Are you self-conscious about the appearance of your thighs? If you answered yes, you are not alone. As we age, the skin loses its normal elasticity, resulting in sagging of the skin, which is commonly seen along the thighs. In addition, after significant weight loss, residual excess skin can result in unappealing sagging.
Because the changes in the thighs are due to drooping skin, no amount of exercise or weight loss can improve their appearance. Fortunately, there are options to help remove the excess skin and improve the firmness and appearance of the thighs.
The thigh lift procedure in Chicago is designed to remove excess skin and fat to reshape the thighs, resulting in tighter, smoother skin. The result is younger, more aesthetically pleasing thighs that you will be confident showing off in the warmer months.
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A thigh lift, sometimes called a thighplasty, is a procedure specifically designed to sculpt the inner and/or outer thighs by removing excess skin and, in some cases, fat. By tightening the remaining skin along the thighs, a surgical thigh lift results in a firmer, tighter appearance and an overall improved body image. Two types of thigh lifts exist: inner and outer.
As the most common plastic surgery procedure for the upper legs, an inner thigh lift involves an incision along the groin crease. This strategic placement allows the incision to be hidden by clothes and bathing suits. Excess skin of the inner thigh is removed using this incision, the remaining skin is pulled taut, and the incision is closed using sutures.
An outer thigh lift uses an incision along the hipbone to minimize scar prominence. The excess skin below the hip is removed, the remaining skin is pulled taut, and the incision is closed using sutures. This procedure can be performed in conjunction with an inner thigh lift or by itself.
In some cases, excess skin is only part of the concern; there may also be stubborn fat that obscures the natural contour of the thighs. This is where VASER liposuction can play a powerful complementary role. VASER uses ultrasound technology to gently break apart fat cells before removal, allowing for more precise sculpting while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.
The ideal candidate in the greater Chicago area for a thigh lift is often someone who is unhappy with excess soft tissue along the inner and/or outer thighs. They should be in good physical and mental health, without any conditions that could increase the risk of complications or compromise healing. A good candidate should be a nonsmoker and have realistic expectations about what a thigh lift can accomplish.
When undergoing this procedure, the candidate must be at a healthy, stable weight and not have plans for additional weight loss. Candidates committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and exercise, are important for the long-term success of this procedure.
A thigh lift is one of the most impactful procedures for restoring balance to the lower body, particularly for patients dealing with excess skin, since removing lax, hanging tissue and tightening what remains creates a smoother, firmer contour that can significantly improve both appearance and comfort. Many patients find that issues like skin chafing or irritation are reduced, making everyday movement more comfortable.
The aesthetic benefits are often immediately noticeable in how clothing fits. Pants, dresses, and activewear tend to sit more smoothly along the thighs, without bunching or pulling in areas affected by excess skin. The overall silhouette appears more seamless, especially when viewed from the front and side.
At the initial consultation, Dr. Casas will examine your thighs and lower body, noting the skin’s elasticity and the amount of excess skin and fat. After identifying all problem areas, you and Dr. Casas will decide together whether a thigh lift alone or in combination with a butt lift, abdominoplasty, liposuction, or other procedures will best meet your expectations. Following this discussion, a customized plan and a detailed explanation of the associated costs will be developed to provide you with a clear understanding of what will be required to achieve the desired youthful, healthy appearance.
Surgical thigh lifts are performed under general anesthesia in an operating room at either an outpatient surgical facility or a hospital. Before the procedure, Dr. Casas will draw various marks on your body to identify the sites to be addressed during the surgery. Once confirmed, you will be placed under general anesthesia, and whenever possible, Dr. Casas will conceal the incisions in areas that are covered by undergarments or bathing suits. Upon completion of the surgery, the incisions will be closed, and small tubes connected to collection devices may be used to help reduce swelling.
Your Guide to Post-thigh lift Care
The day after surgery, Dr. Casas will encourage you to move around slightly to promote blood circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. However, she will ask you to avoid straining, bending, and lifting for at least four weeks to help reduce scarring. The narrow tubes placed to help drain fluid that creates swelling are typically removed within one week. Dr. Casas will ask you to continue wearing the support garment for a few months after surgery to minimize swelling during recovery further.
Patients are typically able to return to non-strenuous work within two to four weeks. Some patients may experience temporary numbness around the incision site, which will improve as the nerves heal. Still, you will be able to enjoy your reshaped thighs within months, once your incisions have fully healed and the swelling has subsided.
Dr. Casas also uses Manual Lymphatic Drainage, administered by massage, after each procedure to reduce swelling. The number of sessions is individualized. During the postoperative period, it is important that patients maintain a healthy lifestyle leading up to and following procedures, including not smoking, a healthy diet, and daily vitamins. Click here to learn more.
Dr. Casas and her team use Alastin Products with Tripeptides and Hexapeptides to improve and hasten your recovery following procedures. Her research has shown that using topical treatments after procedures reduces postprocedural swelling, pain, and discomfort. There is also an overall improvement in skin quality, both visually and to the touch.1 Here at Casas Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, we strive to optimize patient experience and satisfaction following procedures.
The cost of a Thigh Lift in Chicago is around $5,300, with the actual cost dependent on many different factors. Factors determining the overall cost include the surgeon’s expertise and experience, the geographic region, and any additional procedures performed. Dr. Casas will discuss the exact cost of your individualized treatment plan during the initial consultation.
When considering the overall cost of a procedure, it is important to understand what is included in the price. Our price will include surgeon fees, post-operative appointments, and any post-surgical garments needed after the procedure. For a thigh lift procedure, general anesthesia is required; the cost of anesthesia, the anesthesiologist, facility fees, and support staff used during the procedure will be included in the price. You will be provided a detailed explanation at the initial consultation to prevent any surprises during your recovery.
In Chicago, the overall cost of a surgical thigh lift depends on many factors and is customized for each individual patient. Aspects that influence the overall cost can include the following items.
Dr. Casas is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has developed a successful practice built on trust and commitment to excellent patient care. As a female plastic surgeon, Dr. Casas understands that each patient is different with inherent body structures, lifestyles, and desires for the procedure. Applying her expertise and experience, Dr. Casas offers both inner and outer thigh lift procedures, along with many other services, to deliver the best outcomes for her patients.
Dr. Casas has been recognized as being the very best in her specialty for the past five years by Castle Connolly’s Top Doctor reviews. Because of Dr. Casas’s expertise and award-winning patient care, she has been invited to teach other plastic surgeons both on the national and international levels.
Dr. Casas has been serving the Chicago area for over thirty years and is located in Glenview, IL. As a trusted authority in cosmetic plastic surgery, you are in great hands with Dr. Casas, who will deliver exceptional results with a personalized touch.
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