Thigh Lift

Who Is a Candidate for a Thigh Lift?

You are a potential candidate for a thigh lift if you are at very near your ideal weight but still have excess skin and fat on the thighs.

You should refrain from smoking for at least 4 weeks before your surgery and 2 weeks after. Most medical issues can be managed in order to make surgery safe, but diabetes and high blood pressure, in particular, must be under control before the procedure.

What Is a Thigh Lift?

A thigh lift can be done on the inner thigh (medial thigh lift) or the outer thigh (lateral thigh lift) or both, and the surgery also smooths cellulite and can even sometimes reduce stretch marks.

During the thigh lift, Dr. Lewis removes excess skin from the thighs, and if necessary, he also performs liposuction to extract any excess fat.

Cost in Richmond

The cost of thigh lift surgery starts at $9,200 but can vary based on the extent of your procedure. During your initial consultation, we provide a breakdown of costs related to your thigh lift procedure. This includes:

• Dr. Lewis’ fee
• Operating room fee
• Anesthesia fee
• Cost of any additional overnight stays

Procedure

Individualized approach

Dr. Lewis customizes every thigh lift surgery based on your anatomy, your health, and your personal goals. He uses the most advanced methods for removing excess skin and tightening the thighs, while ensuring that the muscles of the thighs remain intact.

Incisions

For a thigh lift, Dr. Lewis usually places the incisions in the groin area within the bikini line so that they can be hidden even under bathing suits. If vertical incisions on the thigh are necessary in your case, he will let you know during your consultation. He will fully explain why so that you can make an informed decision about the surgery.

Recovery

Will anesthesia and pain relief be used during / after a thigh lift?

We will make sure you are comfortable throughout the whole procedure. You will be given a local anesthetic and IV sedation for what is often called “twilight sleep.” This is lighter anesthesia than a full general anesthetic, but you will be very relaxed and will not feel any pain. For some patients, however, thigh lifts are preferred under general anesthesia.

What happens immediately after a thigh lift?

The incisions will be dressed, and your thighs will probably be fitted with a compression garment to inhibit swelling.

You can go home shortly after the procedure, but someone will need to drive you home.

How long will complete recovery from a thigh lift take?

Most patients take 2-3 weeks off from work after a thigh lift. You can expect some bruising, soreness, and swelling for a period of time. Dr. Lewis will monitor your progress in post-operative visits, and he will remove the sutures and dressings during one of these visits.

It may take a few weeks for the swelling to completely resolve so that you can see the final slimmer contour of your thighs.

Please refrain from strenuous exercise for several weeks after your procedure, as it can worsen your swelling and bruising and inhibit the progress of your recovery. Dr. Lewis will let you know when you are safe to exercise again.

What are the risks of a thigh lift?

Check Accreditation

With any surgical procedure, there are risks that you must be aware of. To minimize the risks, ensure that your surgery is conducted in a safe and secure environment using the latest surgical techniques by checking the certifications and accreditation of your surgeon. Accreditation boards and bodies are there to protect you.

Dr. Gordon Lewis has many years of surgical experience and is affiliated with several internationally recognized professional organizations. He is:

• Board certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• Affiliated with the Richmond Academy of Medicine and the Medical Society of Virginia
• An Associate member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American College of Surgeons
• A candidate member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand

In general, thigh lifts are very safe and well-tolerated. It is rare that serious complications occur. We will speak with you at length about these risks and answer all of your questions.

Risks include, but are not limited to:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Asymmetry
• Accumulation of fluid (hematoma)
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Pain
• Discoloration
• Skin loss
• Scars
• Numbness
• Necessity for revision surgery
• Anesthesia risks

Consultation Expectations

During your comprehensive one-on-one consultation, we will cover several areas of discussion:

• Your medical history and current medications
• Your goals from thigh lift surgery
• Your concerns about thigh lift surgery
• Options for surgically correcting the issues you want to change
• Risks associated with each option
• A surgical price quote that includes any additional costs such as the OR fee and anesthesia. This will also include financing options, if you wish.

Expect to spend close to an hour in our office for your consultation. Every patient is required to attend an initial consultation before a procedure can be booked. Once you decide to proceed with surgery, we will assist you in finalizing a date and getting everything ready for surgery. We try to be as flexible as possible and will make arrangements to see you at Lewis Plastic Surgery in Midlothian within a few days after you contact us.

Location

Dr. Lewis performs surgical procedures at an accredited outpatient surgical center or a local hospital. He is affiliated with several local medical centers where his patients undergo surgery. He primarily operates at these locations:

Johnston-Willis Hospital
Stony Point Surgery Center

Initial consultations, follow up appointments and all non-surgical treatments and minor surgical procedures are performed at Lewis Plastic Surgery in Midlothian, VA.