Leg lift surgery is a cosmetic surgical procedure used to achieve slender legs by elongating the calf muscles and removing excess skin. While the procedure is mostly applied to women, it is also available for men. It can also be performed as part of a body shaping program.

The leg lifting procedure has been used since ancient times, but it is now very popular among those who wish long, slender legs with an attractive shape. This procedure involves the removal of excess skin in the leg area and then tightening the muscles. The procedure is intended to improve body contour and prevent further loss of muscle mass.

Why Is Leg Lift Surgery Performed?

Leg lift surgery is performed to remove excess skin and fat from the lower thighs. This procedure can be performed for cosmetic purposes or to treat the following conditions:

  • Excess skin caused by pregnancy, weight gain, or large thighs
  • Skin laxity due to aging, weight loss or muscle atrophy
  • Severe thinning of the skin structure caused by long-term rubbing on the thighs and knees.

This is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the leg. It is the removal of extra skin and fat from the leg region. It can be performed for various reasons, including improving venous return and improving the look of the legs. A thigh lift can be used to tighten the body after weight loss.

How Is Leg Lift Surgery Performed?

A leg lift is a procedure that thins the thighs by removing extra skin and fat. This procedure is not as simple as it appears. Before having the surgery, there are a few things you should do. It is important to select a surgeon who has experience with this type of surgery and can assist you in achieving the desired outcomes.

Incisions are made in the crease between the groin and upper leg. The surgeon will remove some fat from one thigh while leaving some fat on the other. The surgeon next removes extra skin from one thigh before attaching it to the opposite side.

What Are the Different Leg (Thigh) Lift Surgery Methods?

Thigh lift surgery is a type of plastic surgery performed to lift the thighs and make them appear younger. As part of the treatment, different methods are available according to the patients’ needs.

The methods used depend on factors such as which part of the leg will be lifted and the size of the incision that will be made. There are three different methods in general. These are the upper leg lift, mini leg lift and inner leg lift techniques.

Upper Leg (Thigh) Lift

Today, an upper leg lift is a very common procedure. This treatment is performed on the area where the leg and groin meet. For the incision, the area where the inner thigh joins the groin is preferred. During the process of skin removal, liposuction can be used to remove fat that cannot be lost with exercise and nutrition. It stands out as an effective procedure with invisible incisions.

Mini Leg (Thigh) Lift

A mini leg lift is similar to inner leg lift surgery. The difference with this procedure is that the incision is smaller and shorter. Given the small incision, it is commonly used and preferred. Although it is less effective, it leaves a minor scar. The incision can be made where the upper part of the leg joins the groin. In addition, recovery is fast.

Inner Leg Lift

It is the removal of skin and fat from the top part of the inner leg. By removing the excess fat and skin using the inner leg lifting method, the patient gets firmer and more aesthetic legs. It is an ideal solution for sagging skin caused by significant weight loss. It is also preferred by those who wish to have a better leg shape. The incision made for the procedure is on the inside of the leg and is thus invisible.

How Long Does Leg Lift Surgery Take?

The duration of a thigh lift surgery depends on the type of surgery. In general, the surgery takes between 2-4 hours. One of the most common procedures for weight loss is leg lift surgery. Excess fat and skin are removed from the thighs during this treatment, providing the patient better-looking legs. A thigh lift procedure usually takes about 2-4 hours and some surgeons advise patients to stay in the hospital overnight.

What Should We Pay Attention to Before Having Leg Lift Surgery?

Before getting a thigh lift, you need to pay attention to a few things. First, you should stop consuming alcohol and smoking for a certain time before the operation. The surgical area should be cleaned. In cases of infection or similar events, the surgery will not be performed. It is also important to avoid the use of blood thinners and similar medications.

Recovery After Leg Lift Surgery

Swelling is normal during recovery. After a week, the swelling begins to subside. It takes about 1 month for the swelling to become unnoticeable and completely disappear. Sutures take 10-15 days to heal, whereas you should wait for 10 days before resuming normal activities. You may need to use a corset during the recovery period.

Prices for Leg Lift Surgery in 2023

Prices for thigh lift surgery vary according to the type of procedure performed. Prices depend on the treated area, surgeon, and other factors. The patient should be examined first to decide on the type of leg lift surgery. The cost of surgery can then be determined.

Will There Be a Scar After Leg Lift Surgery?

Yes, after leg lift surgery, scars do persist. The incision made during the procedure will leave a small scar on your skin. Scars are usually noticeable if you look closely, but they are easy to hide. Since the incision is on the inner side of the leg, these scars cannot be seen from the outside.

Can’t Liposuction Improve the Inner Thighs?

Liposuction is one of the most common procedures today, and it is frequently used to remove fat. It should be noted, however, that this procedure achieves a certain level of firming with a certain amount of fat removal. Liposuction will not be adequate if there is too much sagging skin. Thigh lift surgery is used at this point to correct sagging in the leg area and remove excess fat.

What Are the Risks Related to Leg Lift Surgery?

As with all surgeries, leg lift carries some risks. The surgery should be performed by a specialist physician to minimize these risks. There are minor risks, such as delayed wound healing, edema, and infection.

Is Leg Lift Surgery Painful?

Anesthesia is used to ensure that the patient does not feel any pain during surgery. This ensures a comfortable operation. When the anesthesia wears off after leg lift surgery, the doctor will prescribe you painkillers to relieve pain.

Is the Outcome of Leg Lift Surgery Permanent?

The outcomes of the surgery are permanent. However, it should be noted that for this to occur, the patient’s body should not experience significant weight changes. Thus, permanent outcomes are achieved.

What is the Difference Between Thigh Lift and Leg Lift?

There is no difference between a thigh lift and a leg lift. So both are the same operations. Both are different names for the same surgical procedure. Leg lift surgery or a thigh lift are used to firm the legs and remove sagging skin.