Introduction to Thigh Lift Surgery

Following massive weight loss from pregnancy or bariatric surgery, many patients are left with severe dimpling (cellulite), wrinkles, fat deposits located in the outer side of thighs (saddlebags), or hanging skin, all of which can detract from the wonderful achievement of losing all that weight. Under the skilled hands of Dr. Michael Keyes, a Thigh Lift in Miami, FL can give you back the shape you want, restore your confidence, and help you fall in love with your legs. You’ve put in the work to achieve the body you want, let our team at Celebrity Plastics help get you past the finish line!

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What is a Thigh Lift?

A Thigh Lift is a surgical procedure that reshapes the thighs by reducing excess skin and fat, resulting in smoother skin and better-proportioned contours of the thighs and lower body. If fitness and weight control efforts have not achieved your goals for a body that is firmer, more youthful-looking, and more proportionate to your overall body image, a surgical lift may be right for you.

Now that you know what a thigh lift can do, it’s important to share what it cannot do. Thigh lifts are not intended strictly for the removal of excess fat. Liposuction alone can remove excess fat deposits where the skin has good elasticity and can naturally conform to new body contours. In cases where skin elasticity is poor, a thigh lift along with liposuction may be recommended.

Types of Thigh Lifts

Every patient requires different levels of care, which is why Dr. Keyes offers multiple variations of the Thigh Lift. Below, we have some brief descriptions of what each approach can treat.

Mini-Thigh Lift

A Mini-Thigh Lift is used to reduce sagging in the upper part of the inner thigh. Instead of tightening the entire thigh, Dr. Keyes will focus on a smaller portion of the upper third of the thigh. This approach is best for patients who don’t have a large amount of excess fat or skin but would like to trim the area down. Patients should have a BMI of less than 30 to be eligible.

Dr. Keyes first will make a small incision in the groin area, which will be used to perform liposuction. After the fat has been removed, he will excise the extra skin left over, resulting in a smaller, smoother appearance with minimal bumps and dents.

Since this is the most minimal type of cosmetic thigh surgery available, recovery time is kept to a minimum. The procedure only takes around two hours to complete, and patients can usually begin light exercise within two weeks.

Inner/Medial Thigh Lift

A Medial Thigh Lift is performed on the inner part of the upper thigh. The best patients for this technique are those who struggle with stubborn fat in their thighs, even with a healthy diet and routine exercise. An inner thigh lift is typically used to remove excess skin after weight loss. Your skin may start to lose elasticity and become saggy around the upper thigh if a large amount of weight has been lost, especially when it occurs very quickly.

To carry out this procedure, a surgeon begins by making an incision in the crease where the thigh meets the pubic area. This incision is strategically placed at the top of the pubic area to reduce visible scarring. From there, it will follow the natural crease of your body, stretching around to the back of the buttock. Dr. Keyes will then remove a large amount of skin and fat from the area. This does not always involve liposuction, but it is often used to help patients with stubborn body fat. The thigh is then lifted by stitching the skin in a higher position and tighter than it was before. The result will be a scar sitting in the crease of the groin, resulting in a subtle appearance.

This is one of the most discreet thigh lift procedures available because scarring is kept to a minimum, but excellent results can still be achieved.

Vertical Thigh Lift

A Vertical Thigh Lift is best when patients have excess skin that extends around the thigh. This type of thigh lift treats the middle and lower sections of the thigh. However, since this procedure treats a larger area of the body, it does require a larger incision. Dr. Keyes will make an ellipse-shaped cut around the area of the skin which is then removed, which begins at the upper inner thigh and stretches down to the inner area of the knee. Due to the shape of this incision, this surgery is sometimes also referred to as a ‘crescent lift’.

Unfortunately due to this technique, there will be more significant, noticeable scarring. While the scars won’t be as obvious when your legs are closed, when opened and the inner thighs are exposed, a large, T-shaped scar will be able to be seen.

This procedure is more extensive and is typically recommended for patients who have very large amounts of excess skin to remove.

Outer/Lateral Thigh Lift

An Outer Thigh Lift removes skin and fat from the outside of the thigh, which can include the excess weight that has accumulated in the waist and buttock area.

Dr. Keyes will make an incision around the waist, similar to a lower body lift. He will then utilize Liposuction to remove the fat around the side of the thighs and buttocks. The excess tissue is then brought up and secured at the hip bone to contour your body and leave a tighter, smoother surface free from ripples or dimples. Please keep in mind that the length of the incision will also leave a significant amount of scarring that can be concealed by most underwear and bathing suits.

Posterior Thigh Lift

This technique targets the area at the back of the thighs, as well as the buttocks, which tend to accumulate large amounts of cellulite. This causes the skin to become dimpled as well as saggy. This procedure is great for patients looking to tone up this area and achieve a smoother, firmer posterior.

What are the benefits of a Thigh Lift?

If you are a good candidate for a Thigh Lift in Miami, here are some of the benefits you can expect to see:

  • Toned muscle areas
  • Slimmer thighs
  • Reduction in excess skin
  • Smoother skin
  • Your natural shape highlighted
  • Confidence in your upper leg areas
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Celebrity Actress on the Red Carpet surrounded by Paparazzi

Who are the best candidates for the Thigh Lift procedure?

The best candidates for a Miami Thigh Lift are those looking to tone up your thighs, get rid of excess or sagging skin, and smoothen out the skin on your thighs. You should be in overall good health and maintain realistic expectations for your final procedure results.

We don’t recommend a thigh lift if you are looking for weight reduction or weight loss. We will never recommend a procedure if we don’t think it would benefit you. The most important step to achieving your ideal body is to choose procedures that will benefit you, and Dr. Keyes will help guide your decision-making process.

What’s the first step?

The first step on your journey to your best body yet is to book a consultation with Dr. Keyes. During this consultation, Dr. Keyes will discuss your concerns, goals, and medical history to determine which procedures will be most effective. The consultation is your opportunity to ask questions, learn more about the procedure, and make an informed decision as to whether a thigh lift is right for you, based on the information you are given.

What to expect on the day of Thigh Lift surgery

On the day of your Thigh Lift surgery, we will make you feel as comfortable as possible before you enter the procedure room. We administer anesthesia to every patient undergoing a surgical procedure, to ensure you do not feel any pain. Once the anesthesia has been administered, the surgery begins.

Dr. Keyes will use a combination of techniques to achieve your thigh lift. The first one is the inner thigh technique where the incision is made in the groin and extends downward, wrapping around the back of the thigh, or, from the groin down to the knee. An outer thigh incision is made from the groin that extends along your natural contour around the hip to the back. Both techniques allow for mostly hidden incisions that can be covered up with most types of clothing and swimsuits. Once he is complete, Dr. Keyes will close the incisions and apply protective bandages.

Depending on the amount of area being treated, the surgery can take from 2-4 hours approximately.

Procedure timeline

Contact

The first step to getting your thigh lift surgery is to contact Celebrity Plastics and schedule a consultation through our patient coordinator.

Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Keyes will discuss your concerns, goals, and medical history to determine which techniques will be most effective to achieve your desired outcome. After the two of you agree on your surgical plan, our Patient Coordinator will help you schedule your appointment.

Pre-operative preparation

Once the procedures have been selected, the patient will be given specific instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. This may include avoiding certain medications, quitting smoking, and adjusting diet and exercise habits. It is important to follow the instructions laid out by Dr. Keyes to ensure your body is properly prepared for surgery.

Surgery

On the day of your thigh lift surgery, you will be given paperwork to fill out before moving into the procedure room. You will be given anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. Upon completion, you will be taken into a recovery room and given more information about post-surgical recovery.

Recovery

You will need to rest and recover for several days before returning to your normal activities. This may involve wearing compression garments, taking pain medication, and avoiding strenuous exercise. The recovery process is a time for your body to heal properly before you can start seeing results.

Post-operative appointments

Dr. Keyes will schedule follow-up appointments. These appointments are made to check in with your healing progress and to see how the surgery has worked. Post-operative appointments also ensure you are not alone in your recovery. Dr. Keyes and his staff will take care of you throughout your journey to becoming the new version of you.

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Thigh Lift Recovery

Once the surgery is complete, we give you time to recover in our comfortable recovery room, before leaving the clinic. Our medical staff will give you information on the best type of pain management so that you can ease into your recovery period with comfort.

It is important to follow the post-surgical recovery instructions from Dr. Keyes and his team, as they want you to heal as quickly as possible so that you can see the incredible results you’ve been waiting for.

One of the major areas of concern post-surgery is lymph buildup. Lymph is a fluid that your body produces to carry immune cells, proteins, hormones, toxins, and fatty acids to be processed by the lymph nodes. Our team will teach you how to lightly massage the liposuctioned areas to help with recovery. While the light massage may initially feel odd, it will get more enjoyable the farther you progress from surgery. It is helpful to get a deep tissue massage performed by a trained professional as well. This can be done after your first post-op appointment and when you are ready.

After your surgery, you will need to wear some compression garments to reduce any swelling from the procedure. You will need to wear these restrictive garments every day to prevent blood clots (thrombi), which pose a major risk because they can develop in the venous system due to poor circulation, ultimately leading to further complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When you keep to our instructions, you will be able to improve circulation reduce the risk of thrombi address edema (swelling), and promote venous return through higher compression levels.

Visit Celebrity Plastics E-Store to view recommended Thigh Lift recovery products.

How much does a Thigh Lift cost in Miami, FL?

As everybody is unique and individual, so are our procedures. During your consultation, Dr. Keyes will examine and assess your thighs to determine whether a thigh lift is right for you and how it can benefit your body overall. This assessment will also help determine the cost of the procedure for you. We offer financing options for all our patients.

Why choose Dr. Keyes?

Why go anywhere else, when you can see a plastic surgeon that will make you feel like you look like a celebrity? His work on Miami patients is evidence of his impressive results and the kind of results you too can have. We treat every patient like family and work to ensure your entire experience with us is comfortable and enjoyable. Dr. Keyes wants you to look like a superstar when you leave the practice, making you the talk of the town.

As a board-eligible plastic surgeon and the founder of Celebrity Plastics, Dr. Keyes has received numerous certifications from the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the American Heart Association, and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. He was also selected as “World Top 100 Doctor – Class of 2022” by The Global Summits Institute and the recipient of the “Clinical Achievement Award” from the University of Louisville Plastic Surgery Department for breaking the record for most operative cases logged in the history of the program. With his extensive expertise and remarkable skill set, Dr. Keyes stands at the forefront of his field, ensuring the highest level of care and patient satisfaction.

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Contact us today to schedule your appointment with renowned plastic surgeon and face, body & breast specialist Dr. Michael Keyes. Take your first steps to become the best version of you.

8585 Sunset Dr., Suite #107
Miami, Florida 33143

(888) 730-5305