Thigh lift

As part of your consultation at our Clinic for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery in Nymphenburg, Munich, tell us your wishes and expectations of a thigh lift. For the analysis before the operation and for the assessment of the postoperative course, we create photo documentation.

Aesthetic procedures never consider one region alone. Only through an individual and holistic approach can we achieve excellent results. For this reason, with a thigh lift, we also look at the adjacent regions. In the case of displeasing fat deposits on hips or knees, for example, we sometimes recommend a combination with liposuction at these sites.

If clinically relevant varices are present, it may be necessary to rehabilitate them before surgery. We are happy to give you some recommendations for this.

In order not to unnecessarily increase the risk of postoperative bleeding, the use of aspirin should be avoided in the two weeks prior to the operation. The consumption of alcohol and nicotine should also be reduced to a minimum.

In the days and nights shortly after the operation, it would be advisable to have support at home for everyday activities. For the period of six weeks after surgery, you should not expose yourself to severe physical stress. When scheduling, consider the necessary recovery phase after the procedure.

To achieve a good result, you should consistently wear compression underwear after surgery. We have a selection of different models and sizes in our Clinic for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery. If necessary, we can order other models and sizes at short notice.

As a rule, you will be hospitalized on the day of the operation at the highly specialized Dritter Orden Clinic. In the days before you will meet with the anesthesiologists at the Dritter Orden Clinic. There you will be interviewed in detail regarding your medical history, such as previous illnesses, allergies and intolerances, and the anesthesia will be discussed with you. In most cases, a one to two night stay at the clinic is sufficient.

On the morning of the operation, we will clarify any final questions and draw the markings for the procedure with you in a standing position.

After administering anesthesia, the operating area is sterilized and covered per hygiene protocol. As a prophylactic measure, you will receive a single dose of broad-spectrum antibiotics. These measures have been proven to reduce postoperative infections.

We strive to achieve maximum effect with as few scars as possible. In the right conditions, the scar can be positioned in the natal cleft. An extension of the scar into the groin may be necessary. However, if the excess skin is still apparent, a vertical scar on the inside of the thigh must be left. When positioning, we make sure that this vertical scar is invisible as possible from the front, as well as from behind in a standing position.

The surgical site on the femoral insides and other regions to be suctioned are now infiltrated with a tumescent solution consisting of isotonic saline, local anesthetic, adrenaline, and other substances. These areas are then suctioned.

Due to the suction also on the inside of the thigh, nothing has to be mobilized when removing the excess skin in order to close the resulting defect. This procedure is very gentle, as significantly less lymphatic, blood vessel and dermal nerves injury occur than when using the conventional technique with extensive mobilization of the wound edges.

For skin resection, it is important not to remove deep subcutaneous adipose tissue as it could also injure lymphatic vessels. Thanks to the liposuction, a significant reduction in volume can still be achieved in these sensitive areas.

As a rule, two drainages are inserted for the drainage of wound fluid. The skin closure is done with self-dissolving stitches, so no removal is necessary. After applying a sterile bandage, the legs are dressed with an elastic bandage. This bandage is removed the next day and the compression garment is then applied.

After discharge, you need to present at regular intervals at our office hours. The success of the operation is documented photographically.

Postoperative pain can be very well managed by cooling and painkillers such as ibuprofen. Prolonged “tweaking or weather sensitivity” are normal and no cause for alarm.

It is very important at this stage to consistently wear your compression underwear to optimize the aesthetic result. For scar therapy, silicone gel is recommended. In the case of unsightly scarring, silicone patches may be required.

Sports and activities that would exert the legs should be avoided for six weeks.

In the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon, this surgery is associated with a very low rate of complication but high levels of satisfaction. As with any other surgery, there are general and specific complications associated with the nature of the procedure.

First and foremost, we strive to achieve the desired surgical result with appealing aesthetics and broad symmetry. The closer you get to your ideal weight at the time of the surgery, the better the aesthetic result will be.

Swelling and bruising of the skin are normal and regress within two to three weeks.

In rare cases, even after the drainage has been removed, accumulation of blood (hematoma) or fluid (seroma) may occur. The liquid can be detected by ultrasound and punctured under controlled sterile conditions. Only very rarely does it prove necessary to open the operating area again and to remove the fluid (hematoma removal), as otherwise a wound healing disorder or hardened scars can occur.

Postoperative sensory dysfunction of the insides of the thighs and knees is normal. In most cases, the feeling normalises within a few months. However, persistent sensory disturbances can occur.

Combining a vertical and a transverse scar in the groin may result in a wound healing disorder at the intersection. This risk is significantly increased in heavy smokers. Only in rare cases is a surgical procedure for correction necessary.

How scars develop is often unpredictable. By avoiding unnecessary stretching in the skin, wearing the compression garment and regular care, however, the scarring can be positively influenced.