The Medical (Inner) Thigh Lift

     Finally, there exists an excellent procedure to lift the inner thigh.  The procedure allows a significant lift and tightening that is both long lasting and creates an excellent tightening of the thigh area.


How Long Does It Last?

     The Medial Thigh Lift is quite long lasting (10 to 20 years).  As long as large weight loss and gain are avoided, and the general health remains good, then there are long lasting improvements.  Over time, however, the normal aging process will cause some relaxation of the tissues.  The extent of relaxation and the time for that to occur depends in large measure on the elasticity of the skin.  Avoiding sun exposure, smoking, and shifts in weight, increases the length of time that the results will remain.  The skin will not go back to its stretched and loosened appearance, however, without massive weight gain and loss.

The Operation

     The Medial Thigh Lift is performed most commonly under Light Sleep Anesthesia. Local anesthesia is then used to numb the area.  The operation is performed by making an incision in the middle of the inner thigh from above the knee and carried up to the pubic region.  The skin and fat are dissected off of the thigh muscles, and the tissues are then retracted superiorly and medially to tighten the thigh.  Two drains are generally placed under the skin.

The First Four Weeks After Surgery

     The patient is able to walk immediately after surgery and is, in fact, encouraged to do so three or four times per day for one to two minutes each time.  The drains that have been placed will generally be removed four to 14 days after surgery.  The patient should take it easy for two weeks after surgery.  A pressure garment will be in place, and the patient will wear this for about three to four weeks.

     Some swelling and discoloration is normal, but generally this is minimal.  The amount of pain associated with this procedure is quite variable.  Most patients note a mild to moderate amount of discomfort, and for some it is more intense.  The patient is normally back to non-strenuous work in two to three weeks and back to full exercising in five weeks.