Many people experience lax skin on their legs due to dramatic weight loss or the natural aging process. A thigh lift is a contouring procedure designed to address this problem, creating a firmer and younger appearance. Dr. Stephanie Teotia uses her expertise as a leading Dallas plastic surgeon to deliver outstanding results with this surgery.

Why Do Your Thighs Sag?

Collagen and elastin are two essential proteins that are the building blocks of healthy, resilient skin. As your body’s ability to produce these structural proteins declines, you will ultimately experience sagging and drooping. Hormonal changes, such as decreased estrogen levels due to menopause, can also contribute to a loss of skin elasticity and muscle tone in the thighs. Additionally, rapid weight loss or gain can stretch your skin beyond its capacity to bounce back. Factors like genetics, sun exposure, and weight fluctuations can further accelerate this process.

While a healthy lifestyle can promote skin elasticity, you may wish to consider a thigh lift if you experience laxity that no longer responds to your nutrition and fitness efforts.

Benefits of Thigh Lift Surgery

Thigh lift surgery offers several advantages.

• Enhanced proportions: Reshaping your legs leads to a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing body contour.
• Reduced chafing: This procedure can relieve discomfort and irritation caused by your skin rubbing against itself.
• Boosted self-confidence: Dr. Teotia understands how frustrating it can be to achieve your weight loss goals and still have loose skin that prevents you from enjoying your new shape. Many of her thigh lift patients experience an improved body image and feel more confident when wearing shorts, skirts, and swimsuits.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

The best thigh lift candidates are healthy adults who do not smoke and have no underlying conditions that could complicate their surgery or recovery. People who have lost a substantial amount of weight and stayed within their target body weight for at least a year are ideal candidates. It is also crucial to maintain realistic expectations about your results and commit to thoroughly following all post-operative instructions.

Please arrive at your thigh lift consultation prepared to discuss your medical history, any medications or supplements you currently take, and your goals for the surgery. Dr. Teotia will thoroughly answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and craft a personalized treatment plan to deliver optimal results.

What Does Thigh Lift Surgery Entail?

Dr. Teotia prides herself on delivering natural-looking outcomes that complement your proportions. She performs this procedure under general anesthesia, removing excess skin and tightening the remaining tissues for a smooth contour. If necessary, she will use liposuction to address stubborn fat pockets that remain on your thighs despite your best efforts in diet and exercise.

After you wake up from anesthesia, you will be free to go home with a responsible adult to drive you. During recovery, you will be required to wear compression garments to support your new contours and minimize swelling. Take at least a week off work to rest and allow your body to heal. Please follow all care instructions provided and return for your scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.

Tips for Prolonging Thigh Lift Results

While Dr. Teotia cannot promise a specific duration for your thigh lift outcomes, her advanced surgical techniques lead to an improvement that can last several years. Additionally, you can use these tips to maximize the tightening and firming effects.

• Maintain a healthy weight: Avoid significant weight fluctuations. Gaining weight will further stretch your skin and blur your new contours, and losing weight may cause additional skin sagging.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water daily. Proper hydration is excellent for your overall wellness, especially your skin health.
• Exercise regularly: Do strength training and cardio exercises to maintain muscle tone, improve cardiovascular fitness, and reduce stress levels. Exercises like squats and lunges will keep your quadriceps and hamstrings strong and defined. 
• Protect your skin: Use sunscreen to shield yourself from UV damage, which can cause premature aging.
• Eat a balanced diet: Antioxidant-rich foods like fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy fats from fish and grains are excellent for prolonging your youth and optimizing your health.
• Do not smoke: Smoking can impair your circulation, slow down the healing process, and accelerate aging. If you smoke, please quit before your thigh lift surgery, and remain nicotine-free throughout recovery and thereafter.
• Use moisturizer: Keep your skin moisturized to maintain its elasticity and smoothness. Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and vitamin C.
• Be patient: Allow your body time to heal and adjust to the changes. Results may take several months to fully develop.

Schedule Your Thigh Lift Consultation Today

Improving your appearance with plastic surgery can be empowering, but it is not a decision to make lightly. If you are considering thigh lift surgery in Dallas, Dr. Teotia and her welcoming, all-female team are here to educate you and answer your questions at every phase of the process. As a highly-skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Teotia enjoys partnering with her patients on their quest to love their looks and feel confident in their skin. Connect with us today to schedule your private thigh lift consultation.