Thigh Lift

A common complaint among women is the appearance of their thighs. Weight loss and gain, genetics, and age can contribute to saggy and dimpled thighs with fat deposits that are difficult to eliminate with diet and exercise alone. Regular exercise can help to tone and strengthen leg and thigh muscles, but do little for underlying fat deposits. A thigh lift can often help to eliminate the fat deposits in the thighs, remove loose and sagging skin, and create a smoother, more streamlined shape to your legs.

Educate Yourself on Your Procedure

If you are a patient considering a thigh lift procedure, please continue reading for further information on this procedure and what you can expect. If you have any questions about thigh lift surgery, or any of our other procedures, please contact us.

What are the Benefits of a Thigh Lift Procedure?

Thigh Lift patients often pursue surgery to:

• Improve the appearance of loose and sagging skin
• Smoothen the contours of your thighs
• Alleviate emotional distress
• Feel comfortable wearing shorts, dresses, bathing suits and clothing of your choice
• Improve confidence

Like the thousands of patients who undergo this procedure every year, you too can acquire the smoother contours you’ve always wanted, and gain the confidence you deserve.

Preparing for Your Thigh Lift Procedure

What is the first step in pursuing a thigh lift procedure?

The first step when considering thigh lift surgery is to schedule your consultation with Dr. Barr. The consultation process provides an opportunity for you to obtain important information about the procedure and to have all of your questions answered prior to proceeding with surgery. It also enables Dr. Barr to properly assess you and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for thigh lift surgery. You should be prepared to discuss your medical history, including any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries, all current medications, as well as any significant weight gain or loss. Any history of high blood pressure, thyroid problems or diabetes should be reviewed as these medical conditions may increase the risks associated with surgery. During your consultation Dr. Barr will carefully examine your thighs, and assess your general health. Different surgical approaches and options will be discussed and he will explain which surgical approach would be best suited to you based on your individual characteristics and aesthetic goals. The benefits, risks and potential complications associated with thigh lift surgery will be thoroughly explained during this consultation. The information provided at this initial consultation will be comprehensive and thorough, and should enable you to make an informed decision as to whether or not the thigh lift procedure is the right choice for you. A comprehensive instruction package, which includes instructions for before and after surgery, will be provided to you at the time of consultation.

Am I a candidate for a thigh lift procedure?

The ideal candidates for a thigh lift procedure are healthy patients who have realistic expectations of surgical outcomes. You may be a good candidate for thigh lift surgery if you have excess or loose skin in your thighs, are at a stable weight, are not obese, and do not have any significant health issues that may affect your ability to heal.

Can I combine another surgery with my thigh lift procedure?

It may be possible to schedule another surgery at the same time as your thigh lift procedure. You should be prepared to discuss all possibilities during your consultation with Dr. Barr.

The Procedure

What will I need to do prior to surgery?

Prior to surgery you will be scheduled for a pre-op session with a Registered Nurse to review your medical history and your post-op instructions. She will review all of the information you will need to know in order to prepare yourself for thigh surgery.

Where will my thigh lift procedure be performed?

Your procedure will be performed within the state-of-the-art facilities of Barr Plastic Surgery, located within the Northern Ontario Surgical Centre. Northern Ontario Surgical Centre has been awarded accreditation by the CAAASF (Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) for meeting the standards of a hospital in regards to monitoring, emergency and resuscitation equipment. With two levels and entrances that conceal the actual size of the facility, the centre itself spans 8000 square feet and incorporates fully equipped major and minor operating rooms, a monitored multi-bed recovery area, 10 laser and treatment rooms, spacious consultation areas, private offices to discuss financing options, elegant waiting areas and a private waiting room and secure rear entrance/exit for additional privacy when desired.

How is a thigh lift procedure performed?

A thigh lift reshapes your thighs by reducing excess skin, and in some cases fat, resulting in smoother skin and better proportioned contours of the thighs and lower body. Thigh lift surgery usually takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, and is performed as an outpatient procedure, under general anaesthesia. There are two types of thigh lifts:

• Mini thigh lift using a short scar technique

• Vertical thigh lift using a vertical scar technique

The mini thigh lift uses a short scar technique which is an incision from the groin to improve the upper third of the thighs. The vertical thigh lift uses a vertical incision along the thigh (much like the inseam in pants) to improve skin laxity of the thighs down to the knees. Liposuction may also be utilized in either procedure in order to remove fat deposits to further smooth out and contour the thighs, however, not in the same area as the thigh lift. Dr. Barr places incisions in inconspicuous locations whenever possible so that they can be hidden. The type of procedure and incision that will best suit your needs will be discussed in detail with Dr. Barr during your consultation.

Who will administer the anaesthetic?

A board-certified anesthesiologist will administer your anaesthetic, stay with you during the entire operation, and will be there as you wake up.

Who can I contact if I have any questions or concerns?

During office hours our Patient Coordinators and nursing staff are available to answer any questions or concerns following your surgery. After hours, Dr. Barr is available by pager.

Pricing

How much does a thigh lift procedure cost?

Pricing for your procedure will depend on which type of thigh lift procedure you require and whether you have concurrent procedures along with your thigh lift. Accurate pricing will be provided to you during your consultation. Patients choosing to invest in their self-confidence and happiness through cosmetic surgery have many options available to make this investment more manageable. Our Patient Coordinators are familiar with various payment options and can facilitate the process for you.

Is full payment required or do you offer a financing plan?

Affording your procedure can be made simpler by using Medicard which enables you to pay for your surgery with monthly payments. Please note that this company is not affiliated in any way with Barr Plastic Surgery. For more information on how financing can help you afford your procedure, visit:

Is my procedure covered by insurance?

Thigh lift surgery is considered cosmetic surgery and therefore not usually covered by private or provincial insurance such as OHIP.

What is included in the surgical fee?

The facility fee, surgeon, nurses, anaesthesia and anaesthetist, surgical supplies, and equipment used are all covered in the fees. You will also be provided with prescriptions for medications to be taken after surgery. These prescriptions are subject to the same coverage you would receive from your medical insurance. If you do not have personal insurance, these medications will be an additional cost to you.

Is a deposit required? When is it due?

There is a $500 deposit for any surgery under $5,000 a $1000 deposit for any surgery over $5000, and a $2500 deposit for any surgery over $10,000.

When is payment for the surgery due?

Payment for your surgery is due 14 days prior to your surgery date. Payment can be made by:

• Cash
• Certified Cheques
• Mastercard or VISA
• E-transfers
• Financing plan

Recovery

Will I need to stay overnight following my thigh lift surgery?

Thigh Lift surgery is an outpatient procedure and does not require an overnight stay at Barr Plastic Surgery. Following your surgery you will need a friend or family member to pick you up and care for you for 24-48 hours. This person should be familiar with your prescriptions and post-surgery instructions. 

How long will it take me to recover from my thigh lift procedure?

Dr. Barr’s extensive experience in performing this procedure will help to ensure that your post-operative recovery is minimized. Once you have woken up from your surgery you will be discharged with a dressing in place, and a compression garment to minimize swelling. Small drainage tubes may be temporarily placed at your surgical site to drain any fluids that may collect. You should not participate in any strenuous activities for approximately 2 weeks. It will take several weeks for the bruising and swelling to resolve. Sutures are removed 2 weeks after surgery. Your progress will be monitored by Dr. Barr and his medical team during follow up visits and any changes to your activity level will be discussed during your appointments.

Will I have scarring?

Dr. Barr takes every precaution to ensure your scarring is as minimal as possible. However, as with any surgery, there is a risk of scarring from the incisions. Once your incisions have healed there are products that can be used to minimize the redness in scars as well as improve the texture. Reusable silicone strips as well as medical grade topical scar creams are available for purchase that will help to reduce the discolouration found in new scars. Precautions that should be taken to minimize scarring will be discussed during consultation.