Thigh Lift (Thigh Lipectomy) Sydney

  • Cosmetic procedure
  • Overnight stay required in private hospital

A thigh lift, also called a thigh lipectomy, is a procedure that addresses fat deposits in the thigh area. If the patient is also experiencing laxity due to a loss of elasticity, then this area can be lifted through surgical methods. A thigh lipectomy is often combined with liposuction. It can also form part of a lower body lift (belt lipectomy) if patients want to target more than just the thighs.

Since the skin on the thighs is tightened during surgery, it can temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. However, since cellulite is a structural issue, the effects won’t be permanent and will reappear eventually. It is also possible for a thigh lipectomy to address stretch marks.

Those who have lost a lot of weight are suitable candidates for a thigh lipectomy (thigh lift), provided they are in good health and are close to or have achieved their goal weight.

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What happens during the first thigh lipectomy consultation?

Cosmetic surgery is a personal decision, and everyone has their reasons for wanting to undergo a procedure such as a thigh lift (thigh lipectomy). During your first consultation with Dr Norris, he will focus on your concerns and how you want to look following your thigh lipectomy. Thereafter, he will evaluate your thighs by assessing your skin tone and leg and fatty tissue condition. He will then measure your thighs, and photographs will be taken for your medical records. Dr Norris will also discuss how the operation is performed and where the incisions can be placed. You will then be given a detailed quotation, outlining your surgery options. If you decide to proceed with surgery, Dr Norris will see you again at a second consultation.

During your second consultation, the surgery will be scheduled, and Dr Norris will explain how you should prepare. It’s highly recommended that patients stop smoking at least two months before their procedure, as this can affect the healing process. There are also specific supplements and medications that you should stop taking to avoid potential complications during and after surgery.

How much does a thigh lift (thigh lipectomy) cost in Sydney?

A thigh lipectomy is a custom surgery, especially if combined with additional procedures such as liposuction or a body lift (belt lipectomy). For this reason, you need to schedule a consultation with Dr Norris to receive an accurate quotation. The average procedure costs about $9,000, but additional factors such as hospital and anaesthetist fees also need to be considered. In some instances, some of the costs will be covered by private health insurance and Medicare. Dr Norris will walk you through the process of applying for a rebate during your consultation.

How is a thigh lipectomy performed?

Medial-Thigh-lifts-255x300Dr Norris only performs thigh lifts (thigh lipectomies) in fully accredited medical facilities. Prior to surgery, you will meet the anaesthetist who will administer your general anaesthetic. Dr Norris will also provide you with the final details of the surgery. The average thigh lipectomy takes about two hours to complete. However, if the patient has additional requirements, this will extend the time of surgery.

These are the types of incisions that can be used during your thigh lipectomy procedure:

  • Inner thigh incision. – This incision will be made in the same place as your underwear line, which will help hide any scarring once your legs have healed.
  • T incision line. – This incision is for patients who have additional skin and need an extra lift. The incision is made near the groin and extends back towards the buttocks.

A thigh lipectomy can also focus on different areas of the thigh – this will depend on what you want to achieve. As the name suggests, an inner thigh lipectomy will focus on the inside of both thighs. A bilateral thigh lipectomy, on the other hand, will focus on the front and the outside of both legs. A medial thigh lipectomy will tighten the skin on the upper areas of the inner thigh.

Once the necessary incisions have been made, excess skin will be removed, while the remaining skin will be pulled up and tightened. If excess fat is also a concern, liposuction will be performed on the problem areas of the thighs.

If the surgery will form part of a lower body lift (belt lipectomy), your buttocks and the lower abdomen will also be addressed. In the case of a belt lipectomy, the incisions will be made around the entire lower torso so that an apron of excess skin can be removed.
Once the necessary adjustments have been made, the incisions will be closed with sutures, and a dressing and compression garment will be applied.

What happens after procedure?

  • Patients will need to spend a night or two in the hospital following an athigh lipectomy, especially if it forms part of a belt lipectomy.
  • You will have drains in your legs for 1-3 days, depending on how much fluid needs draining.
  • Compression garments must be worn for at least six weeks to reduce swelling and aid healing.
  • A friend or responsible adult must collect you from the hospital as your range of movement will be restricted, and the effects of the anaesthetic will make it dangerous to drive.
  • Dr Norris will send you home with a prescription for pain medication and detailed aftercare instructions. These instructions will also include scar management techniques that will help reduce the appearance of scarring after thigh lipectomy.
  • Daily short showers are permitted, provided your waterproof dressings are dried adequately.
  • Patients are encouraged to sleep on their backs, elevated by a few pillows for the first six weeks. This will reduce your swelling and make your recovery more comfortable.
  • Pain and discomfort will peak during the first two days after thigh lipectomy but can be managed with pain medication.
  • Thigh lift patients can expect some bruising, swelling, tenderness, and sensitivity after surgery. Swelling may vary from patient to patient but should resolve within two weeks.
  • Light exercise, such as walking, is permitted after two weeks. Your regular exercise routine can be resumed after about six weeks, provided you are cleared to do so.
  • You can return to work after two weeks unless it involves heavy lifting or use of the lower body. You may need to stick to lighter duties for at least three weeks.
  • A follow-up appointment will need to be scheduled 3 – 7 days after surgery so that your wounds and dressings can be checked and changed. Dr Norris will also use this time to ensure your recovery is on track.

Potential thigh lipectomy complications

  • Haematoma – This refers to a collection of excess blood, which is either naturally absorbed into the body or requires surgical drainage after surgery. Symptoms include swelling, pain, bruising, and itching or hotness of the skin to the touch.
  • Infection – Infection can occur if microorganisms enter the incision sites. Any type of infection should be treated as soon as possible using antibiotics.
  • Seroma – This is a build-up of fluid after surgery that can sometimes require removal via a syringe in the clinic.
  • Asymmetry – While every step will be taken to achieve a symmetrical result, this isn’t always possible. Even patients who haven’t undergone surgery hardly ever have symmetrical thighs. Patients will need to accept that asymmetry is possible before they undergo surgery.

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