| |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
  |
|
Thigh Lift (Buttock Lift)
San Francisco - Oakland - Santa Rosa
Thigh-Buttock Lift If you have experienced a loss of skin elasticity of the thigh, hip, or buttock area, then a thigh-buttock lift may be the procedure for you.
A thigh-buttock lift is similar to an arm lift, in which a section of skin is removed. The inner thigh skin is very thin, and in some patients, where the skin quality is poor and redundant, the best the procedure is to remove the redundant skin and re-attach it tightly. The advantage to this procedure over the arm lift is that the scars are hidden within the groin line, so that it is undetectable under clothing. This is true unless the entire thigh-buttock lift is performed. This is also termed a circumferential lower body lift which has a longer incision that starts at the buttock crease, extends around the groin, up over the side of the abdomen, and finally over the flank and across the back. The inner thigh-buttock lift incorporates liposuctioning of the medial thigh to enhance the overall silhouette of the leg.
The disadvantage of this procedure is the length of the incision. However, most patients find that the scar is a reasonable trade-off in exchange for their results.
Who is a Candidate? Both men and women who have experienced significant weight loss are excellent candidates. These patients usually have loose skin in the thigh-buttock area that exercise cannot repair. The skin in these areas are usually saggy, have an orange peel appearance, with a flabby and/or dimpled appearance. This displays very poor skin quality that will not respond to liposuction.
Prior to Surgery A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering a thigh-buttock lift. During the appointment, Dr. Delgado will ask you to discuss your concerns about your appearance. He will use digital photography and computer imaging to discuss the problematic areas. In addition, he will discuss the variables that affect this procedure, such as age, the condition of your skin, and the degree of fat accumulation. Dr. Delgado will give you a realistic image of the outcome and display where the incisions would be located.
Dr. Delgado provides a precise preoperative booklet that provides pre and post operative instructions, including medications in advance of your surgery. All aspirin and aspirin containing products, including anti-inflammatory products must be stopped two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Dr. Delgado’s preoperative instructions will have a complete list of these medications to avoid. Tylenol may be taken during this time. Also, you will be given a list of homeopathic preparations as well as vitamins to take prior to and after surgery. This is done to promote healing and limited bruising.
Anesthesia A thigh-buttock lift is performed under general anesthesia. It is typically performed in an outpatient surgery center or a hospital setting.
Operative Procedure Before anesthesia is given, a surgical marking pen is used to draw a detailed “map” on the inner thighs. This architectural plan enables the doctor to make the accurate changes from the standing to the lying position.
After anesthesia is given, the inner thigh area is injected with tumescent fluid. This tumescent fluid is composed of salt water and epinephrine (vasoconstricting agent to reduce bleeding) and this is injected into the buttock area. Liposuction is performed to reduce the fat content of the medial thigh and surrounding area. Once the liposuction is complete and a little section of skin is excised from the medial thigh-buttock region. The skin is advanced and sutured in position using a multiple layer closure. A compression garment is then placed on the surrounding area.
After Surgery The first few hours after surgery will be spent in the recovery room. When you are fairly alert, you will go to the recovery area. You will stay at the hospital or 23-hour outpatient facility overnight to control any discomfort. The following day Dr. Delgado will inspect your incisions and send you home to be cared for by a friend or family member.
Mild discomfort and tightness in the thigh area is common for the first 48 to 72 hours. After the third day, the pain will be resolved significantly and the tightness will begin to feel normal.
Bruising and swelling is present for ten to fourteen days, and the inner thigh incisions need daily care to keep it clean and dry during this time. Most patients are able to walk without much discomfort the day after surgery. The compression garment, which is placed at the end of surgery, is used to reduce swelling and to assist in natural shrinkage and tightening of the skin. This garment is worn for approximately 4-6 weeks. For the small thigh lifts, the initial discomfort is usually easily controlled with prescribed pain medications. Larger thigh lifts require one or two nights in a surgical or nursing facility or hospital. This allows for the proper control of pain.
Risks and Complications Like all surgeries, a thigh-buttock lift carries the risk of bleeding, infection, and the risk of anesthesia. However, with a highly trained plastic surgery team and state-of-the-art surgical facilities, these complications are extremely rare.
The scars located in the inner groin region are very inconspicuous incisions. However, due to the degree of moisture in this area, one could have wound healing problems. This usually responds with keeping the area clean and dry.
Outcome The result of a thigh-buttock lift results in tighter, more attractive thighs and buttock skin. The procedure in addition improves the contour of the legs and decreases the irregularities in the skin surface.