One of the fastest growing plastic surgery procedures of 2014 that is likely to maintain its popularity in 2015 are procedures that targets an area of the body that many people feel uncomfortable about – the neck and jaw line. As we age the skin around the jaw line and neck area loses its elasticity and becomes saggy and unattractive while extra fat under the skin adds to the problem. It is one of the tell-tale signs of aging that many patients wish to get rid of, or at least significantly improve, in order to regain their youthful appearance. An increasingly popular procedure targeting this problem area is fat removal around the neck and jaw line. Fatty tissue accumulates around the jaw line and the fat is removed with liposuction surgery. The result is a smoother, more contoured jaw line and a tighter, more youthful looking neck area. In 2015 procedures focused on the neck and jaw line are forecasted to remain just as popular as in the previous few years. In addition, a new injectable contouring drug is currently in its last stages of clinical trial making a non-invasive approach to neck and jaw line procedures more a thing of the present, rather than the distant future.

A buzz-word that permeates the entire field of plastic surgery is “volume”. An unavoidable part of the aging process is loss of volume in the facial features such as cheeks, lips, and the under-eye area. While it is important to maintain a strict facial skincare routine, no amount of cosmetics will counteract the effects of deep level volume loss. As a result, patients are eager to undergo procedures aimed at restoring volume and a youthful glow to the face. Fillers such as Restylane or Juvéderm are still gaining popularity among patients and fat injections are also on the rise. The most important aspect of volume restoration is choosing the right fillers in order to end up with seamless, beautiful and glowing results.

Other popular plastic surgery procedures in the last year included procedures aimed at young mothers, also known as the “mommy makeovers”. This set of procedures targets areas that are typically problematic for post-pregnancy women. The “mommy makeover” can entail a tummy tuck, liposuction, breast lift and dermatological procedures. Along with “mommy makeovers”, fat grafting (fat transfer) for breast augmentation has gained popularity in 2014 and procedures aimed at men are at an all-time high. While previously men opted for liposuction almost exclusively on their breast area, 2014 marked a definite change in attitudes with an increasing number of male patients looking to improve the appearance of their midsection. Similarly to women, fillers and Botox treatments were very popular amongst men and this trend is expected to continue well into 2015. Though plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures will continue to gain popularity in 2015, some procedures are likely to attract less patients then before. Non-surgical approaches to fat removal seem to be losing popularity as patients realize that longer lasting, more dramatic results can be achieved by a skilled plastic surgeon.

2015, just as 2014 was, will be characterized by patients asking for the most natural-looking, beautiful and seamless results with the lowest possible risks. Trends and fashions may change but choosing a US board-certified experienced plastic surgeon will ensure the successful outcome of any plastic surgery procedure and will make patients face each and every New Year with a smile.

There are a number of reasons why plastic surgery patients can end up with an unqualified surgeon and a botched procedure. Costs of procedures performed by unlicensed or unqualified physicians can be much lower than those of US board certified surgeons as they are not bound by the strict medical regulations of the board. In other cases, patients who are normally extremely well-read up on the actual procedure they are planning to undergo fail to check the credentials of the surgeon as they have innate trust in doctors. In some instances the desire for a procedure can be so great that it overshadows considerations of safety and people are willing to settle for an unqualified doctor just to have the procedure done.

That is exactly what happened to Nafsika Lourentzatos, a New York City event-planner who dreamed of having her breasts enlarged from a young age. A friend told her of a procedure where silicone is injected to the breasts as an alternative to breast augmentation and the physicians she recommended were even willing to perform the procedure on an underage Ms Lourentzatos. After undergoing the procedure Ms Lourentzatos noticed no visible difference in the size of her breasts and felt that the procedure, which cost less than half of a traditional breast augmentation surgery was in vain but at least left her with no visible scarring or any other ill effects. Unfortunately, just a few years following the procedure she noticed lumps in her breasts and chest plate and had to turn to a doctor for help. It turned out that the injected silicone caused immeasurable damage to Ms Lourentzatos’s chest area and she had to have her breast removed to avoid the silicone entering her blood stream. What followed was a long series of painful corrective surgeries and a deep psychological trauma. She later found out that the “medical professionals” who performed her procedure were arrested in Colombia as they had no license to practise medicine in the US.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons cases such as that of Ms Lourentzatos are common and they advise all patients to check their surgeon’s credential s before embarking on a consultation. They stress the importance of confirming that the surgeon is a certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and if the facility hosting the operation is accredited.

In all cases where people lose a staggering amount of excess weight the effect of that weight loss on their bodies is profound. Whilst the majority of people feel considerably better following weight loss (easier breathing, less pressure on joints, reduced swelling of extremities), they are almost always faced with a large amount of excess skin that acts as an unwelcome reminder of their old lifestyle. That is when plastic surgery procedures can help to get rid of excess skin and make patients see that there is light at the end of the extreme weight loss tunnel.

Ways of losing weight

For people struggling with a considerable amount of excess weight there are several options available to turn their life around. Some choose to lose weight in an all-natural way by cutting down on their food intake and implementing regular exercise into their everyday life. Unfortunately, this option is not always viable for the extremely overweight as it presupposes great dedication to the cause as well as a generally active starting point. If a patient reached the stage of not being able to move freely it will be very difficult for them to start exercising. Gastric band surgery, gastric bypass surgery and sleeve gastrectomy can all be options for obese patients who failed to lose weight via diet and exercise and who need the help of a surgeon to start them on their weight loss journey.

What all these weight loss options have in common is that they inevitably leave people suffering from excess skin. As their weight drops and their health improves the skin tends to shrink at a much slower rate. People undergoing extreme weight loss are therefore left with unsightly and often uncomfortable excess skin that they cannot get rid of through exercise.

Problems associated with excess skin

When we think of excess skin the first thing that comes to mind is the aesthetic aspect. It can look unpleasant and make the patient who suffers from excess skin appear larger than they actually are as well as make them look older than their years. Problem areas can include the abdomen, belly, thighs, upper arms, face and buttocks. Though looks can certainly influence people’s self-esteem and self-worth, it is important to point out that the main concern for patients suffering from excess skin is pain and reduction of functionality. Floppy skin around the thighs can result in rash and bruising caused by rubbing, the underside of sagging breasts can get red and inflamed. Other areas suffer from similar problems. In addition, some people report that hanging skin affects their ability to comfortably perform day-to-day activities such as jogging, lifting up their children and other forms of exercise. Finally, excess skin acts as a constant reminder of the more portly, heavier person they once were. Seeing folds of excess skin prevents them appreciating the fruits of their labour and fully enjoying their newly sculpted figures and increased level of fitness.

Skin Removal Surgery

The only way to help patients suffering from excess skin is skin removal surgery. Skin removal surgery can take several forms depending on the areas treated and the desired effect. One of the most often performed skin removal surgeries following extreme weight loss is abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty is aimed at improving the appearance and feel of the abdominal area by removing excess skin and fat tissue and tightening the underlying muscles. If the abdominoplasty is not quite sufficient to address the problematic area a belt lipectomy (also known as a lower body lift) can be performed. This procedure extends the idea behind the tummy tuck and works on the entire area around the mid-section of the body removing skin and tightening deeper tissue layers.

Other skin removal plastic surgery procedures include a thigh lift which is aimed at removing excess skin and tightening up the inner or outer thigh area, the arm lift aimed at contouring and reducing the size of the upper arms as well as the breast lift which is aimed at reposition sagging breasts and is often paired with other breast procedures. The general aim of all plastic surgery procedures for patients who undergone extreme weight loss is to give them back a natural beautiful silhouette to their newly shaped bodies whilst eliminating problems associated with excess skin. As a result patients can feel more confident in their new figures and can go on to enjoy their healthy, beautiful bodies for years to come.

Why is it better to undergo plastic surgery procedures in winter rather than summer?

Of course it is possible to undergo plastic surgery procedures during the summer months and the results of surgery will be just as rewarding as in the winter. There are many aspects that need to be considered for a successful procedure and choosing the time to do it might be fairly low down on the importance list. However, the main reason for summer not being the best time for plastic surgery is the convenience factor. All procedures involve a post-work recovery plan which is often much easier to stick to in the winter than during the sweltering heat of summer. Bandages, compression wear and other special undergarments worn by patients following surgery can get fairly hot and sweaty and it is much more pleasant to wear them in cold weather. Also, cold weather calls for comfortable loose sweaters and long sleeves which make it easier to discreetly conceal bandages or compression wear. Recovering and recuperating after a procedure takes time and in the winter months people are more likely to stay indoors anyway, making recovery time less stressful as there is no need to turn down social calls or summer party invitations. Another great advantage of winter over summer is the relatively low intensity of the winter sun. While in the summer long days in the blazing UV rays are almost unavoidable, winter months give our skin a much needed rest from sun damage. Skin rejuvenating and skin resurfacing procedures such as laser rejuvenation or microdermabrasion are much safer during the winter as UV rays are less likely to cause damage to the sensitive post-treatment skin.

If for whatever reasons patients still need to undergo their plastic surgery procedure during the summer period there are a few things that can help the recovery process. Minimizing bruising and discoloration is only possible if patients follow the post-procedure instructions as closely as they can. Cold compresses and bandaging can improve the look of the treated body part while post-work makeup (designed specifically for extra sensitive skin) can help the appearance of facial skin following rejuvenating and resurfacing skin treatments.

Is there an ideal time for plastic surgery procedures?

The best time to schedule a plastic surgery procedure is between September and February. The weather during this time is pleasantly cool and days are becoming shorter, making it the perfect period to book an appointment with your Beverly Hills board-certified plastic surgeon and schedule a bit of me-time. These months are great to avoid the patient traffic that often appears during the spring season in preparation for summer. In fact, patients who undergo their procedure during winter are most likely to be fully recovered and enjoying the full effect of their transformation by the time summer arrives.

Is the time of year really that important?

Though the timing of any plastic surgery procedure is worth considering, it’s mainly to do with the patient’s comfort and ease of recovery. It is equally possible to be safe and achieve beautiful results in the summer, winter months are simply more suited for plastic surgery procedures. As always, the single most important factor to the outcome of your procedure is the experience and knowledge of your surgeon. Board-certified Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Warren Lent has extensive experience in a variety of plastic surgery procedures, aiming for the most aesthetically pleasing results while placing equal importance on the safety and comfort of the patient. Dr. Warrant Lent is an excellent choice if considering plastic surgery, be it during the toasty fun-filled days of summer or the cozy, festive months of winter.

What types of procedures are most popular amongst teens?

To understand what types of procedures teens are requesting most often it is important to realize that the motivation for plastic surgery procedures amongst teenage patients is often different to that of more mature patients. Whilst older patients are often seeking out plastic surgeons to regain their youthful appearance or to enhance their looks in order to stand out from the crowd, teenagers are more likely to want plastic surgery to feel and look more like their peers, to achieve a more “normal” appearance. Feeling the sense of belonging to a group, being accepted and loved by one’s friends is especially important during our teenage years when we get our sense of self largely by comparing ourselves to others. As a result, plastic surgery procedures requested by teenagers are often aimed at making their look more symmetrical and balanced in their facial features as well as their bodies. One of the most popular plastic surgery procedures is rhinoplasty or nose-jobs in which the size, shape and functionality of the nose can be changed giving a more harmonious and balanced look to the patient’s facial features. Breast augmentation is also a firm favorite among teenagers as well as skin procedures such as microdermabrasion aimed at reducing severe acne scars and evening out skin tone. Another large group of plastic surgery procedures favored by younger patients is aimed at correcting functionality, allowing patients to go about their normal day to day activities and join in sports groups or other teams that would have been embarrassing or even painful prior to surgery. Breast asymmetry, deviated septum and even urinary incontinence can affect teenage patients and plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation/reduction, rhinoplasty or vaginoplasty can mean an enormous improvement in patients’ lives. Prominent, protruding ears is another area of major concern to teenagers, which can be treated with a procedure known as Otoplasty, but commonly referred to as ear pinning.

What to consider before a plastic surgery procedure?

As with any patient thinking about plastic surgery it is important to pinpoint what exactly is bothersome for teenage patients. The best way forward is to talk to a Beverly Hills board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Warren Lent as they will have the knowledge and experience to talk about options for each individual patient. Though many people appear to be experts on plastic surgery no one knows plastic surgery procedures better than plastic surgeons themselves so it is important to consult with a doctor before deciding on a procedure. Whilst plastic surgery might be a solution to some concerns teenage patients might have, it is important to realize that teenagers are still expected to grow and change in their body shape and even facial features. Surgeons might advise to wait a few years with certain procedures in order to achieve the best and longest lasting results. In addition, some procedures incur considerable down-time following surgery and it simply might not be the best time for teenage patients to take several weeks off from their studies. Finally, if patients are under 18 years old parents or legal guardians will always need to give their consent for any plastic surgery procedure. Their support is also needed prior to the operation and during the recovery period so it makes sense for parents to be on board with the surgery plan.

The dangers of plastic surgery for teens

Teenage patients can be excellent candidates for plastic surgery procedures. Usually they suffer less from underlying medical conditions and often recuperate much faster than adults. However, it is important to keep in mind that any surgery, including all plastic surgery procedures comes with its own set of risks and possible complications. In addition, just as with more mature patients, plastic surgery can have a profound impact on the teenage patient’s life but it is important to have realistic expectations of what plastic surgery can achieve. Beverly Hills board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Warrant Lent will prepare you for the procedure so that you can enjoy the best possible results – even at a younger age.

The earliest reference to plastic surgery procedures can be found in an Ancient Egyptian medical text dating back to 3000 BC, describing the repair of a broken nose. Ancient Romans also knew how to utilize plastic surgery techniques as recorded by Roman scholar Aulus Cornelius Celsus in the first century. Reparative methods were also used in India as early as 800 BC and cataract surgeries, aimed at helping patients restore their sight, were also performed from the 6th century BC. It is this revolutionary work in the field of plastic surgery that was carried out by Indian healers that was first recorded in writing and can be viewed as a set of detailed medical descriptions in its own right. The original Sanskrit texts were soon translated to Arabic and spread across the Asian continent and Europe during the Abbasid Caliphate in 750 AD. The first Europeans who made use of these early plastic surgery techniques were the Italian Branca family in Sicily.

Compared to the East, Western medical practice lagged behind in the field of plastic surgery (and surgery in general). The earliest record of plastic surgery in the West dates back to 1794 when the British Gentleman’s Magazine published an article on the innovative rhinoplasty procedures of Indian medics. It was on the wings of this article that Englishman Joseph Constantine Carpue, a popular lecturer in anatomy and a skilled surgeon travelled to India to devote 20 years of his life studying the traditional Indian rhinoplasty method which involved using a piece of skin taken from the patient’s forehead to form a nose. Upon his return to England Carpue performed the first plastic surgery procedure of the West – a rhinoplasty using ancient Indian techniques. Carpue’s patient was a soldier whose nose has been destroyed by a previous mercury treatment. Carpue was so stunned by the success of the operation that when the bandages were removed from the patient’s nose he reportedly exclaimed: “My God, there is a nose.” Though the surgery was widely proclaimed an overwhelming success it is painful to imagine what Carpue’s patient must have endured during a surgery that did not include any anesthesiology (in the modern sense of that word).

Another great innovator in the field of plastic surgery was Karl Ferdinand von Graefe, a German surgeon who became director of the ophthalmological institute at the University of Berlin in the early 1800s. Graefe was also inspired by the soldiers who often suffered terrible injuries and needed reconstructive plastic surgery to drastically improve their quality of life. Graefe performed several rhinoplasty procedures and is generally recognized as the founder of German rhinoplastic surgery. He also performed the first corrective surgery on a cleft palate patient and experimented with eyelid surgery. Though Graefe’s contribution to plastic surgery is immense, it is worth pointing out that he was very much a man of his time. It was Graefe who coined the term “plastic” in relation to reconstructive surgery, taking it from the Greek word for giving form (plastikos).

As anesthesia techniques and hygiene practices developed during the late 19th century, an American surgeon, John Orlando Roe performed the first non-reconstructive nose job. This was a significant step for the history of plastic surgery as up until that point all plastic surgery procedures were aimed at restoring functionality and were much less concerned with the physical appearance of the patient. Following in Roe’s footsteps, Germans surgeon Eugen Hollander is believed to be the first doctor ever to perform a purely cosmetic face lift. In 1901 Hollander was the first to cut the skin around and under the ears to smooth out any lines or wrinkles.

In an unfortunate twist of fate it was the two World Wars of the twentieth century that brought the most advances to the field of plastic surgery. The terrible injuries suffered by WWI patients spurred surgeons to seek innovative medical solutions and it was during this time that plastic surgeons formed their first professional associations and boards. The horrors of WWII meant further advances for plastic surgery; most famously it was during this time that extensive skin burns were first treated with skin grafts. These methods were further refined and finally integrated into the classical canon of plastic surgery and from the 1960s onwards plastic surgery was marketed to patients looking to improve their appearance and erase the signs of aging.

Dr. Warren Lent is a double board certified Beverly Hills plastic surgeon who makes use of all the latest technologies and innovations in plastic surgery to make his patients’ experiences as painless and comfortable as possible. He is available for consultation on all forms of plastic surgery at his office in Beverly Hills.

Most patients seeking out plastic surgery as a solution would like to appear more youthful as they often feel that their looks don’t match the age they feel themselves to be on the inside. It is important to remember that cosmetic problems associated with aging such as loss of skin elasticity, wrinkles, changed facial contours as well as other adverse effects can be reversed and the appearance dramatically improved. This is certainly true for older patients too. When preparing for a plastic surgery procedure the patient’s health is carefully assessed to decide the best course of action. While health factors should be taken into consideration when calculating the risk of plastic surgery, these do not only include the age of the patient. In fact, recent studies show that the age of the prospective plastic surgery patient is only very minimally relevant to the imposed risks of plastic surgery procedures and other health indicators can be much more influential on the outcome of the plastic surgery procedure.

It is vital, regardless of age, to have a consultant with a fully board certified plastic surgeon who can identify any possible risks. Dr. Warren Lent is a fully qualified Beverly Hills plastic surgeon and has a wealth of experience to help guide patients through all plastic surgery procedures.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a prestigious organization with over 7,000 US board-certified plastic surgeons among its members including Dr. Warren Lent, recently saw a presentation on the role of age in all plastic surgery procedures. The conference’s findings are of immense importance as the ASPS is widely considered to be the definitive authority in all issues concerning both reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery.

The conference’s key speaker, Dr. Yezhelyev MD, PhD, Department of Plastic Surgery, Vanderbilt University in Nashville said: “With increasing number of elderly patients seeking aesthetic surgery there is a need to better understand the complications of cosmetic procedures unique to this population. Our study demonstrated that patients over 65 years old can safely undergo cosmetic procedures with a complications rate similar to younger patients when surgery is performed by board certified plastic surgeon.”

The study was conducted by reviewing over five years of patient information and carefully calculating all the risk factors involved during the plastic surgery procedures. They found that there was no significant difference between the plastic surgery procedures conducted on the older patients (average age of 69) and younger patients (average age of 39). While complications occurred in 1.84% of the younger patients’ plastic surgery procedures, this number was 1.94% with older patients, statistically an insignificant difference between the two groups. The study showed that even patients in their eighties had a very low rate of post-surgical complications with only 2.2% of all plastic surgery procedures resulting in post-surgical complications.

Another interesting point of the study was that the even higher occurrence of other health risks among older patients, such as higher BMI and diabetes, had little influence on the success rate of plastic surgery procedures. What this means is that even though older patients are more likely to suffer from diabetes or have problem managing their weight, their plastic surgery procedures were just as successful as those of younger plastic surgery patients. Indeed the only plastic surgery procedure in which there was a significant enough difference between the older and younger patients’ surgery results was abdominoplasty, where 5.4% of older patients developed post-surgery complications as opposed to the 3.9% of younger patients. Even these numbers are fairly low and show that plastic surgery procedures can be successfully performed on patients of almost all ages.

So does that mean that all plastic surgery procedures are safe for everyone? It is important to remember and fully understand the risks of any plastic surgery procedure as still apply. However, the key for a successful procedure lies in choosing the right plastic surgeon. All the statistics and number of the study come from plastic surgery procedures performed by US board certified plastic surgeons. This means that all the patients who were included in the study had the absolute best care possible. Though their age did not influence the risks of plastic surgery, the outcome of the procedures would have been very different with a less skilled, less experienced surgeon. The results of plastic surgery are certainly important but the safety and wellbeing of the patient is always the single most crucial concern for the plastic surgeon. Plastic surgery patients come in all ages but all patients deserve the best of care, attention and the assurance of a well of experience and unparalleled skill. US board certified plastic surgeons are the best trained medical professionals in their field who will always aim to provide the most aesthetically pleasing results whilst keeping in mind the patient’s safety and overall wellbeing.

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon Dr. Warren Lent is a member of both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. As a result all Beverly Hills plastic surgery patients can be sure that they are receiving the best possible care.

However, an increasing number of people are reaching a critical Body Mass Index number which means that traditional forms of weight management are very difficult for them to implement. For patients whose BMI is 40 or over weight loss plastic surgery provides a viable solution and can help with problems associated with significant excess weight such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Weight loss surgery options include gastric bands (a band placed around the stomach making it much smaller) and gastric bypass surgery (rerouting the digestive system to prevent food from being absorbed).

The result of these surgeries is rapid weight loss but they can often leave patients with a lot of excess skin, which is not only unsightly but can be painful as well when folds of skin rub against each other. Plastic surgery procedures can help with the problems associated with weight loss surgeries. Face lifts, breast lifts, thigh lifts and tummy tucks are all plastic surgery options that can improve the wellbeing of patients. Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Warren Lent is a double board certified surgeon and as such he is qualified to advise on all types of plastic surgery following weight loss.

Now a breakthrough study shows that plastic surgery plays a significant role not only in dealing with the weight loss surgery aftermath but with keeping the weight off and long-term weight management too. At the recent American Society of Plastic Surgeons conference Dr. Donna Tepper presented the findings of her study that show that weight loss patients who have undergone plastic surgery following their weight loss were able to maintain their weight longer and more successfully than those who did not undergo plastic surgery.

The study looked at 94 bariatric surgery patients and followed their progress over a 10 year period. Dr. Tepper concluded that “of the patients who underwent contouring surgery, the average decrease in BMI was 18.24 at 2.5 years, compared to a statistically significant 12.45 at 2.5 years for those who did not have further surgery”.

The reason for these results lies in the positive psychological effects of plastic surgery. When undergoing plastic surgery procedures patients regained functionality and were able to maintain a healthy active lifestyle without the discomfort of excess skin. In addition, their body image was drastically improved, they felt and looked great and had more motivation to keep the weight off and make a healthy lifestyle a long term priority. Dr. Trepper remarked, “As plastic and reconstructive surgeons, we are encouraged by the idea that improved body image can translate into better long-term maintenance of a healthier weight, and possibly a better quality of life for our patients”.

While weight loss surgery is a viable solution to patients suffering from obesity, plastic surgery procedures offer results that translate into a more aesthetically pleasing and better functioning body. Patients choosing to opt for plastic surgery are at an advantage when striving for the ultimate goal of wellbeing, positive body image and successful long term weight management.

Dr. Warren Lent is a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon who is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. As a result he can advise on both weight loss surgery and any follow up plastic surgery.

To fully understand thigh lifts it is important to consult with a certified plastic surgeon. Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Warren Lent is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and happy to conduct consultations.

Thigh lift surgery candidates include people who suffer from excess skin around their thighs and who wish to improve the overall contour of the thigh area. Excess skin can be a result of extreme weight loss, post-pregnancy loss of skin elasticity as well as genetic disposition. Patients who maintain a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly but are not able to change the contour of their thighs due to excess skin could benefit from a thigh lift plastic surgery procedure. As with all plastic surgery procedures patients who maintain good health by regular exercise, a balanced diet and not smoking have a better chance of lowering the risks of complications and will be able to uphold the results of the surgery for a longer time.

The procedure

Thigh lift plastic surgeries are generally performed as outpatient procedures so there is no need to stay in hospital overnight following plastic surgery. In most cases general anesthesia is used but the plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist will advise the patient after evaluating each individual case. There are two main thigh lift plastic surgery techniques which tackle different problem areas. The medial thigh lift is used when the patient is suffering from excess skin or loss of skin elasticity in the inner thigh area. The plastic surgeon makes an incision at the fold where the leg meets the pubic area. The surgeon then proceeds to remove an area of excess skin from the top of the leg and pulling up the skin to meet the incision area thus tightening and creating a smoother surface for the inner thighs.

If the patient’s problem areas are focused mainly around the front side or outer side of the thigh then a lateral thigh lift can be a good solution. During a lateral thigh lift procedure the plastic surgeon makes an incision around the upper part of the leg, close to where the lower edge of the underwear would normally sit. Excess skin is then removed and the thigh skin is pulled up and tightened to close the incision area. A lateral thigh lift plastic surgery procedure ensures that both the front and side area of the thighs is tightened and smoothed out. The lateral thigh lift surgery is often a good plastic surgery solution for patients who lost a considerable amount of weight and are left with excess skin around the entire thigh area.

One other option is a vertical medial (inner) thigh lift. This is performed when there is excess skin extending all the way down towards the knees. This procedure leaves a scar that extends from the groin down towards the knee.

Recovering after a thigh lift plastic surgery procedure

After closing the incision the plastic surgeon applies bandages over the area. In most cases compression garments are applied too to reduce the amount of swelling and to help shape the thigh area in order to achieve a smoother contour. Sometimes small tubes are placed in the operated area to help fluids drain. Deep sutures will dissolve within a few months of the plastic surgery procedure and sutures on the surface of the skin will be taken out around two to four weeks after the procedure. Patients are advised to have a friend or family member help them get home after the plastic surgery and it is recommended to take around ten days off work to allow proper time for healing. Thigh plastic surgery patients should try to rest in a reclining position or standing up to help the healing process. Most patients recover fully after four to six months.

How long do the results last?

The results of thigh lift plastic surgery are immediately visible straight after surgery but some swelling might occur for a while. The final results become apparent after a few weeks and can be maintained in the long term with a healthy diet and exercise and by keeping a constant body weight. As with all plastic surgery procedures even the most long lasting effects will change as the body ages but the thigh lift procedure results are generally considered to be very long lasting.

Risks and complications

A thigh lift is a plastic surgical procedure and as such it carries a set of risks and possible complications. The most common side effects include the formation of blood clots, the accumulation of fluids in the legs, swelling and bruising around the incision site and the treated area feeling different or numb. It is also important to keep in mind that the anesthesia method used at the time of thigh lift plastic surgery will also incur its own set of risks depending on which technique is used by the anesthesiologist.

As a double certified Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Warren Lent is capable of consulting and carrying out all forms of thigh lift plastic surgery procedures. Book an appointment for an in-depth consultation.

Each plastic surgery procedure, such as breast enlargement, rhinoplasty, laser eyelid plastic surgery or liposuction has its own set of associated risks. However, there are certain health hazards that apply to almost all plastic surgeries. The most common risks include the risk of bleeding, infection, possible scarring, asymmetries resulting from plastic surgery and functional losses. The way in which these risks effect patients can vary based on a number of factors such as genetics, age, lifestyle or underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

All plastic surgeries will include some form of anesthesia which in turn carries its own set of risks. Local anesthesia is by far the safest option for plastic surgery patients and most surgeons will recommend using local anesthesia whenever possible. The risks of general anesthesia include cardiovascular collapse, respiratory depression and damage to teeth. However, it is worth pointing out that the statistical chance of risks associated with anesthesia is low and if the patient is in overall good health most plastic surgery procedures are very safe.

Finally, a “risk” that is worth mentioning is that patients’ expectations are not always realized by the results of the surgery. A good plastic surgeon will present the patient with a realistic outcome for their planned procedure taking into consideration the patient’s health, condition and the benefits the procedure can offer. Unfortunately, sometimes even the best preparation will not help prevent a patient being disappointed, especially immediately after surgery when the treated area is usually swollen and bandaged and the final results are not yet evident.

Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Warren Lent is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. As such he can consult with patients on all aspects of plastic surgery and ensure that there are minimum risks involved.