General Anesthesia
3 Hours
2 Days
7 Days
7 Days
What is Leg Stretching?
Over time, the skin on the inner thigh loses its elasticity, and the fat tissue beneath weakens and sags under the effect of gravity. Frequent fluctuations in weight accelerate sagging. The sagging and accumulated skin reduce the space between the legs, leading to issues such as chafing, irritation and an unsightly appearance. Leg lift surgery is performed to make everyday life more comfortable and to achieve a more aesthetic leg shape.
Due to ageing and changes in weight, sagging and loosening of the inner thigh area occur. This sagging is corrected through leg lift surgery. The specifics of the procedure vary depending on the degree of sagging and the condition of the fat tissue.
Who Can Receive Leg Stretching?
Leg lift surgery is effective in addressing issues in the inner thigh and is generally preferred at older ages. It can help in the following situations:
Sagging and loose skin just below the groin can be tightened.
Sagging that starts at the groin and continues downward can be improved aesthetically with a lifting procedure.
Problems such as skin cracking in the inner thigh area can be treated during the surgery.
Issues like irritation and rash, caused by loosened and sagging skin rubbing together, are resolved through this operation.
How is Leg Stretching Performed?
Sagging that occurs just below the groin in the inner thigh area is gathered and hidden within the skin. This gathered and tightened skin provides a more aesthetic appearance. In cases where sagging extends further down the leg, the skin cannot simply be collected and hidden. Some of the excess skin must be removed. In this process, the loose skin is surgically cut away to tighten the area. If the skin is too thick to be stretched effectively, the procedure is combined with liposuction.
Liposuction is a method of fat removal. Generally, it is followed by a skin tightening procedure to prevent the skin from becoming loose after the fat is removed. When skin is cut and removed, a scar forms along the inner thigh. These scars are not visible from the front or back and do not usually pose an aesthetic concern. Still, there are treatments available to reduce scarring if necessary.
Leg lift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. For this reason, the patient remains in hospital for one day. A drain may be placed in the leg after surgery to prevent fluid build-up. A compression garment (corset) is worn for one month post-operation.
Risks and Complications of Leg Lift
Complications following a leg lift are rare, and precautionary measures are taken. However, certain issues can still arise.
If proper hygiene is not maintained after the operation, infection may develop. Other risks include haematoma, tissue death (necrosis) and raised (hypertrophic) scarring. To prevent such problems, it is essential to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully.
Scarring after the procedure may be significant or uncomfortable for some patients. To minimise this, leg movement should be restricted for a period following surgery.
Staying in touch with the doctor throughout the recovery period and strictly following medical guidance significantly reduces the risk of complications.
Leg Lift Recovery and Longevity
A leg lift provides lasting results. However, excessive weight gain after the operation may cause sagging to return. The effectiveness of the procedure depends on maintaining a stable weight. If pregnancy is planned in the near future, it is advised to postpone the surgery until after childbirth for the best long-term outcome.
The healing process is generally completed within six weeks. Showering should be avoided for the first two days. A corset must be worn for the period advised by your doctor. Leg movements should be restricted according to your doctor’s recommendations to minimise scarring.
In most cases, patients can return to everyday life after ten days. Unless your doctor states otherwise, sports activities can usually be resumed five to six weeks after the operation.
Things to Consider
Leg lift surgery takes approximately 2 to 4 hours under general anaesthesia. In order to achieve the best results, there are several important points to keep in mind both before and after the procedure:
It is beneficial to stop smoking in advance of the surgery.
All medications being taken must be disclosed to your doctor.
Any allergies or pre-existing health conditions must also be shared with your doctor.
You should not take a shower for two days after the procedure.
The corset should be worn for the period recommended by the doctor.
The treated area must be kept hygienic.
Sudden movements involving the legs should be avoided. Activity should be limited for as long as your doctor considers necessary.
