Thigh Lift

Thigh Lift in Chicago, IL

OVERVIEW

Excess skin and fat in the thighs can lead to both physical and cosmetic concerns, making activities such as exercise, walking, or finding properly fitting clothing more difficult. For some patients, these changes develop after weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or the natural aging process. When these issues remain, surgical treatment may be the most effective option.

A thigh lift can help reduce excess tissue and create a more proportionate contour, addressing both function and appearance. Surgery may provide a long-term solution for patients who are not candidates for non-surgical treatments. At Dr. Karol A. Gutowski’s practice in Chicago, IL, we are happy to discuss how this procedure can be an option for you.

What Is a Thigh Lift?

A thigh lift involves removing extra skin and reducing fat to improve the shape of the upper legs. The procedure can focus on the inner or outer thighs, depending on where the sagging tissue is most prominent. Some individuals choose this surgery after weight loss when stretched skin remains, while others consider it as part of an overall body contouring plan.

What a Thigh Lift Treats

Loose or Sagging Skin on the Thighs

A treatment for loose skin on inner thighs can involve removing stretched skin and carefully reshaping the area to restore a smoother line between the hips and knees. By tightening and repositioning tissue, a thigh lift can reduce hanging folds that may otherwise remain despite weight stability.

Poor Skin Elasticity From Weight Changes or Aging

When skin loses its natural elasticity, it can no longer adapt to shifts in muscle or fat beneath it. As a result, the thighs may appear slack even when you maintain a healthy weight. Surgery addresses this by trimming excess skin and gently drawing the remaining tissue into a firmer position.

Chafing or Discomfort From Excess Skin

Folds of skin along the thighs often rub together, creating irritation during walking or physical activity. This friction can cause redness, rashes, or even sores if left unaddressed. By removing the extra tissue, a thigh lift reduces these problem areas, allowing for more comfortable movement and less restriction.

Uneven Thigh Contour Despite Exercise and Diet

Even with consistent workouts and careful nutrition, stubborn fat or sagging tissue can create uneven leg contours. In these cases, lifestyle efforts may slim the thighs but cannot correct irregularities in shape. Thigh lift surgery can help by sculpting the region so the outer and inner thighs look more balanced in relation to the hips and lower body.

Benefits of a Surgical Thigh Lift

Surgical reshaping of the thighs offers results that can remain stable with a consistent weight and healthy lifestyle. While natural changes still occur as the body ages, the improvements from surgery generally last far longer than non-surgical methods. The outcome provides a dependable foundation for maintaining an active lifestyle without the constant frustration of sagging or uneven tissue returning quickly.

Types of Thigh Lifts

Inner Thigh Lift

An inner thigh lift reduces sagging skin along the inside of the thighs, an area where tissue often collects after weight loss or natural aging. The procedure can help reduce rubbing between the thighs, making movement more comfortable while also creating the shape that you want.

Outer Thigh Lift

An outer thigh lift addresses the skin and fat that gather along the outer edges of the thighs, which can extend into the hips and buttocks. When we lift and tighten this area, the contour of the outer leg can look more aligned with the lower body. Reshaping the outer thigh helps restore a firmer look and can make clothing fit more naturally for individuals with sagging tissue that pulls downward.

The Thigh Lift Procedure

Anesthesia

A thigh lift is performed under anesthesia to keep you safe and comfortable during the procedure. General anesthesia is often recommended because it allows your surgeon to work carefully and thoroughly while you remain fully asleep. The choice of anesthesia depends on your health history and surgical plan, and it will be discussed during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.

Incision Placement

The location of incisions depends on the type of thigh lift and the amount of tissue that needs to be addressed. For an inner thigh lift, incisions are often placed along the groin crease and may extend downward along the inner thigh if more skin needs to be removed. For an outer thigh lift, the incision usually extends from the groin around the hip to help tighten skin along the outer leg. Surgeons place these incisions in natural folds whenever possible to make them less visible once healed.

Duration of Surgery

The length of surgery varies based on the type of thigh lift and the amount of reshaping required. On average, a thigh lift can take two to three hours, although a more extensive procedure may take longer. If the surgery is combined with other body contouring procedures, the time in the operating room will increase, and this will be discussed during your surgical planning.

Can a Thigh Lift Be Combined With Other Body Contouring Procedures?

A thigh lift can be performed on its own, but in some cases, combining thigh surgery with other procedures can create a more balanced outcome. When multiple areas of the body have loose skin or excess fat, addressing them together can improve overall proportions and reduce the need for separate recovery periods.

Some procedures that may be combined with a thigh lift include:

• Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): This procedure removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal area for a firmer midsection.
• Liposuction: Through liposuction, we can target stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise, often used to fine-tune results.
• Buttock Lift: We can elevate and reshape the buttocks for better harmony with the thighs and hips by combining a thigh lift with a buttock lift..
• Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): This surgery removes loose skin from the upper arms for a more defined contour.
• Non-Surgical Skin Tightening: Non-surgical options can also complement a surgical procedure. Skin tightening with Venus Versa uses radiofrequency energy and pulsed magnetic fields to stimulate collagen production, helping to firm mild laxity in surrounding areas.

Preparing for Your Thigh Lift

Medical Evaluation and Consultation

Before scheduling surgery, you will meet with the surgeon for a full consultation and medical evaluation. During this visit, we review your medical history, current health, and goals to determine if a thigh lift is a safe option for you. Imaging or physical examination may also be used to help decide which surgical approach will provide the most balanced results.

Changing Lifestyle Habits

Certain habits can affect how well your body heals after surgery. Maintaining a stable weight, following a balanced diet, and avoiding nicotine products can all support recovery and long-term results. Regular light exercise before surgery also helps prepare your body for the healing process.

What to Arrange Before Surgery

Planning ahead makes recovery smoother and less stressful. Having the right support in place before your procedure allows you to focus fully on rest and healing.

Some helpful steps include:

• Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.
• Set up a comfortable recovery area with pillows, blankets, and entertainment.
• Prepare meals or snacks ahead of time so you can avoid cooking during the first few days.
• Take time off from work or daily responsibilities to allow for uninterrupted recovery.
• Fill prescriptions in advance to ensure you have the necessary medications on hand.

Recovery After a Thigh Lift

What To Expect After Surgery

Following a surgical thigh lift, swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness are normal in the treated areas. We will send you home with compression garments that support healing, reduce fluid buildup, and help the thighs settle into their new shape. While you will be able to see changes right after the surgery, your thighs will continue to refine as the swelling decreases.

Recovery And Healing Tips

Keep incisions clean and dry, and follow instructions for wearing compression garments to promote circulation. Light walking around the house helps reduce the risk of blood clots, but avoid any vigorous activity until you are cleared by your surgeon. Staying hydrated, eating nutrient-rich foods, and avoiding nicotine will all be important as you help your body to heal.

Timeline For Returning To Normal Activities And Results

Most people can resume light daily activities within one to two weeks, depending on the extent of surgery. Exercise and heavier lifting usually need to wait four to six weeks, although Dr. Gutowski will give you specific guidance for your case. Final results typically take a few months to appear since the reduction in swelling is gradual. Your scars will also soften and fade gradually until they are barely noticeable.

Why Choose a Thigh Lift in Chicago, IL

When you choose to have your thigh lift at our practice in Chicago, IL, you will be under the care of a board-certified plastic surgeon who is nationally recognized for his expertise in body contouring and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Karol A. Gutowski’s work has been published in leading medical journals, and he has been featured by major media outlets for his innovative approach to aesthetic treatments. At his practice, patients benefit from advanced surgical techniques as well as a supportive team that focuses on providing thorough care before, during, and after treatment.

Learn More About Thigh Lift Surgery in Chicago, IL

A thigh lift can help reduce loose skin, improve leg contour, and ease discomfort caused by excess tissue, offering both functional and cosmetic benefits. At Dr. Karol A. Gutowski’s practice in Chicago, IL, we work hard to make each patient comfortable and informed throughout the whole process. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, call (847) 906-1527 or contact us through our website.

THIGH LIFT FAQS

How Long Do Thigh Lift Results Last?

Results from a thigh lift can last for many years when you maintain a stable weight and follow a healthy lifestyle. Natural aging will still affect the skin and make it less elastic over time, but you can still enjoy the changes in thigh shape and contour.

Is a Thigh Lift Right for Me?

The thigh lift procedure may be right for you if you have excess skin or tissue in the thighs that has not improved with exercise or non-surgical treatments. During your consultation, we will go over your health, goals, skin quality, and expectations. People who have reached a stable weight and are free of medical conditions that could affect healing generally benefit most from this surgery. It is also important for you to understand the results that you can have from this surgery so that you can manage your expectations.

What Is the Difference Between a Thigh Lift and Liposuction?

A thigh lift removes both excess skin and some fat to tighten and reshape the thigh area, while liposuction only removes fat deposits. Liposuction works well for people with good skin elasticity who need fat reduction alone, but it cannot address stretched or sagging skin. A thigh lift is often recommended when skin quality prevents it from contracting properly after fat removal.

Why Are Compression Garments Important After a Thigh Lift?

Compression garments are usually worn after a thigh lift to control swelling, support the tissues, and help the thighs heal into their new shape. These garments also improve circulation and reduce the risk of complications such as fluid buildup. Wearing them as directed is an important step in recovery, and they can become more comfortable as the healing process progresses.