Thigh lift in Medellín

Thigh lift and thighplasty are two names for the same surgery. In Colombia you may also see it called lifting de muslos, levantamiento de muslos or cruroplastia. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), it reshapes the thighs by removing excess skin and fat, with the goal of smoother skin and a more proportionate contour. The ASPS makes clear that it isn't meant only to remove fat. It's usually recommended when there is excess skin, often after major weight loss.

The ASPS explains that the incision pattern depends on the area being treated and how much correction you need. For the inner thigh, it describes:

• A minimal incision in the groin only.
• An incision in the groin that extends down and wraps around the back of the thigh.
• An incision along the inner thigh, from the groin to the knee.

For the outer thigh, the ASPS describes an incision that may run from the groin, around the hip and across the back. Your surgeon decides which one you need when they examine you.

If what bothers you is fat and your skin still has good elasticity, the ASPS explains that liposuction alone may be enough, because the skin adjusts to the new contour. If your skin has lost elasticity, a thigh lift combined with liposuction may be recommended. If you also have excess skin in other areas, there are other surgeries:

• For the arms: arm lift.
• For the abdomen: tummy tuck.
• For several areas after losing a lot of weight, done in stages: body contouring after major weight loss.

Your surgeon decides at your in-person consultation whether it makes sense to combine procedures.

According to the ASPS, this surgery is for people with a relatively stable weight who are in good health, don't smoke and have realistic goals. So, in general, it isn't the right time if:

• You're still losing weight. If you need support to reach a stable weight, you can look into medical weight management.
• You have a medical condition that makes healing harder or raises your surgical risk.
• You smoke and don't plan to quit before surgery.
• You're hoping for no marks at all: the ASPS makes clear that there will be visible scars.

Every surgery has risks, and this one does too. The ASPS lists, among others:

• Anesthesia risks, bleeding or infection.
• Fluid buildup (seroma) or fat necrosis.
• Deep vein thrombosis, and heart or lung complications.
• Poor wound healing, significant wound separation or skin loss.
• Changes in sensation, persistent pain, or skin discoloration or swelling.
• Asymmetry, unfavorable scarring or skin that becomes loose again.
• Stitches that surface through the skin and have to be removed, or the possibility of revision surgery.

Before you decide, we go over each one with you and you sign an informed consent form.

According to the ASPS, before surgery you have pre-op tests, stop smoking and review your medications, because aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements can increase bleeding. We tell you what to stop taking, and you need an adult to stay with you for at least the first night. Afterward you may have bandages and sometimes drains, as the ASPS explains. During weeks 1 to 3 you wear a compression garment, keep your activity limited and protect your incisions from too much force or rubbing. If you feel short of breath, have chest pain or notice an irregular heartbeat, get medical help right away. You have follow-up visits until your surgeon discharges you.