with procedures that combat the same effects. Thigh lifts can, in some cases, be paired with Gynaecomastia or abdominoplasty. It is important to remember that not all procedures can be performed at the same time. Dr Safvat will determine whether it’s viable to perform all the procedures you have in mind at the same time.
Where does Dr Safvat perform this procedure?
Dr Safvat does the Thigh Lift procedure in the Sydney region (Sutherland Shire and Inner West) as well as in the Southern Highlands, NSW. He only operates in fully accredited Private Hospitals, these being Kareena Private Hospital (Caringbah), Strathfield Private Hospital, Southern Highlands Private Hospital (Bowral) and Ramsay Surgical Centre Miranda.
Before and Afters
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Dr Safvat is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon. Every patient is unique and results may vary. Any surgical procedure carries risks which need to be discussed with your doctor to ensure you are fully informed and realistic outcomes have been explained. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
These photos are of actual patients of Dr Safvat. Each has given consent for the photos to be used by Dr Safvat only.
DR ANDRE SAFVAT (MED1155201)
Registered Medical Practitioner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon (specialist registration in Surgery – Plastic surgery).
Dr André Safvat – Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Renowned for his dedication to his patients, his attention to detail and impeccable outcomes, Dr Safvat’s unparalleled expertise is reflected in the quality, professionalism and dedication of every member of our team.
