Perhaps you lost a substantial amount of weight with either diet and exercise or bariatric surgery, but you still have excess skin and some fat on your inner thighs. You are living a healthy lifestyle and either at or near your goal body weight. Despite your efforts, the excess skin will not disappear. You may be a candidate for an inner thigh lift to remove this problematic tissue. Dr. Schaefer offers the inner thigh lift as one of his body contouring techniques to help patients achieve their goals and restore their confidence.
Your Consultation
If you’re considering an inner thigh lift, please contact us for a consultation. In your consultation, Dr. Schaefer will listen to your concerns and aesthetic goals. He will gather information regarding your weight loss and prior surgeries. He will perform a thorough physical examination and tell you what he recommends and why.
He will make sure he listens to all your questions and give you ample time to ask them. By talking with Dr. Schaefer, you will get a better idea of what can and cannot be expected with an inner thigh lift. He wants you to have accurate expectation of your outcome.
He will discuss the shape and contour of your legs, your unique body type, and what you can expect leading up to, and during surgery. He will explain the recovery process and how you can recover successfully.
It is important that both you and Dr. Schaefer agree on the aesthetics and process of your surgery so that you can reach an attainable goal.
Suitable Candidates
As with all cosmetic procedures, your motivations are important. You should be doing the procedure for yourself and not to satisfy someone else.
An inner thigh lift can be considered if:
- You are physically healthy and at a stable weight. If you have lost a significant amount of body weight, you want that weight loss to be stable for at least 3-6 months.
- You have lost most of the fat tissue from your thighs, and the majority of your problem is excess skin.
- You have an appropriate body mass index
- Your expectations are realistic
- You don’t smoke
- You want to change the contour and dimensions of your thighs
Inner thigh lift procedure
An inner thigh lift is done under general anesthesia and typically you can go home the same day as your procedure. Certain patients may require overnight hospital stays. The surgery typically requires an incision within the groin crease which then extends down along the thigh and sometimes as far as the knee depending on your specific goals and anatomy. Drains will be placed in each leg, your incisions will be closed with absorbable sutures, and bandages will be applied.
Patients who have less deflation in their legs and still retain a substantial amount of fat tissue may require a staged approach. The first stage would involve liposuction to debulk the legs. Dr. Schaefer favors the innovative SAFELipo® approach. At a second stage typically 3 months later, the excess skin can be removed. Substantial liposuction cannot be combined with the excisional procedure because of swelling.
What to expect before and after surgery
Before surgery
To prepare for your inner thigh lift, you will want to avoid blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory medications for at least 2 weeks before surgery. You will need to see your primary care physician within 30 days of the planned surgery for a history and physical examination. Your primary care physician will determine if you need any other testing.
You will go home the same day of surgery unless you have additional procedures with the inner thigh lift, or if you have other high risk factors that require an overnight stay.
After surgery
You will have some discomfort after surgery. We use preoperative pain medications to stop pain before it starts in an effort to reduce narcotic requirements as much as possible. You should be able to go back to work after 2 weeks or more if you job is physically demanding. You will see Dr. Schaefer in clinic regularly so we can monitor your progress and address any issues that may develop. Your drains will typically be removed at 1-2 weeks. The record you keep at home measuring how much output comes from these drains on a daily basis helps Dr. Schaefer and his staff determine the optimal time to remove the drains. Dr. Schaefer will discuss scar care after the surgery and help you optimize the outcome of your surgery. Some patients will require preventative medications to avoid clots in their legs for a period of time after surgery.
Caring for yourself after surgery
Your bandages will be removed within 48 hours of surgery. You will be able to shower 48 hours after surgery. Dr. Schaefer, however, would like you to avoid submerging in a bath or going swimming until the appropriate time. This will require monitoring by Dr. Schaefer. Dr. Schaefer will instruct you on the appropriate time to wear compression garments on your legs. This will help the shape and swelling.
At home, make sure you have a designated place set aside to recover. It is practical to have necessary items like medications, reading material, remote control, etc. within arm’s reach.
You must limit strenuous activity for a minimum of 4 weeks. It is highly recommended a that you plan on being off from work for a minimum of 2 weeks.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon
Choosing a surgeon for any surgery is of paramount importance. It is vital for your plastic surgeon to have the right qualifications and credentials. Your surgeon should be board certified and in good standing with the various medical boards. You should also look at factors like education, experience, and satisfied patients. It is important to do your research and visit with the doctor personally.
Don’t forget the support staff. Make sure they are professional, friendly and caring. This will be the people to lean on during your recovery. Make sure you are comfortable with the entire team.
Why Dr. Schaefer?
Dr. Schaefer graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, and an M.S. in Engineering from Stanford University. After deciding to join the field of plastic surgery, he completed his plastic and reconstructive surgery training at the prestigious Emory University in Atlanta.
With careful planning and his problem-solving approach, Dr. Schaefer customizes his strategy to achieve your goals.
For the inner thigh lift, Minneapolis-based Dr. Schaefer utilizes the latest and most advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment. By doing so, he can assure patients like you are receiving the latest and safest outcomes.
A board-certified plastic surgeon with the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Schaefer has been named BEST DOCTOR and BEST DOCTOR FOR WOMEN by the Minnesota Monthly Magazine. He was also named a TOP DOCTOR FOR PLASTIC SURGERY by the Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine.
Schedule Your Consultation Appointment Today
Those who received an inner thigh lift in Minneapolis from Dr. Schaefer experienced a dramatic improvement in self-confidence. Dr. Schaefer is passionate about helping both out of town and local, Minneapolis patients improve their outward appearance and quality of life. To learn more how Dr. Schaefer can improve your appearance and self-esteem, please contact us today.
To schedule your consultation appointment, please call our Minneapolis office at 952-920-2600 or go to the Contact page and fill out the necessary information to schedule your appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon.
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