Body/Thigh Lift & Post Weight Loss

The effects of time and gravity can cause the skin of the inner and outer thigh to lose tone. This loss of tone can cause the skin to sag or lose the smooth appearance of an earlier age. This condition can be exaggerated by weight loss. In general, the inner thighs are affected earlier than the outer thighs. Along with sagging skin, the thighs can be an area of fat collection. Excessive fat can produce an unpleasant thigh contour. For many individuals, in particular women, the fatty deposits do not respond to weight loss or exercise. Liposuction alone can improve the contour of the thighs when skin tone is good and excessive fat is the primary problem. The thigh lift procedure usually involves both liposuction and the removal of excessive skin from either the inner or outer thigh or both. Dr. Parson often combines thigh lifting with a body lift procedure, which usually includes a tummy tuck and buttock lift.

Consultation
During his initial evaluation, Dr. Parson with take a thorough medical history and perform a directed physical examination. He will assess the tone of the skin of the thighs and determine whether excessive fat is contributing to the patient's concerns regarding thigh contour. The technique of liposuction and the thigh lift will be described in detail to the patient. Informational materials will be provided.

Pre-Operative Visit
Approximately 2 weeks prior to surgery, you will meet with Dr. Parson once again to discuss the surgery and to have any further questions answered. It is imperative that you discontinue any medications that may cause bleeding at this time. These medications will be reviewed at the time of the visit. You will be asked to sign a consent for surgery and anesthesia. Dr. Parson performs thigh lift procedures with general anesthesia. Patients find this form of anesthesia to be excellent.

Photographs will be taken and information will be provided regarding the date and time of your procedure. You will need an escort to drive you to and from the office on the day of the surgery and for the first post-operative visit. You should wear loose fitting clothing that will wash easily in the event they are soiled. Do not wear jewelry, contact lenses, or bring valuables to the operating room. Remove all jewelry from pierced body parts; this can interfere with the procedure and may represent a safety threat to you because of the use of electrocautery during the procedure.

The balance of your surgical fee is due at this pre-operative visit. Dr. Parson will write prescriptions for preventative antibiotics to decrease the risk of infection and narcotic analgesics will be provided for post-operative pain relief.

The Day of Surgery
On the day of surgery, you will meet with the peri-operative nurse and your vital signs will be checked. The anesthesiologist will review your medical history and perform a directed physical examination. Dr. Parson will place markings on you while you are standing.

A thigh lift procedure takes between 2 and 4 hours depending on whether both the inner and outer thighs are to be lifted and whether it is part of a body lift. Usually the procedure begins with liposuctioning, to be followed by removal of excess skin. The sutures used to close the skin are of the dissolving kind, and do not need to be removed.

Sterile dressings are placed on the incisions followed by an elastic garment that goes from the waist to just above the knees. Patients are usually ready for discharge from the recovery area approximately 1 hour following the procedure but it is necessary to have an escort to drive you home. Patients cannot be discharged to the company of a minor or a taxi service. Out of town patients should stay locally for 7-10 days.

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