Leg Lift Surgery (Thigh Lift)

Leg lift surgery is also medically referred to as thigh lift surgery and is usually performed to correct or tighten sagging skin in a person’s thigh area. This surgery may be an option for people who have problems with skin loosening or sagging due to reasons such as aging, weight loss or genetic factors.

Leg lift surgery is usually performed as follows:

Anesthesia: Before the surgery, the patient is given general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The type of anesthesia may vary depending on the extent of surgery and the patient’s preferences.

Determining the Incision Location: The surgeon determines the appropriate incisions according to the condition of skin sagging in the area where the surgery will be performed. These incisions are usually made on the inner thigh or in the groin area so that surgical scars can be carefully concealed.

Tightening the Skin and Tissues: The surgeon uses incisions to tighten the skin and underlying tissues. This may include removing excess skin and fat.

Stitches: After the skin and tissues are tightened, the surgeon closes the incisions with stitches. The stitches are usually dissolvable.

Healing Process: In the postoperative period, the patient’s legs are supported and frequent rest is recommended to reduce swelling. It is important to take care in accordance with the surgeon’s instructions and pay attention to the healing process.

Leg lift surgery can make a person’s legs look tighter and more aesthetically pleasing. However, surgery has risks and potential complications, so it is important to have a thorough evaluation with a plastic surgeon before surgery.

Why is leg lift surgery performed?

Leg lift surgery is generally performed to improve the aesthetic appearance of the legs due to sagging skin or fat accumulation. The main reasons for this surgery may be:

Skin Sagging: Skin sagging may occur due to aging, rapid weight loss or genetic factors. A leg lift can correct this sagging skin and help you achieve a firmer appearance.

After Weight Loss: When people lose weight, they often complain about their skin sagging. Leg lift surgery can be performed to remove sagging skin after weight loss.

Fat Deposits: Unwanted fat deposits in the legs can lead to problems that are often not corrected by diet and exercise. Leg lift combined with liposuction can reduce these fat deposits and provide more shapely legs.

Genetic Factors: Some people may have genetic problems with sagging skin or leg shape. In this case, leg lift surgery may be considered for aesthetic purposes.

Improved Body Contour: A leg lift can help a person make their body contours more balanced and harmonious. If there is sagging, especially in the upper inner part of the legs, this operation can help solve this problem.

Leg lift surgery can be customized to meet an individual’s aesthetic goals and needs. Every patient is different, so the necessity and extent of surgery is evaluated individually.

How is leg lift surgery performed?

Leg lift surgery is a surgical procedure performed by a plastic surgeon and usually includes the following steps:

Preoperative Evaluation: Before surgery, a plastic surgeon evaluates the patient’s needs and the degree of skin sagging in the area where the surgery will be performed. The patient’s health history and expectations regarding surgery are also taken into consideration.

Anesthesia: During the surgery, the patient is anesthetized with general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The type of anesthesia is determined by the scope of the surgery and the patient’s health condition.

Making Incisions: The surgeon makes incisions to correct sagging skin. Incisions are often made on the inner thigh or in the groin area so that surgical scars can be hidden later.

Tightening of Skin and Tissues: The surgeon works to tighten the sagging skin and underlying tissues. Excess skin and fatty tissue can be removed.

Stitches: The surgeon closes the incisions with stitches after the procedure is completed. Dissolvable stitches are generally used.

Recovery Period: In the postoperative period, the patient’s legs are supported and frequent rest is recommended to reduce swelling. It is important to take care in accordance with the surgeon’s instructions and pay attention to the healing process.

The success of the surgery depends on the surgeon’s experience, the patient’s health condition, and how attention is paid to the postoperative period. A tighter and more aesthetically pleasing leg appearance can be achieved as a result of leg lift surgery, but the risks and potential complications of the surgery should also be taken into consideration.

What are the Leg (Thigh) Lift Surgery Methods?

The methods used for leg or thigh lift surgery may vary depending on the person’s skin sagging and anatomical characteristics. But basically, some common methods used are:

Inner Thigh Lift: This method is used to correct sagging skin on the inner surface of the legs. Depending on the degree of skin sagging, the surgical scar may extend downwards from the groin area or be more limited in the groin crease.

Outer Thigh Lift: This method is used to eliminate sagging skin on the outer surface of the legs. Usually the surgery scar is located near the hip area.

Below the Knee Lift: If there is a problem with skin sagging in the lower part of the legs, below the knee lift surgery may be considered. This surgery is used to correct sagging skin below the knee.

Total Thigh Lift: This method is performed to correct sagging skin on the entire legs. This surgery may be preferred when the skin sagging problem affects all areas of the legs.

Leg Lift Combined with Liposuction: Liposuction can help remove excess fat and make legs look more contoured. For this reason, in some cases, leg lift surgery and liposuction are used together.

Minimally Invasive Methods: In some cases, minimally invasive techniques may be preferred when skin sagging is mild. These methods use smaller incisions and the healing process may be faster.

Which method of leg lift surgery will be used is determined depending on the severity of the patient’s skin sagging, anatomical characteristics and post-operative goals.

Upper Leg (Thigh) Stretch

Upper leg (thigh) lift is a plastic surgery procedure usually performed to correct sagging or loosening of skin in a person’s thigh area. This surgery may be an option for people who have problems with sagging or loosening skin due to reasons such as aging, weight loss or genetic factors.

Upper leg lift surgery may include the following steps:

Preoperative Evaluation: Before surgery, a plastic surgeon evaluates the condition of the skin sagging in the patient’s thigh area. The patient’s health history, expectations regarding surgery, and special needs are also taken into consideration.

Anesthesia: During the surgery, the patient is anesthetized with general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The type of anesthesia is determined depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s health condition.

Making Incisions: The surgeon makes incisions to correct sagging areas of skin. Incisions are usually made on the inner thigh or in the groin area so that surgical scars can be carefully concealed later.

Tightening of Skin and Tissues: The surgeon works to tighten the sagging skin and underlying tissues. At this stage, excess skin and fatty tissue can be removed.

Stitches: When the surgery is over, the surgeon closes the incisions with stitches. Dissolvable stitches are generally used.

Recovery Period: In the postoperative period, the patient’s legs are supported and frequent rest is recommended to reduce swelling. It is important to take care in accordance with the surgeon’s instructions and pay attention to the healing process.

As a result of upper leg lift surgery, the person’s thigh area can have a tighter and more aesthetically pleasing appearance. However, the success of the surgery depends on the surgeon’s experience, the patient’s health condition and the care provided in the postoperative period.

Mini Leg (Thigh) Lift

Mini leg (thigh) lift is a plastic surgery procedure for people who want to alleviate the problem of sagging skin on the legs or achieve a more shaped appearance. This procedure targets sagging skin on the upper inner aspect of the legs and offers a less invasive option with a smaller surgery.

Mini leg lift surgery can be summarized as follows:

Preoperative Evaluation: The patient and surgeon conduct a detailed preliminary evaluation to determine the goals and expectations of the surgery. The surgeon evaluates the degree of the person’s skin sagging problem.

Anesthesia: The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia so that the patient is relaxed and does not feel pain.

Incision Location: The incisions for the mini leg lift procedure are generally made on the inner surface of the groin area. These incisions are placed so that they are not easily visible from the outside.

Removal of Sagging Skin: The surgeon who corrects skin sagging removes excess skin and fatty tissue. It is aimed to obtain a tighter appearance on the upper inner surface of the legs.

Placement of Stitches: The cut area is closed with stitches. These stitches are placed carefully to support the healing process and minimize surgical scars.

Healing Process: The post-operative recovery process may vary from person to person, but usually takes several weeks. The surgeon gives post-operative care instructions, and when these instructions are followed, recovery will be faster and smoother.

Mini leg lift surgery offers a less invasive option than full leg lift surgery and may leave fewer scars.

Inner Thigh Lift

Inner thigh lift is a plastic surgery procedure performed to correct skin sagging or loosening in a person’s inner thigh area. This type of skin sagging may occur due to reasons such as aging, weight loss or genetic factors, and may be a cause of aesthetics or discomfort for some people. Inner thigh lift surgery is a preferred option to solve this problem and ensure that the legs gain a firmer and more aesthetic appearance.

Inner thigh lift surgery may include these steps:

Preoperative Evaluation: Before surgery, a plastic surgeon evaluates the condition of the patient’s inner legs and the degree of skin sagging. The patient’s health history, expectations regarding surgery, and special needs are also taken into consideration.

Anesthesia: During the surgery, the patient is anesthetized with general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The type of anesthesia is determined depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s health condition.

Making Incisions: The surgeon makes incisions to correct sagging skin on the inner legs. The incisions usually start in the groin area and extend towards the inner thigh.

Tightening of Skin and Tissues: The surgeon works to tighten the sagging skin and underlying tissues. At this stage, excess skin and fatty tissue can be removed.

Stitches: When the surgery is over, the surgeon closes the incisions with stitches. Dissolvable stitches are generally used.

Recovery Period: In the postoperative period, the patient’s legs are supported and frequent rest is recommended to reduce swelling. It is important to take care in accordance with the surgeon’s instructions and pay attention to the healing process.

As a result of inner thigh lift surgery, the person’s inner legs can have a tighter and more aesthetically pleasing appearance. However, like any surgical procedure, inner thigh lift surgery has risks and potential complications, so it is important to undergo a comprehensive evaluation with a plastic surgeon before surgery and follow the recovery process in accordance with the surgeon’s recommendations.

How long does a leg lift operation take?

The duration of the leg lift operation may vary depending on the scope and complexity of the surgery. Leg lift surgery usually takes between one and three hours. However, each patient is different and surgery time may vary depending on personal factors, the surgeon’s experience, and the planned procedures.

Factors affecting the duration of leg lift surgery may be:

Scope of Surgery: Which areas need to be corrected is an important factor affecting the duration of the surgery. While some patients may only want to correct the upper inner thigh area, others may prefer a more extensive leg lift procedure that may also include the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen.

Skin Condition: The more extensive or severe the skin sagging, the more time the surgeon may need to spend.

Surgeon’s Experience: An experienced plastic surgeon can perform the surgery more effectively, which can shorten the surgery time.

Additional Procedures: Some patients may choose to have leg lift surgery combined with other aesthetic procedures at the same time. For example, additional procedures such as liposuction may extend surgery time.

The duration of the surgery will be determined based on your surgeon’s surgical plan and your needs. Before the surgery, your surgeon will inform you about the process and give more specific information about how long the surgery will take.

What Should We Pay Attention to Before Leg Lift Surgery?

There are some important points you should pay attention to before leg lift surgery. These points are very important for the success of the surgery and a comfortable recovery process. Here are the things you should pay attention to before leg lift surgery:

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon: It is very important to choose a suitable plastic surgeon. You should research your surgeon’s experience, expertise, and track record. It is important to establish good communication with your surgeon and clearly express your expectations.

Reason for Surgery and Expectations: You must clearly determine the reason for the surgery and your expectations. It is important to understand what type of outcome you expect and how the surgery will affect you.

Health Evaluation: A health evaluation should be performed to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for surgical procedures. You should share important information with your doctor, such as chronic health problems, allergies or medication use.

Smoking and Alcohol Use: Smoking and alcohol can negatively affect post-operative recovery. If possible, you should stop smoking and consuming alcohol before surgery.

Medication and Supplements: You should not use any medication or supplements without your doctor’s knowledge before surgery. Some medications can increase the risk of bleeding after surgery, so you should share all medications and supplements you use with your doctor.

Post-Operative Care Plan: You should make your post-operative care and recovery plan in advance. It is important to find a friend or family member who can help and to make plans to organize your work and social activities.

Post-Surgery Scars: You should be realistic about post-operative scars. There will be scars after leg lift surgery, but they may fade over time. You should adjust your expectations by talking about this with your surgeon.

Preparation and Recovery Process: It is important to learn how to prepare for the post-operative period. You should especially consider the clothes you will wear after surgery and your wound care.

Recovery process after Leg Lift Surgery

The recovery process after leg lift surgery may vary depending on the patient’s health condition, the scope of the surgery and personal factors. However, in general, a recovery process as follows can be expected:

Immediately After Surgery: Immediately after surgery, the legs are wrapped with bandages or tight clothing. These garments help reduce swelling and support the skin. They also apply pressure to the surgical area.

First Few Days: Swelling, bruising and mild pain in the legs are normal for the first few days after surgery. Your doctor will recommend your medications to control the pain.

Movement and Activity: Walking and light exercises are important in the postoperative period to increase circulation and prevent blood clots. However, heavy exercises and weight lifting should be avoided.

Healing Process: The healing process may vary from person to person, but you can usually return to daily activities within 2 to 4 weeks. Postoperative stitches dissolve or are removed over time.

Care of Scars: Care of scars after surgery is important. Creams or lotions recommended by your doctor can be used. Sun protection is also important to prevent scars from discoloring.

Long-Term Results: Long-term results of leg lift surgery usually become apparent within a few months after surgery. Legs gain a firmer and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Doctor Visits: It is important to have regular follow-up appointments with your doctor during the post-operative period. During these visits, your recovery is monitored and your doctor provides necessary recommendations and instructions.

The recovery process after leg lift surgery may vary from patient to patient, so it is important to pay attention to your surgeon’s instructions and recommendations.

Leg Lift Surgery Prices 2023

Leg lift surgery prices may vary depending on many factors. These factors may include:

Experience and Expertise of the Surgeon: The services of an experienced and renowned plastic surgeon may generally command a higher fee.

Scope of Surgery: The cost may be lower if the scope of leg lift surgery includes only the upper inner leg area. Full leg lift surgery involves more area and is usually more expensive.

Difficulty of Surgery: The difficulty and duration of the surgical procedure may affect the price. A more complex surgery may require more cost.

Surgery Location: The location and reputation of the hospital or surgery center where the surgery will be performed may also affect the price.

Anesthesia Type: General anesthesia, sedation or local anesthesia can be used. The type of anesthesia may affect the cost.

Additional Costs: Additional costs associated with surgery may include factors such as hospital stay, post-operative care, and check-ups.

Geographic Location: The geographical location of where the surgery is performed may affect prices. Healthcare in larger cities is generally more expensive.

In general, the cost of leg lift surgery may vary depending on the country, city and surgeon. It is important to consult with a plastic surgeon to determine your surgery price. Your surgeon will provide you with a customized cost estimate based on the scope of the surgery, your needs and expectations.

Frequently asked Questions

Will There Be Any Scars After Leg Lift Surgery?

Scars may occur after leg lift surgery, but these scars are usually located in the groin or inner thighs and vary depending on the surgeon’s sewing techniques and the patient’s skin type. Generally, plastic surgeons work carefully to minimize scars, and over time, scars can lessen their prominence.

Can’t the inner legs be corrected with liposuction?

Liposuction is a procedure aimed at reducing fat tissue and does not correct sagging skin. It is not effective against sagging skin problems inside the legs. Therefore, leg lift surgery may be a more suitable option for patients with skin sagging problems.

What are the risks associated with leg lift surgery?

Leg lift surgery may involve risks. These may include infection, bleeding, stitching problems, loss of sensation, worsening of scars and anesthesia-related complications. Risks may vary depending on factors such as the surgeon’s experience and the patient’s health condition.

Is Leg Lift surgery painful?

Pain after leg lift surgery may vary depending on the patient’s personal tolerance and the extent of the surgery. Mild to moderate pain and discomfort are common during the first few days after surgery. However, these pains can usually be controlled with medications and decrease over time.

Are the results of leg lift surgery permanent?

The results of leg lift surgery may vary from person to person, but generally the long-term results can be permanent. After the surgery, the legs can have a firmer and more aesthetically pleasing appearance. However, the aging process and lifestyle factors may affect the results.

What is the difference between Thigh Lift and Leg Lift?

Thigh lift and leg lift surgeries are two different plastic surgery procedures that have similar purposes but focus on different areas. Thigh lift aims to correct inner thigh sagging, which usually starts in the groin area and extends to the knees. Leg lift covers a larger area and may include the upper inner parts of the legs, thighs, hips and waist area. Both procedures are used to tighten sagging skin, but the extent of surgery varies.

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