Thigh Lift Surgery in Turkey: Procedure, Types, Candidates, Benefits, Recovery and Cost

last update date : 2024-03-28

 Thigh Lift Surgery in Turkey, also known as thighplasty is a cosmetic procedure that aims to improve the appearance and shape of the thighs. It involves removing excess skin and fat from the inner or outer thighs and tightening the remaining skin to create a smoother and firmer look. Thigh lift surgery can help people who have sagging or loose skin due to aging, weight loss, or genetics. It can also enhance the body contour and boost the self-confidence of the patients.

What does a thigh lift surgery include?

Thigh lift surgery involves making incisions on the inner or outer thighs, or both, depending on the type and extent of the surgery. The surgeon then removes the excess skin and fat and tightens the underlying muscles and connective tissues. The remaining skin is then redraped and sutured over the new thigh contour. The incisions are usually placed in inconspicuous locations, such as the groin crease, the buttock fold, or the inner thigh. However, some types of thigh lift surgery may require longer or more visible scars.

Who is the right candidate for thigh lift surgery?

The ideal candidate for thigh lift surgery is someone who:

• is in good overall health, and does not have any medical conditions that could impair healing or increase the risk of complications.

• is a non-smoker, or is willing to quit smoking at least six weeks before and after the surgery.

• has excess skin and fat on the thighs that does not respond to diet and exercise.

• has stable and realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery.

• is committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a stable weight after the surgery.

What are the benefits of thigh lift surgery?

Some of the benefits of thigh lift surgery are:

• improved appearance and shape of the thighs.

• reduced sagging, loose, or dimpled skin on the thighs.

• increased comfort and confidence in wearing fitted clothing or swimwear.

• reduced rubbing or chafing of the inner thighs.

• improved hygiene and skin quality in the thigh area.

Before thigh lift surgery: How should you prepare for the operation?

Before thigh lift surgery, you will need to:

• undergo a physical examination and a consultation with your surgeon, who will evaluate your medical history, your goals, and your expectations, and explain the details, risks, and benefits of the surgery.

• have some blood tests and other laboratory tests to check your health status and suitability for the surgery.

• stop taking any medications or supplements that could interfere with blood clotting, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E, at least two weeks before the surgery.

• avoid alcohol and tobacco for at least six weeks before and after the surgery, as they can impair healing and increase the risk of complications.

• arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first night after the surgery, as you will not be able to drive or operate machinery.

• follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding eating, drinking, and medications on the day of the surgery.

How is thigh lift surgery done?

Thigh lift surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep and not feel any pain during the procedure. The surgery can take two to four hours, depending on the type and extent of the surgery. The steps of the surgery are:

• The surgeon makes the incisions on the inner or outer thighs, or both, according to the surgical plan. The incisions may vary in length and location, depending on the type of thigh lift surgery.

• The surgeon removes the excess skin and fat and tightens the underlying muscles and connective tissues. The surgeon may also use liposuction to remove any stubborn fat deposits and enhance the thigh contour.

• The surgeon redrapes and sutures the remaining skin over the new thigh shape. The surgeon may also place drains to collect any excess fluid or blood and apply dressings and bandages to protect the incisions.

• The surgeon transfers you to a recovery room, where you will be monitored for any signs of complications. You may feel some pain, swelling, bruising, or numbness in the thigh area, which can be managed with medications and ice packs. You will also be given instructions on how to care for your incisions, drains, and dressings, and when to return for follow-up visits.

What are the common types of thigh lift surgery?

Thigh lift surgery has four common types, depending on the incisions and the treated thighs:

• Inner thigh lift: Targets the inner thighs. The incision in the groin crease to the buttock fold. Removes excess skin and fat. Tightens tissues. Improves inner thighs. Reduces thigh rubbing.

• Mini thigh lift: Targets the upper inner thighs. Smaller incision in the groin crease. Removes less skin and fat. Tightens tissues. Improves upper inner thighs. For minimal thigh issues.

• Outer thigh lift: Targets the outer thighs. The incision from the groin crease to the hip and back. Removes excess skin and fat. Tightens tissues. Improves outer thighs. Lifts buttocks and hips.

• Vertical thigh lift: Targets the entire thighs. An incision from the groin crease to the knee. Removes excess skin and fat. Tightens tissues. Improves entire thighs. For severe thigh issues.

How long does a thigh lift surgery last?

The results of thigh lift surgery are long-lasting, as long as you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. However, the natural aging process and gravity may cause some changes in the appearance and shape of the thighs over time. To preserve the results of thigh lift surgery, you should avoid significant weight fluctuations, sun exposure, smoking, and alcohol consumption, and follow a balanced diet and a regular exercise routine.

What is a scarless thigh lift?

A scarless thigh lift is a non-surgical alternative to thigh lift surgery, which uses radiofrequency energy to heat and tighten the skin and the underlying tissues of the thighs, without making any incisions or scars. A scarless thigh lift can improve the appearance of the thighs by reducing the sagging, loose, or dimpled skin, and enhancing the contour and smoothness of the thighs. A scarless thigh lift is a minimally invasive procedure, which means it has less downtime and fewer risks than thigh lift surgery. However, a scarless thigh lift may not be able to achieve the same degree of improvement as thigh lift surgery, and it may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results.

Thigh lift surgery recovery and results: What to expect?

Thigh lift surgery recovery time depends on the surgery type, extent, and your healing process. Generally, you should:

• stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights, then go home with garments and drains.

• take prescribed painkillers and antibiotics, and avoid anti-inflammatory drugs.

• elevate legs and avoid bending or stretching thighs for the first few days.

• avoid showering or bathing until drains and dressings are removed (1-2 weeks).

• avoid strenuous activities (lifting, running, swimming) for at least 6 weeks.

• resume normal activities gradually, as per the surgeon's advice, and wear a garment for 4-6 weeks.

• avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen on incisions for at least 6 months.

• follow the surgeon's instructions on incision care, scar massage, and moisturizing.

• attend follow-up visits with the surgeon, who will check progress and remove sutures.

Thigh lift surgery results are not immediate, as thighs will be swollen, bruised, and numb for weeks. Final results will show after 3-6 months when swelling, bruising, and scars subside. Results are long-lasting if you keep a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. However, aging and gravity may alter thigh appearance and shape over time. To preserve results, avoid weight fluctuations, sun exposure, smoking, and alcohol, and follow a balanced diet and regular exercise.

What are the downsides or risks of a thigh lift surgery?

Like any surgery, thigh lift surgery has some potential downsides or risks, which include:

• bleeding, infection, or hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin).

• poor wound healing, delayed healing, or wound separation.

• scarring, skin discoloration, or skin irregularities.

• asymmetry, contour deformities, or unsatisfactory results.

• nerve damage, numbness, or changes in skin sensation.

• seroma (a collection of fluid under the skin).

• Deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in a deep vein), pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs), or other cardiovascular complications.

• anesthesia risks, such as allergic reactions, nausea, or breathing problems

• need for revision surgery or additional procedures.

Thigh lift surgery cost in Turkey

The cost of thigh lift surgery in Turkey may vary depending on the type and extent of the surgery, the surgeon’s fees, the hospital fees, the anesthesia fees, and other factors. The average cost of thigh lift surgery in Turkey is around $3,000. The lower cost of thigh lift surgery in Turkey does not compromise the quality or safety of the procedure, as Turkey has many accredited and reputable hospitals and clinics that offer high-standard plastic surgery services.

Why should you do thigh lift surgery in Turkey?

There are many reasons why you should consider doing thigh lift surgery in Turkey, such as:

• Turkey has a large number of qualified and experienced plastic surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery.

•  Turkey has many modern and well-equipped hospitals and clinics that have international accreditations, such as the Joint Commission International (JCI), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the Turkish Medical Association (TMA).

• Turkey offers affordable and competitive prices for thigh lift surgery and other plastic surgery procedures, without compromising the quality or safety of the services.

• Turkey has a rich and diverse culture, history, and natural beauty, which makes it an attractive destination for medical tourism.

• Turkey is easily accessible from many countries, as it has many international airports and flights

Thigh lift surgery before and after

To get an idea of how thigh lift surgery can improve the appearance and shape of your thighs, you can look at some before and after photos of people who have undergone the procedure.