5 Things You Need to Know About Thigh Liposculpture

1. Easier Than Liposuction

Thigh liposculpture is a less invasive, more precise form of liposuction. It is a way to permanently remove fat from the inner and outer thighs, and it has the added benefit of tightening the skin, which gives the thighs a more smooth and sculpted appearance. The procedure takes less than two hours and is performed under local anesthesia. In some cases, patients can drive themselves home and return to normal activities by the end of the day.

2. Fat Removed With Tiny Punctures

To begin the procedure, lidocaine is used to numb the skin and two small punctures are made for each inner and outer thigh, with eight total punctures for the entire thigh. The doctor then inserts a slender cranula, and the fat in the area to be treated is numbed with a saline solution. The numbing is called tumescence. The doctor used mild suction with the cranula to remove the fat. Stitches are not required, and the tiny punctures close within 48 hours.

3. Plan for a Quick Recovery

Typically there will be some bruising, much of it centered around the inner thigh, which also will appear more swollen than the outer thigh. The soreness is similar to what you might feel after a strenuous hike or lifting heavy weights. The patient wears a compression garment, similar to biker shorts, to assist with bruising and recovery for the first seven days after the surgery. The garment can be worn for a longer period, but it isn't necessary. Many patients return to work the next day and you can return to your regular exercise routine as soon as you feel ready. The more exercise, the better since walking and moving speeds your recovery.

4. Side Effects and Risks Are Minimal

Because of the minimal invasiveness of thigh liposculpture, the procedure itself carries a low risk for complications. Unlike traditional liposuction, the cranula used are blunt so there is no chance of puncture or inflicting other damage. Also, since a local anesthesia is used, complications associated with being put under are also nil. Most of the complications with thigh liposculpture center on the bruising and swelling that occurs immediately after surgery. This typically subsides within 2 to 4 weeks after the procedure.

5. Firmer Thighs Are the Result

Thigh liposculpture can give you dramatic and natural looking results. Your thighs will appear smaller, and, for most people, more toned. Expect to see early results within 4 to 6 weeks and better results within 1 to 3 months. After about 6 months, your thighs should display the full benefits of the procedure.