Thigh lift or cruroplasty

A thigh lift is the surgical treatment for sagging skin where there is significant excess skin. This skin distension is caused by loss of the skin's mechanical properties (lack of collagen and elastin) and excess volume (particularly adipose tissue) following weight gain.

Sagging skin is often visible after dieting, when over-stretched skin can no longer properly hug slimmed volumes. The skin doesn't retract properly, and sagging sets in.

It can also be seen after pregnancy, as part of a desire to regain a harmonious body (Mommy Makeover).

The thigh lift offered by Dr Christelle Santini combines liposuction of the lower limbs to slim the thighs, followed by resection of the skin tissue to harmoniously contour the thighs. This procedure can sometimes be combined with Vaser liposuction in other areas of the body, such as the buttocks, knees or saddlebags.

A fractional radiofrequency probe is inserted under the skin, delivering energy and heating the tissues deep down (adipose tissue and skin). The skin covering retracts by up to 40% to restore volume, while fat cells are permanently destroyed by the heat.

As this is a cosmetic plastic surgery operation, thigh lifts are not covered by Social Security, except in exceptional cases (e.g. surgery to repair the after-effects of obesity).

The initial consultation with Dr. Christelle Santini, cosmetic surgeon in Paris, will provide an opportunity to understand the patient's expectations and propose the best technical solution in line with medical and aesthetic indications. This pre-operative consultation enables the surgeon to analyze skin quality, rule out any contraindications and provide all the necessary information so that the patient can make the most informed decision possible.

The cost of the procedure varies according to a number of factors, and an estimate is drawn up specifying the advantages and possible disadvantages of each solution. Medical photos are also taken. In all cases, it is important to allow 10 to 15 days of downtime after thigh lift surgery.

In addition, as the procedure requires anaesthesia, future patients must meet with the anaesthetist no later than 48 hours before surgery, in order to undergo further tests if necessary.

A compression panty will generally be prescribed by Dr Christelle Santini: it should be worn for 4 to 6 weeks.

In addition, several instructions must be followed to ensure that the operation runs smoothly:

• Do not take aspirin-containing medication 10 days before surgery
• Stop smoking at least 1 month before and 1 month after the operation to facilitate healing and avoid postoperative complications.
• Cleanse your body and hair with Betadine
• Fasting (including drinks) 6 hours before surgery.

Thigh lift surgery requires a one-day hospital stay, with an overnight stay at the clinic after the procedure to monitor your state of health and the post-operative course. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and lasts an average of 2 to 3 hours.

Dr. Christelle Santini begins by marking the incisions (future scars) before the anesthesia in a standing position.

Once the patient is asleep, the procedure begins by aspirating excess fat from the inner thighs. Vaser liposuction is performed using a cannula and small incisions. It can be completed by liposuction of the knee or buttocks.

With Vaser liposuction, natural volumes are released, excess skin is better appreciated and thighs are reshaped in harmony.

The excess skin is then resected. Generally, for moderate skin excess, scars are horizontal, located near the groin crease and down to the buttock crease. To remove a larger amount of excess skin, a vertical scar of varying length is made on the inner thigh (T-scar). If the scar is a source of discomfort, Dr. Santini proposes UrgoTouch laser laser to significantly reduce their appearance.

If the excess skin is moderate, the technique can be performed with a minimally invasive BodyTite facelift: Dr. Christelle Santini makes a small incision and slides in a radiofrequency probe. She then heats the dermal tissue from below, causing it to shrink by up to 40%, and destroying excess fatty tissue with the heat. The excess skin is not removed, but shrinks and harmoniously reshapes the slimmed thighs.

Surgery ends with suturing and the application of a protective, compressive dressing.

To minimize the risk of hematoma, Dr. Santini will sometimes insert drains, which will be removed at the same time as the dressing, after you have spent the night in the clinic, just before you are discharged.

A lighter dressing will then be applied in addition to the compression panty.

To ensure your safety, we recommend that a friend or family member drive you home.

Edema and ecchymosis are fairly common post-operative consequences and should not worry you. This swelling impales the volumes, which is why you can never judge the result at this stage.
Pain, on the other hand, is slight and can easily be soothed by taking painkillers.
Following the operation, we strongly advise you to :

• Do not expose your thighs to the sun for at least 3 months.
• Do not engage in any sporting activity for 6 weeks.

In addition, Dr. Christelle Santini will make several post-operative appointments to check the condition of your scars and observe the results, which are definitive after about 6 months.

• Return home the day after surgery
• 10 to 15 days of professional downtime
• Final result at 6 months.

What to do before cruroplasty surgery?

• 1 to 2 consultations with your plastic surgeon, including the taking of medical photographs
• Delivery and signature of the estimate, respecting the 15-day legal deadline between the first consultation and the thigh lift.
• Anesthesia consultation and blood test.

What is the procedure for a thigh lift?

• General anaesthesia most often
• 2h to 3h for thigh lifts with T-shaped scars.
• Back home after a thigh lift the next morning.

What is the post-operative course of a thigh lift?

• Wear a panty for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Anticoagulants for 10 days.
• Follow-up visit with your plastic surgeon 7 to 10 days after the procedure.
• The threads used in a thigh lift are absorbable.
• Stopping sport after a thigh lift for six weeks.
• Allow 7 to 15 days off work after cruroplasty.
• The final result of the thigh lift is obtained after a minimum of 6 months.