Thigh lift Frankfurt: Slim and firm thighs for more well-being and a new body feeling!

Introduction

What is a thigh lift?

A thigh lift is the surgical removal of excess skin (and in some cases also fatty tissue) from the thighs. The aim of the operation, which is often performed after significant weight loss or in cases of age-related skin sagging, is to achieve firmer and more clearly contoured thighs.

What are the reasons for a thigh lift?

A thigh lift is always an option if the skin on the thighs is severely sagging due to age-related loss of elasticity or as a result of dieting. This hangs on the thighs and disturbs the proportions and contours of a harmonious body silhouette. For those affected, this can result in a great deal of suffering, which severely restricts their well-being and self-confidence. For this reason, thigh lift surgery is usually performed for aesthetic reasons.

However, there are also medical reasons for a thigh lift. Patients often come to our practice in Frankfurt with very pronounced skin flaps on their thighs, which restrict their freedom of movement and cause pain due to the constant friction of skin on skin. There is also a higher risk of infection and eczema in the skin folds. A surgical thigh lift is usually the only treatment that brings lasting improvement.

Another reason for a thigh lift is sagging skin after liposuction due to lipoedema. In the case of fat distribution disorders, Dr. Nichlos usually removes large amounts of fat (up to 6 liters), leaving behind excess skin that must be removed by skin tightening for an all-round aesthetic result.

Methods

What methods are available for a thigh lift?

The operation varies depending on the extent of the excess skin, the elasticity of the skin and any previous operations. The body shape and the desired result also play a role in the choice of surgical method.

If only small excess skin in the upper thigh area is to be removed, a so-called mini thigh lift, for which an incision is made in the groin, is sufficient. This is suitable for contouring and optimizing the silhouette in cases of slight skin sagging or after slight weight loss.

If there is significant excess skin, particularly on the inside of the thigh, a longitudinal incision along the inside of the thigh is necessary in addition to the groin incision in order to completely remove the excess skin. This is often necessary after significant weight loss. In some of these cases, a combination with liposuction is advisable to remove any remaining fat deposits.

After extreme weight loss (for example after bariatric surgery), an extended thigh lift is often required to remove the excess skin. Longer incisions must be made for this, some of which may extend to the knee. Sometimes parts of the buttocks are also affected during this operation.

Preparation

What happens before the thigh lift?

Before a thigh lift, Dr. Nichlos invites you to a detailed consultation at our practice in Frankfurt. Here he will explain the procedure, what you can expect from the operation and what you should pay attention to before and after. Please inform Dr. Nichlos about any medication you regularly take before the treatment. It may be necessary to make temporary changes here. Any pre-existing conditions should also be taken into account.

The prerequisite for a thigh lift is that you have a stable body weight and do not expect any major weight fluctuations. If you still want to lose weight, you should only plan a thigh lift if you have already reached your target weight and have been maintaining it for several months.

Important: A tightening (whether thigh, upper arm, stomach or bottom) is not suitable as a means of losing weight.

Procedure

Thigh lift: How does the operation work?

The treatment takes about 2-4 hours and is performed by us under general anesthesia in the operating rooms of the Berger Klinik. Depending on how much skin needs to be removed and tightened, an incision in the groin is sufficient or an additional longitudinal incision must be made on the inside of the thigh.

Other incisions may also be necessary if there is massive excess skin. Once the excess skin has been removed, the tissue is tightened to give the thighs a new contour. The skin is then sutured.

Aftercare

What happens after the thigh lift?

It is advisable to stay in the clinic for the next 1-2 days for monitoring purposes. During this time and the following weeks, please wear the compression garment, which supports the tissue and its healing and helps to stabilize the new leg contour.

Allow yourself to rest for a few days after the operation and avoid any physical exertion for the first 1-2 weeks. After resting, you can begin light exercise, but for the first 6 weeks you should refrain from straining, strenuous activities and training your legs.

You should make an appointment for lymphatic drainage shortly after the operation. The applications contribute to a positive healing process and help to prevent fluid accumulation in the tissue.

Avoid tight pants and chafing clothing as well as visits to the sauna and solarium. Protect the scars from direct sunlight and use a good sunscreen when outdoors.

Important: Maintain your weight after the treatment in order to preserve the results of the operation for as long as possible.

Risks

What are the risks associated with a thigh lift?

A thigh lift is a surgical procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. Therefore, like any surgery, it is associated with general surgical and anesthetic risks.

Bleeding and wound healing disorders may occur as a result of the procedure. Infections are possible, but are very rare thanks to the strict safety and hygiene standards at the Berger Klinik. The redness, bruising and swelling that occur in the operation area usually subside on their own after a few days. Any feelings of tightness or numbness in the legs are usually only temporary and disappear after a few weeks at the latest.