17 Jun Cruroplasty or thigh lift: solution to excess skin and thigh flaccidity
Cruroplasty or “thigh lift” is a procedure within plastic and cosmetic surgery that reshapes the thighs, reducing both excess fat and skin.
Typically, patients in whom this type of surgery is indicated are those who have lost a large amount of weight (for example, after bariatric surgery, gastric balloons, or simply with diet and exercise) and have excess skin with a characteristic skin flaccidity.
In these cases, patients experience an important physical change, lose weight and decrease volume in the thighs. The problem is that although it is possible to reduce the amount of adipose tissue in this area, in many cases the skin elasticity is limited and the skin fails to retract, showing a flaccid appearance, and in more severe cases, folds or “small flaps”.
Other patients, even though their weight has decreased, present both excess skin and excess adipose tissue.
The objective of the thigh lift is therefore to restore the proper contour to the thighs, and if there is excess adipose tissue, it will also be removed. Therefore, this surgery combines several techniques: liposuction and skin resection. In the first part of the surgery, liposuction of these areas is performed, followed by skin resection and thigh lift. It is important to plan carefully to resect adequate tissue; if the resection is excessive, the scars will be tight and often widen, or the contour of the thigh and leg will be altered. In the opposite case, if the resection were scarce, the defects would not be fully corrected, or the optimal result would not be achieved in that patient.
CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT THIS SURGERY
-Smoking is a relative contraindication
-The approach and pattern of skin resection may vary depending on the technique used, although currently with the development of new surgical techniques the tendency is to be as less aggressive as possible. This pattern of resection will determine the type of resulting scar, and generally the scar is longitudinal and located in the midline of the thighs. Scars in the groin are not usually necessary.
-By performing the procedure with a refined technique, eliminating excess adipose and skin tissue, and with adequate suturing of the tissues, the resulting scars are generally not a problem (thin and flat scars).
-The thigh lift or cruroplasty is a surgical intervention, and as such, it must be performed in an operating room, under general anesthesia, and with the appropriate medical and sanitary equipment (surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, assistants).
-The patient is usually admitted to the hospital for less than 24 hours, and is usually discharged the day after surgery.
-In the postoperative period it is necessary to wear specific pressotherapy garments: they reduce postoperative edema, improve and accelerate healing, and contribute to rapid recovery.
-Recovery is fast, in 7-14 days normal activity can be recovered.
In short, if you are considering the possibility of undergoing this procedure, consult your trusted plastic surgeon. Always check the appropriate qualification of your surgeon as a “Specialist in Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery”. Your surgeon will perform a clinical evaluation and a physical examination, and will advise you whether this procedure is indicated in your case, whether it is indeed the procedure you really need, or whether he/she will recommend another one.
If you want more information I will be happy to assist you.
Dr. María Eloísa Villaverde Doménech. Specialist in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.
You can find me at: Hospital 9 d’Octubre, Valencia. Contact: 684148979; info@dravillaverde.com