Spiral Thigh Lift

Who Is A Candidate For A Circumferential Thigh Lift?

A spiral thigh lift is most often done to address large amounts of excess sagging skin, skin rolls, and lumpy fat deposits that are left behind after an individual has lost a tremendous amount of weight such as after bariatric surgery.

Candidates for a circumferential thigh lift:

• Are near their target or ideal weight;
• Are in overall good health;
• Are non-smokers;
• Do not have underlying medical conditions that would make them ineligible for the surgery;
• Have a large amount of loose, saggy excess skin and fat located on their inner and outer thighs as well as the front and back;
• Have lost a significant amount of weight and are struggling with massive amounts of loose skin that is physically limiting and affecting their self-confidence;
• Understand what the surgery can and can not do and have realistic expectations of the surgical results.

How Is Spiral Thighplasty Done?

A spiral thigh lift is performed under general anesthesia. Most circumferential thigh lifts begin with the surgeon performing liposuction on the appropriate locations of the thigh to remove excess fat deposits and to create smoother natural-looking contours.

It is almost always necessary to perform liposuction during a spiral thigh lift not only to get the best results but also to help the patient heal properly and recover quicker. Thigh lifts are notorious for complications related to wound closure and fluid build-up. Utilizing specialized techniques and liposuction help minimize bruising while lowering the risk of improper incision healing or excess fluid build-up (seromas).

At SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics, Dr. Angelina Postoev, a triple-board certified cosmetic surgeon and leading expert in thighplasty in the United States, utilizes the avulsion technique with VASER liposuction to create smoother contours, eliminate excess fat, and help promote a faster recovery.

1. Liposuction begins with a special fluid (tumescent fluid) that normally contains saline and a numbing agent being administered under the patient’s skin in the area being treated. The tumescent fluid helps mitigate bleeding and helps prepare the area for fat extraction.
2. Next, during the VASER liposuction, ultrasound probes are placed under the skin through a small incision that will precisely target and break up the excess fatty tissue while leaving all other nearby tissue unharmed.
3. Finally, a small tube-like device (cannula) is used to gently vacuum out the unwanted fat and it will remove all but a small amount of the tumescent fluid – the fluid that remains helps ease discomfort after the procedure.
4. The surgeon will make several spiral thigh lift incisions during the procedure including one from the inside of the groin around the front of the thigh that continues to the side of the hip and along the underside crease of the buttocks. Another incision will run from the groin to the knee on the inside of the thigh.
5. The surgeon removes the excess skin from the circumference of the thigh, pulls the rest of the skin together tightly, and secures it in place. There may be some drains installed in the wounds for a few weeks to help prevent fluid build-up and promote healing. Surgical tape is usually used over the incisions and drains to help keep the areas stable during the initial few weeks.

The patient is given a special garment to wear (compression or stabilization garment) that will help keep bruising and swelling to a minimum as well as protect the vulnerable incision sites. This garment must be worn according to the surgeon’s instructions to maximize the overall results of the spiral thigh lift.

Combining A 360-Degree Thigh Lift With Other Surgery

Patients may want to maximize their results by combining surgical body contouring procedures into one session.

During spiral thighplasty, the incision extends to the crease directly below the buttocks so incorporating a butt lift with a spiral thigh lift would create a smoother, more natural-looking definition and provide amazing results.

Many patients who have undergone a huge weight loss have many trouble spots so a 360-degree thigh lift can also be combined with a lower abdominoplasty or a 360-degree abdominoplasty. Patients who have lost a considerable amount of weight often have loose saggy skin hanging from their abdomen that needs to be addressed.

Recovery From Circumferential Thigh Lift

Recovering from a spiral lift will be different for each patient based on the amount of correction performed during the surgery and whether combined with other surgeries. Typically, patients recover in eight to ten weeks from spiral thigh lift surgery.

The surgeon will discharge patients with pain medication and antibiotic prescriptions to help manage discomfort and lower the risk of infection.

Depending on the extent of the surgery patients will experience a normal amount of swelling and bruising. Keeping the legs elevated as much as possible, staying hydrated, and keeping an eye on sodium intake will help alleviate some swelling, and gradually over six to eight weeks, it should resolve itself.

Following the surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care including wearing the compression garment, taking medication, resting, walking, etc will be instrumental in how fast and complication-free you recover.

Your surgeon will clear you to drive, exercise, and return to work, and tell you when you can resume your daily routine so wait until you get the “all clear” before you proceed with any activities.

Spiral Thigh Lift Results

Patients who previously had a large amount of loose saggy skin and uneven fat deposits will have noticeable results from a 360-degree thigh lift right away. The results will look better and better as the swelling subsides and the incision sites heal which may take several months.

The scars from a spiral thigh lift are normally extensive as this surgery targets the entire circumference of the thigh. Spiral thigh lift scars will be visible on the inside of the thigh running from the groin area down to the knee and also on the side of the hips. The scars that result from the incisions made along the groin line or under the buttocks will be fairly discrete and can be hidden with a bikini bottom or underwear.

If you had bariatric surgery or have lost a large amount of weight and you are now suffering from immobility, chafing, rashes, or embarrassment due to an abundance of excess sagging skin, contact SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics today and set up a consultation. Our highly-skilled professionals are here to help you turn your aesthetic goals into reality.