A Thigh Lift is a surgical procedure that addresses excess skin laxity, typically after patients have lost a considerable amount of weight. These patients are often left with loose and excessive skin folds along the upper inner thigh. At other times, patients simply have a large amount of loose skin that has lost its elasticity over time. During surgery, excess skin and fatty tissue are removed, leaving a scar that hides along the fold where the groin and thigh meet. Often, there is an additional scar that runs down the inner aspect of the thigh to the knee. There are various types of thigh lift procedures that Dr Dona performs in Sydney, categorised by the specific areas of the thighs that require contouring and the amount of tissue removal necessary to achieve the desired results.
If you’ve lost a considerable amount of weight or have excessive loose skin that’s lost elasticity, you may be wondering which type of thigh lift is for you. The descriptions of the four types of Thigh Lifts below may help you understand these procedures a little better before your Initial Consultation.
A Thigh Lift is a surgical procedure that is suitable for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or who have an abundance of skin that has lost its elasticity. Consequently, they have loose, excessive skin folds along the upper inner thigh. These skinfolds can cause various health concerns that may be emotionally and physically distressing to the individual.
All patients of Dr Dona can choose to have the procedure at either Norwest Private Hospital or Westmead Private Hospital. A Thigh Lift is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes between three and four hours, depending on the extent of surgery required. Most patients spend at least two nights in hospital. However, some may benefit from spending several more nights before feeling medically fit enough to return home.
Before your procedure, you’ll be given a detailed post-operative plan. This involves multiple weekly in-clinic post-operative care visits with our nursing team that continue for several weeks. This plan enables our nursing team and Dr Dona to monitor your progress, initiate post-operative treatments and wound care, and ensure you achieve all the necessary recovery milestones. Additionally, you’ll also commence your HeaLED Post Surgery Care Program.
The Mini Thigh Lift is appropriate for patients with less pronounced excess skin and fat, primarily in the upper inner thigh. A crescent-like segment of excess skin and fat is removed from the upper inner thigh. This results in a single scar within the groin crease (and often extending to the lower buttock at the top of the back of the thighs) where the inner thigh meets the groin. The Mini Lift is ideal for individuals who are close to their ideal weight and have a more localised area of concern.
If an individual has significant excess skin extending down the inner aspect of the site towards the knee, then a more extensive Thigh Lift procedure is required. A Medial Thigh Lift would typically combine a crescent-shaped scar in the groin (Mini Thigh Lift scar) with a vertical scar extending from the groin to the knee. This procedure can significantly enhance the comfort and mobility of patients who have lost a considerable amount of weight.
Also known as a Lateral or Bilateral Thigh Lift, the Outer Thigh Lift aims to correct loose skin and excess fat on the outer thighs. It may also address the buttocks area. Incisions for the outer thigh lift a more extensive than those of an Inner Thigh Lift. They typically run from the groin around the hip. This surgical approach is often part of a Body Lift and is chosen by patients who have experienced significant weight loss and have excess skin hanging from the outer thighs and buttocks.
The displayed before and after pictures are provided as an educational tool to demonstrate some of the results achievable from plastic surgery. All surgeries are performed by Dr Eddy Dona and are published with the written consent of the patients.
Your Initial Consultation with Dr Dona is your chance to discuss any concerns you have about your thighs and to ask any questions. During this time, Dr Dona will also ask you various questions, including details of your medical history, previous surgeries and current medications. He’ll then conduct a physical examination of your body to determine whether surgery is the right option for you.
If Dr Dona deems you a suitable candidate for Thigh Lift surgery, he’ll then carefully create a surgical plan specifically suited to your goals. As an experienced specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Dona always aims to create a surgical plan that is both tailored to your personal preferences while aligning with your physical attributes.
Dr Dona will then clearly communicate the details of the surgery, your recovery process and outline all potential risks and complications related to the procedure. Rest assured, Dr Dona is very approachable and will take the time to ensure that you’re fully informed about the procedure and feel comfortable making any decisions.
At the end of your consultation, one of our friendly surgical team members will take the time to discuss the costs and all logistics related to your potential surgery dates with you.
A general guide to recovery. Individual recovery varies and your personalised schedule will be provided before surgery.
When you wake from surgery, the head of your bed will be elevated and a pillow will be placed under your knees to maximise your comfort. To minimise any potential fluid accumulating in your wounds, drainage tubes will be inserted on each thigh — this will remain in place on average for two days. You will also have been fitted with compression garments/tights. These garments are fitted to your thighs and help to minimise swelling, reduce tension in the wounds, and aid in healing. You’ll have a catheter placed in your bladder. This will allow you to stay relaxed in bed without having to go to the bathroom – the catheter is usually removed on day two, while you are in the hospital. You’ll also have at least one drip in place to give you IV fluids, pain medication and antibiotics. To help …
Here’s what you can expect regarding your recovery and wound care during your first two days in hospital. Dressings - These will cover the linear scars on your inner thighs. These dressings will be removed in your first post-operative appointment, which is usually two to three days after your surgery. Medical tape - this will be left on your incisions for the remainder of the week after surgery. Stitches - Your stitches are dissolvable, so they do not need to be removed. However, on rare occasions, a stitch can get irritated and may require manual removal by one of our nurses. Drains – These are usually removed on the second day after surgery, before you leave the hospital. At this time, your catheter and any other IV leads will also be removed. Topical cream - During your first post-o…
Showering: You’ll be allowed to shower with assistance while in hospital. Surgery incisions should be kept dry for one week after surgery. Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist will see you on the first day after surgery. This is so they can help you get out of bed and start to mobilise gently. The sooner you get out of bed after surgery, the better. Pain and discomfort: You may experience discomfort, accompanied by shooting pains or a burning sensation. However, these sensations are usually associated with your drains, and the pain typically subsides. Numbness and tingling sensations will also usually diminish. However, in some cases, numbness can persist. This can occur with any scar or surgical site. Bloating and constipation: These are common side effects after surgery, due to your stron…
Immediately after surgery, you’ll be fitted with a compression garment on each leg. These garments/tights play a vital role in controlling swelling and helping with the healing process. You must wear these compression garments for at least six weeks. You can expect your legs to be very swollen initially; however, most of this will disappear over the first few weeks. You may also notice that the amount of swelling differs from one side to the other, but this is normal and should not be a cause for concern. Some people may benefit from wearing compression tights for many months after surgery to control residual swelling.
Specific guidance on what you can and can't do, and when. All recommendations are general — your individual schedule may differ.
When you wake from surgery, the head of your bed will be elevated and a pillow will be placed under your knees to maximise your comfort. To minimise any potential fluid accumulating in your wounds, drainage tubes will be inserted on each thigh — this will remain in place on average for two days. You will also have been fitted with compression garments/tights. These garments are fitted to your thighs and help to minimise swelling, reduce tension in the wounds, and aid in healing. You’ll have a catheter placed in your bladder. This will allow you to stay relaxed in bed without having to go to the bathroom – the catheter is usually removed on day two, while you are in the hospital. You’ll a…
Showering: You’ll be allowed to shower with assistance while in hospital. Surgery incisions should be kept dry for one week after surgery. Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist will see you on the first day after surgery. This is so they can help you get out of bed and start to mobilise gently. The sooner you get out of bed after surgery, the better. Pain and discomfort: You may experience discomfort, accompanied by shooting pains or a burning sensation. However, these sensations are usually associated with your drains, and the pain typically subsides. Numbness and tingling sensations will also usually diminish. However, in some cases, numbness can persist. This can occur with any scar or surg…
Immediately after surgery, you’ll be fitted with a compression garment on each leg. These garments/tights play a vital role in controlling swelling and helping with the healing process. You must wear these compression garments for at least six weeks. You can expect your legs to be very swollen initially; however, most of this will disappear over the first few weeks. You may also notice that the amount of swelling differs from one side to the other, but this is normal and should not be a cause for concern. Some people may benefit from wearing compression tights for many months after surgery to control residual swelling.
Final cost varies, as every procedure is different. During your consultation Dr Dona will provide a personalised quote and explain any potential rebates.
If you have significant amounts of excess skin that is causing functional or health problems, your Thigh Lift Surgery may be partially covered by Medicare. This will be determined during your initial consultation with Dr Dona.
If you have significant amounts of excess skin that are causing functional and/or health problems, and Medicare has assigned you a relevant item number, your private health insurance may cover some of the costs associated with the procedure. Your eligibility will first be determined by having an initial consultation with Dr Dona (as explained above). If Medicare assigns you an item number, you will need to contact your health fund, provide them with the relevant Medicare item number, and ask for confirmation that they will cover some of your costs. Then, confirm exactly how much and what th…
Frequently Asked Questions About Thigh Lift Surgery
Everyone’s experience with postsurgical pain is unique. Some experience only mild discomfort, while others experience significant pain. You’ll likely experience localised pain at your incision sites, but also nerve pain (shooting pains and burning). To help with your pain, your specialist anaesthetist will give you pain medication while you’re in hospital. They will also provide you with medications to take home.
Most patients spend at least two nights in a private hospital before they are ready to return home. Other patients may benefit from staying in the hospital for another couple of days, or even up to a week, before they are fit to go home.
When you return home, we encourage you to get out regularly and take short walks around the house. Don’t expect too much of yourself at first, though. For the first few days or so, your thighs and groin region will feel tight and uncomfortable, so listen to your body.
You will need to have someone with you at home for at least the first week to help with general day-to-day care.
When you wake from surgery, you’ll be lying on your back, and the head of your bed will be slightly elevated. While convalescing, pillows can be used under your knees to provide some gentle hip flexion (bending). This will also help minimise any movement in your legs. You must sleep on your back for the first two weeks following your surgery. After this time, there is no recommended sleeping position, and you can sleep in whatever position is most comfortable for you.
It will take at least six months before you’re feeling ‘normal’ and able to do all the things you could before surgery. At this stage, we’ll also assess your final surgical results. However, be aware that your scars may take at least 12 to 18 months to mature.
After surgery, it’s very common to experience bloating and constipation. This can occur due to a combination of reduced mobility and the use of strong pain medications, which can slow down bowel function. To help manage this, you’ll be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, maintain a high-fibre diet, and take gentle laxatives (such as Movicol) to support your bowel habits.
Every surgical procedure carries potential risks and complications. It’simportant to be aware of these before making any decisions about surgery.
Every surgery carries some risk.
Dr Dona will walk through the specific risks and complications that apply to this procedure during your consultation.
Speak with Dr Eddy Dona about your suitability, the surgical options, recovery and costs. Our friendly team will call you back to discuss the procedure and schedule your appointment.
