Thighplasty (Thigh lift) in Newcastle, Maitland & Hunter Valley, Australia

Excess skin on the thighs is a common concern for many patients, particularly those who have undergone significant weight loss. This excess skin can appear in various areas of the thigh, including the lateral, anterior, posterior, or inner thigh regions. Each of these areas requires a different approach for optimal results. While the inner thigh lift is the procedure most commonly associated with thigh lift surgery, it’s essential to remember that the thigh is a three-dimensional structure, and excess skin can be circumferential, affecting not only the inner thigh but the surrounding areas as well.

At Dr. Beldholm’s practice, thigh lift procedures are personalized to meet each patient’s unique needs. For patients who have concerns about the outer thigh area, a circumferential abdominoplasty may be the ideal solution, as it addresses the lower abdomen and outer thighs in one procedure. For those primarily focused on the inner thigh area, an inner thigh lift is typically recommended. This procedure can be performed with a vertical incision or an inverted T-shaped incision, depending on the amount of excess skin and the patient’s desired outcome. In some cases, liposuction is also incorporated into the surgery to further enhance the appearance of the legs by removing fat deposits.

Dr. Beldholm performs all of his thigh lift surgeries at Maitland Private Hospital, with a focus on providing tailored care for each patient. The inner thigh lift is usually done as a day procedure, but an overnight stay can be arranged if necessary for additional comfort and recovery.

Key Takeaways:

Thighplasty is often sought by patients who have lost significant weight to improve the appearance and comfort of their thighs by removing excess skin and fat.
Dr. Beldholm offers several tailored thigh lift techniques, including circumferential abdominoplasty for the outer thighs and inner thigh lift with vertical or inverted T-shaped incisions for the inner thighs.
Liposuction can be added to the procedure to address stubborn fat deposits as necessary.
Thigh lift surgery can dramatically improve comfort and reduce chafing for patients dealing with sagging skin after weight loss.
Dr. Beldholm operates at Maitland Private Hospital, and the inner thigh lift is typically done as a day procedure, but an overnight stay can also be an option.

Understanding Thighplasty

Inner thighplasty is a specialized surgical procedure aimed at removing excess skin from the inner thigh area. Dr. Beldholm offers personalized thigh lift options based on the amount of loose skin and the patient’s unique needs. The procedure can be customized with different types of incisions, including mini, vertical, and full inner thigh lifts.

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Mini Inner Thighplasty Surgery

A mini inner thigh lift is ideal for patients with minimal excess skin. This technique involves a small incision located in the groin area only. The procedure targets mild sagging and tightens the inner thigh with limited scarring. It is a great option for patients who want subtle improvement without requiring extensive skin removal.

Vertical Inner Thighplasty Surgery

For patients with moderate skin excess, the vertical inner thigh lift is often recommended. This technique includes a longer incision that runs from the groin down along the inner leg. The vertical incision allows for more significant skin removal, providing a smoother and firmer appearance to the inner thighs. This procedure is ideal for individuals needing more extensive reshaping.

Full Inner Thighplasty Surgery

The full inner thigh lift is performed for patients with substantial skin excess. This procedure combines both the groin incision and a vertical incision along the inner leg. By removing a larger amount of skin and fat, it addresses more pronounced sagging and provides a more dramatic transformation. This approach is especially suitable for patients who have experienced significant weight loss and are dealing with substantial excess skin.

Full Inner Thighplasty Surgery

In some cases, Dr. Beldholm may add liposuction to any of the above inner thigh lift procedures. Liposuction helps remove stubborn fat deposits, further enhancing the overall appearance of the thighs. This combination of skin removal and fat reduction allows for a smoother, more defined leg shape.

Dr. Beldholm performs all inner thighplasty procedures with precision, tailoring each surgery to the patient’s needs.

Ideal Candidates for Thigh Lift Surgery

Ideal candidates for thigh lift surgery are typically individuals who have experienced significant weight loss and have maintained a stable weight for at least a year. This stability is crucial for achieving and maintaining the best possible results from the surgery. Many candidates have lost weight through bariatric surgery or extreme dieting and are looking to remove the loose skin that remains.

Candidates should also be in good overall health, free from smoking, and able to manage their medications appropriately to minimize risks during surgery. A thorough medical evaluation ensures fitness for the procedure. Those who commit to a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, are ideal for inner thigh lifts.

The best candidates have realistic expectations about the results and are prepared for the recovery process. Thighplasty can offer dramatic improvements, but it’s essential to understand both the benefits and limitations of the procedure.

Preparing for Thighplasty

Preparation for thighplasty is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and successful surgery. The first essential step is meeting with Dr. Beldholm for an initial consultation, which lasts about 1 hour. During this consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your specific concerns, preferred incision techniques, and expected scar placement. Dr. Beldholm will carefully examine the area and may ask you to undress in order to properly assess the excess skin and fat. This helps determine the most suitable approach for your thigh lift surgery.

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Additionally, pre-surgical photos will be taken as part of the consultation. These photos are essential for tracking progress and for your medical records.

Once the initial consultation is complete, Dr. Beldholm will provide you with a quote for the procedure. Following this, our patient coordinator will assist you with booking the surgery and offer support throughout the entire process. If you’re using superannuation to cover the costs, we can help guide you through the necessary steps.

Follow-Up Consultations

Most patients will require at least one follow-up consultation after their surgery. This is typically included in the cost of the procedure and is at no additional charge. These follow-up appointments are important for monitoring the healing process, addressing any concerns, and ensuring that you are progressing well through recovery.

What to Expect During the Consultation

Examination: Dr. Beldholm will carefully assess the areas requiring treatment. This may involve undressing to ensure an accurate evaluation of the excess skin and fat.
Pre-surgical Photos: These will be taken to document the starting point of your journey and track progress after the surgery.
Quote: After your consultation, you will receive a clear and detailed quote for the procedure.
Booking and Support: Our patient coordinator will assist you with scheduling your surgery and provide help with any insurance or superannuation queries.

Proper preparation and a comprehensive understanding of the process are key to a successful surgery and recovery. Dr. Beldholm and his team will guide you through every step, ensuring that you are fully supported.

Thighplasty - Removing Excess Inner Thigh Skin

The Thigh Lift Procedure

The thigh lift procedure at Dr. Beldholm’s practice typically begins with the administration of general anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort and safety throughout the surgery. The procedure generally lasts between two to three hours, depending on the specific technique chosen—whether a mini, vertical, or full inner thigh lift.

Procedure Steps

Marking the Treatment Areas: Dr. Beldholm will begin by marking the areas of excess tissue that need to be removed. This helps ensure precise incisions and that the procedure is tailored to the patient’s unique needs.
Making Incisions: Based on the extent of skin and fat to be removed, precise incisions are made. These can vary, from a small groin incision for a mini thigh lift to a longer incision extending along the leg for a vertical or full thigh lift.
Removing Excess Skin and Fat: The targeted excess skin and fat are removed to improve the appearance and comfort of the thighs. In many cases, liposuction is added to the procedure, allowing for the removal of fat deposits and further enhancing the final results.
Closing the Incisions: After the excess tissue is removed, the incisions are closed with deep sutures, which promote proper healing and help minimize scarring. Dr. Beldholm uses advanced techniques to ensure that scars are placed strategically in less visible areas.

Recovery and Hospital Stay

Depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s condition, some patients may be discharged on the same day, while others may require an overnight hospital stay for additional monitoring and comfort. Dr. Beldholm and his team will provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Customization of the Procedure

The flexibility of the thigh lift procedure allows Dr. Beldholm to customize the surgery to meet individual patient needs. Whether performed with or without liposuction, the procedure can be tailored to focus on specific concerns, such as targeting inner thigh sagging or outer thigh excess skin. This customization allows for a more comprehensive, individualized approach to achieving the best possible outcome.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, thigh lift surgery carries potential risks and complications. Common risks include bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, and infection, which require careful monitoring during recovery. Asymmetry, where one thigh appears different in shape compared to the other, and changes in skin sensation are other possible complications.

Patients may also experience fluid accumulation, known as seroma, and wound healing issues that could slow recovery. Awareness of these risks helps patients make informed decisions and prepare for the recovery process, ensuring they are vigilant and proactive in managing any complications.

Understanding VASER Liposuction for the Neck - Dr Bernard Beldholm

Dr. Beldholm’s Final Thoughts on Thigh Lift Surgery

Thigh lift surgery is one of the most rewarding procedures I perform, particularly for patients who have undergone significant weight loss and are left with excess skin that affects their comfort. The transformation can be truly life-changing, as it not only enhances the appearance of the thighs but also allows patients to engage more comfortably in daily activities, such as walking and exercising, without the discomfort of chafing or skin irritation.

For me, the key to successful thighplasty lies in understanding each patient’s unique needs and goals. Whether a patient is seeking a mini, vertical, or full inner thigh lift, I focus on crafting a personalized surgical plan that ensures the best possible results with minimal scarring. The flexibility of the procedure, including the option to add liposuction for fat removal, means that we can address a variety of concerns.

While the procedure itself is highly effective, I emphasize the importance of a thoughtful recovery process. Adhering to post-operative care instructions is vital for ensuring the best results, as is having realistic expectations about the healing process. I am dedicated to providing ongoing support to my patients, both before and after surgery, and I want them to feel informed and comfortable at every stage of their journey.

Learn more about the recovery process following Thighplasty

Learn more about the potential complications associated with Thighplasty

Learn more about the costs of Thighplasty

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the typical candidates for an inner thigh lift?

The ideal candidates for an inner thigh lift are individuals who have experienced significant weight loss and are left with excess skin and fat in the inner thigh area. These candidates typically have the following characteristics:

Post-Weight Loss Patients: Individuals who have lost a substantial amount of weight, either through bariatric surgery or extensive dieting, often experience excess skin that can cause discomfort, chafing, and self-consciousness. The inner thigh area is a common concern for many of these patients.
Stable Weight: Candidates should have achieved a stable weight for at least 6-12 months. Maintaining a consistent weight before undergoing surgery ensures better and more lasting results.
Good Overall Health: Ideal candidates are in good overall health, with no serious medical conditions that could interfere with healing or anesthesia. A healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, is also important.
Excess Skin and Fat: Candidates generally have excess skin and/or fat in the inner thigh area that is not responsive to exercise or diet. This may cause physical discomfort, such as rubbing or irritation, especially during physical activity.
Realistic Expectations: Candidates should have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes. While thigh lift surgery can significantly improve the appearance and comfort of the thighs, it is important to understand that it will not completely erase scarring or prevent future weight fluctuations.
Non-Smokers: Non-smokers are typically better candidates, as smoking can interfere with the body’s healing process and increase the risk of complications. Smoking cessation is strongly recommended before undergoing the procedure.

What are some factors that may make a person unsuitable for an inner thigh lift?

A person may be unsuitable for an inner thigh lift if they are a smoker, have a tendency to bleed or poor healing ability, possess unrealistic expectations, or have high-risk medical conditions like cancer, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases. Addressing these factors is crucial for a successful surgical outcome.

How long does an inner thigh lift surgery typically take?

Inner thigh lift surgery typically takes three to four hours to complete.

What techniques may be used during an inner thigh lift surgery?

During an inner thigh lift surgery, techniques may include making an incision on the inner thighs to remove excess skin and utilizing VASER liposuction to reduce fat deposits and enhance leg definition. This combination effectively improves the thighs.

What is the expected recovery process after an inner thigh lift?

The recovery process after an inner thigh lift typically involves arranging for transportation home, experiencing tiredness and soreness for several days, taking at least one week off from work, and avoiding heavy lifting and vigorous exercises until cleared by a medical professional. Adhering to these guidelines is essential for a smooth recovery.