You’re not alone if you dread shorts season or feel self-conscious about loose skin on your thighs. Lax or sagging skin in this area—often caused by weight loss, aging, or genetics—can be difficult to improve with diet and exercise alone. That’s where a thigh lift can make all the difference, removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue for a smoother, more contoured look. Still, you may wonder, “Am I the right candidate for a thigh lift?” Let’s take a closer look at who can benefit most from a thigh lift and how to time this procedure to your needs.
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What Is a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift is a body contouring procedure that reshapes the thighs by removing excess skin and fat, resulting in smoother skin and more proportionate contours. A skilled body contouring expert, Dr. Hagopian customizes each thigh lift to address the inner thighs, outer thighs, or both, depending on your unique anatomy and goals.
Ideal Candidates: Is a Thigh Lift Right for You?
The best candidates for thigh lift surgery are healthy individuals with excess skin or fat on the thighs that doesn’t improve with lifestyle changes. Most thigh lift candidates:
- Struggle with skin irritation and rashes
- Experience discomfort during physical activity
- Have difficulty finding clothing that comfortably fits the lower body
- Are self-conscious about showing their legs
If you have any or all of the above concerns, are at or near your goal weight, don’t smoke, and are in good general health, you’re likely a strong candidate for a thigh lift.
Timing Is Everything: When To Consider a Thigh Lift
Choosing the right time for a thigh lift is key to achieving and maintaining great results. Ideally, your weight should be stable for at least 6 months, and you should be able to commit to the recovery process without interruption. Many patients choose to have surgery in the fall or winter so they can heal comfortably and reveal their results by spring or summer.
Why Weight Stability Matters for Long-Term Results
If you’re still actively losing weight, it’s a good idea to postpone surgery until your body stabilizes. Weight fluctuations after surgery can compromise results, potentially leading to stretched skin or uneven contours. The closer you are to your ideal, maintainable weight, the better your long-term outcome will be.
Age and Skin Elasticity: Are You Too Young or Too Old?
Contrary to popular belief, there’s no perfect age for a thigh lift. Instead, we look at factors like skin elasticity, general health, and your personal goals. Whether you’re in your 30s or 60s, if you have good skin quality and realistic expectations, you could be a great candidate.
Planning Ahead for Surgery & Recovery
A thigh lift typically requires a few weeks of downtime, during which you’ll wear a compression garment, limit activity, and avoid lifting. Arranging help at home, planning time off work, and following your postoperative care plan will help ensure a smooth recovery and beautiful results.
Combining Procedures: Should You Include a Thigh Lift in a Body Contouring Plan?
If you’ve experienced dramatic weight loss or are pursuing a full-body transformation such as a body lift, a thigh lift can often be combined with other post-weight loss procedures, such as a tummy tuck, Brazilian butt lift, and arm lift. Some lipedema surgery patients—especially those with advanced-stage disease or significant skin laxity—may also benefit from a thigh lift to remove excess skin and improve leg contour.
These procedures almost always include liposuction for optimal contouring. Dr. Hagopian will help you create a safe, customized plan to reach your goals efficiently.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to take the next step toward feeling more confident about your legs, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Request a consultation with Dr. Hagopian using the online form or by calling us at (404) 885-8542. Remember, we’re here to help you feel good in your skin again—on your unique terms and timeline!
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