If you have lost a significant amount of weight, you may notice that you now have excess skin on various areas of the body. This can occur not only on the abdomen but on the arms, buttocks and thighs as well. After undergoing a large weight loss, the last thing you want to do is feel bad about your appearance because of excess skin. Fortunately, you can have excess skin removed by having a mini thigh lift.
What is a mini thigh lift?
A mini thigh lift is perfect for those who do not have too much excess skin. If you have lots of excess skin, you may be more suitable to have a full thigh lift instead. A mini thigh lift removes excess skin from the inner thighs. This will leave you with more contoured thighs without any excess, sagging skin.
A mini thigh lift is often an appealing option as it is a smaller procedure – it will involve a smaller incision, and therefore a smaller scar. You may also experience a quicker recovery period.
Can I have a mini thigh lift?
This will all depend on how much excess skin you have on the thighs and the location of the skin. If you have a small amount of excess skin located in the inner thigh, you may be eligible for a mini thigh lift. However, if you have a large amount of excess skin, and there is sagging skin on the inner and outer thighs, you may need a full thigh lift. Prior to having any surgery, you will have a consultation with a surgeon who will be able to assess your thighs and determine whether you should have a mini or a full tummy tuck.
To be eligible for a mini thigh lift, you will also need to be:
- At least 18 years old
- Have a BMI below 30
- Be physically and mentally healthy
You will also be required to stop smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery, and continue to avoid smoking throughout the duration of the recovery period.
What does the mini thigh lift procedure involve?
Prior to having a mini thigh lift, you will be given a general anaesthetic used exclusively at Centre for Surgery known as ClearSleep™. Unlike traditional anaesthetic, ClearSleep™ does not involve the use of any breathing machines or tubes, which removes the risk of damage to your throat. You will also wake up quicker following the procedure, and will not experience that groggy feeling often associated with anaesthetic. As a result of this, you will be able to leave the same day as the procedure, once the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off.
A mini thigh lift will involve an incision in the groin area. This incision is far smaller than that of a full thigh lift. This incision will be hidden within the inner thigh/groin crease. If necessary, liposuction will take place at this point to remove any excess fat from the thighs. The remaining skin is then pulled over the incision which is then shut. This allows you to have increased skin laxity, less excess skin and better-contoured thighs.
What is the recovery time like?
As this is a smaller procedure than a thigh lift, you will experience a shorter recovery period.
You can still expect to experience some bruising and swelling around the incision area. If necessary, you can take medication to help with any symptoms. You will be given a compression garment to wear, which will help to keep your thighs in the best shape possible, while also reducing swelling, therefore speeding up the recovery time.
You may have to take up to two weeks off work in order to fully recover. This will vary from person to person and will depend on your recovery period and the type of job you have.
You will be encouraged to start walking as soon as possible. However, you will need to avoid strenuous exercise for two to four weeks. After two weeks you may wish to start light exercises.
Are you interested in a mini thigh lift? This is a procedure Centre for Surgery currently offers. Contact us today to find out if you can have a mini thigh lift, or to book a consultation with one of our surgeons.