Many women, and even some men, struggle with chunky hips or dimpled, saggy thighs. In many cases, diet and exercise alone cannot overcome the body’s natural tendency to store fat disproportionately in this region. A thigh lift in Bellevue is a surgical procedure that seeks to bring the contours of the hips and thigh back into balance by reducing the excessive skin and fat in these areas. The result is a slimmer, more refined shape that is proportional to the rest of the body.
Aging, genetic, and weight fluctuations can cause the hips and thighs to develop pockets of fat and dimpled skin that dieting and weight loss alone cannot get rid of. The Newvue team will work with you to ensure you achieve beautifully sculpted thighs that are natural, sustainable, and look great in a swimsuit. Dr. Min can help you determine what body sculpting procedure and result will best match your frame and body type.
The role of the consultation is to ensure that you feel informed, confident, and excited. During your initial consultation, Dr. Min will ask you about your desired appearance, as well as any wardrobe preferences that may help determine the location of your incisions. He will also ask you questions about your general health and activity levels to determine if he can meet your expectations. He will walk you through your options, explain the details of the thighplasty procedure in Bellevue, and answer any questions you may have. You will have an opportunity to view extensive before and after photos.
A thigh lift (Thighplasty) is performed under general anesthesia in Belevue. The most common form of the procedure is a combination of liposuction and the surgical removal and tightening of excess skin. In some cases, patients with more elastic skin may be able to achieve their desired results with liposuction or a skin lift alone. The surgeon will make one or more incisions and perform liposuction to remove excess fat. Loose and sagging skin will then be trimmed, tightened, and sutured in place with absorbable stitches. A compressive garment is used to help ensure an even contour. A thigh lift is a body sculpting procedure and is intended to be a supplement to a healthy lifestyle. Dramatic changes in appearance will be visible almost immediately, but maintaining the results will require a healthy diet and exercise. Patients can expect some swelling and bruising, which will peak 2-3 days after surgery. Individual results will vary, but light walking is encouraged after 48 hours, and patients can expect to return to normal activities after 3-5 weeks.
The placement of the incision patterns varies depending on the size and location of the problematic area. A thigh lift is commonly performed as part of a lower body lift, which is a more comprehensive procedure in Bellevue to address areas of fat or loose skin in the tummy and buttocks, as well as the hips and thighs.
An inner (medial) thigh lift is the most popular type of thigh lift. It involves incisions in the groin fold and is best for people with a moderate amount of skin and fat in this area. For an inner thigh lift, the surgeon basically lifts up the thigh skin and tissue to tighten it.
A vertical thighplasty involves a vertical incision that starts at the groin crease and extends to the inner knee. The scar is visible when the inner thighs are exposed, such as while wearing a bathing suit or mini-skirt. During a vertical thigh lift, the surgeon removes a wedge of skin from the inner thigh. A vertical thigh lift may be ideal for individuals with more significant fat and loose skin.
An outer thigh lift requires an incision that extends from the groin around the hip. The surgeon will remove a wedge or strip of skin form the outer thigh and tighten the skin around the hips.
A spiral thighplasty is a newer procedure that targets the front, back, inner, and outer thigh at the same time. The incision is below the buttock fold and continues over the groin crease at the junction of the thigh and pubic area. This plastic surgery procedure is ideal for people who have lost significant weight, such as patients who have undergone bariatric surgery.
Sometimes, several types of thigh lift are performed at the same time. Which thigh lift or combination of thigh lifts is right for you depends on a number of factors, including how much fat and skin need to be removed, your skin quality, and your preferences.
Dr. Min will assess factors such as the quality of the skin, the amount of underlying fatty tissue, the amount of excess skin, the elasticity of the skin, and the contour of your hips and legs. He will share and explain his opinions about what is most appropriate for your body and what results you can expect. Together you will decide on the details and timing of your procedure. Finally, Dr. Min will make sure you know exactly what will happen on the day of your procedure, what you will experience while you recover, and what you can expect in the months and years to follow.
Our approach at Newvue is to always put our patient’s safety above all other concerns. We have invested in state-of-the-art tools, and our on-site surgical suite is one of the first in the region to be fully approved under the stringent new safety standards.
Thigh lifts are a very common and safe procedure in Bellevue. Nonetheless, we feel it is important that all of our patients fully understand the risk(s) associated with this or any surgical procedure. The most important thing to know is that Dr. Min and Newvue will stand by you should any complications arise and do everything we can to help you achieve your desired result. Risks associated with thigh lifts include: possible reaction to anesthesia, infection, bleeding & hematoma, and/or asymmetry or deformation. During your initial consultation, Dr. Min will address all possible risks and complications with you and make sure that your questions and concerns are answered.
Prior to your surgery, we will schedule a preoperative appointment with Dr. Min. The purpose of this meeting is to make sure that your thigh lift procedure in Bellevue goes smoothly and efficiently. Our staff will review the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as your consent forms, and answer any questions you might have. You may be given your prescriptions to be filled prior to your surgery. You will be given a list of medications and supplements to avoid for two weeks before and after surgery. If you are a smoker, you will be advised to stop smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery. You should not smoke for at least two weeks following surgery.
We will do everything in our power to help you feel informed and relaxed on the day of your thigh lift procedure in Bellevue. After you arrive, you will meet with Dr. Min and with your anesthesiologist. Once any questions you have are answered, you will be given medication to help you relax. You will be brought into the surgical suite, where you will be prepped for surgery and given a general anesthetic. Surgery usually takes 2-3 hours. You will wake up in the recovery room, where you will be closely monitored. We will let you know how everything went and advise you on what to expect as you recover. You need to arrange for someone to pick you up and stay with you for the first couple of days as you adjust.
You are still our patient after you leave, and we will be there for you as you recover to answer any questions you may have and advise you on any side effects you may be feeling. Thigh lifts are generally performed as outpatient procedures in Bellevue, but some patients may require an overnight stay before returning home. You can expect to feel tired and sore after the surgery, and you will experience some swelling and discomfort in the treated area, both of which can be managed with medication.
You will likely wear a compressive dressing for 1 week following surgery, and you will be able to shower normally after 5-7 days. While some movement is permissible, and walking is highly encouraged to promote blood flow, most patients will want to avoid strenuous exercise for several weeks. Dr. Min will advise you on the specifics of your recovery program. Most patients return to work in 1-2 weeks, but you should avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks and avoid high-impact activities (skiing, wakeboarding, contact sports) for the duration of your recovery (6-8 weeks). Your stitches will dissolve and be absorbed by your body, so you will not have to worry about getting them removed.
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