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Excellent doctor. Fully informative, he took the time to explain everything and left me with no questions left to ask. He also has a very great personality when dealing with people. I would recommend his services to others.

Thomas B.

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Everything you Need To Know Thigh Lift Overview

Meet Dr. Stephen E. Small A Board-Certified Body Sculpting Expert in Toms River

At Ocean Plastic Surgery in Toms River and Manahawkinour team focuses on providing concierge care and exceptional results in a world-class practice setting. Drawing on over 18 years of expertise, Dr. Small offers a customized, holistic treatment experience, prioritizing your safety and well-being at every stage of your treatment journey. 

Dr. Small’s passion for service began at age nine when a plastic surgeon treated him for a burn accident. Since that time, he has aspired to help patients by offering transformative, restorative, aesthetic solutions that enhance their confidence and quality of life. Dr. Small believes that every patient is uniquely beautiful, and it is his job to help accentuate and celebrate that timeless beauty. 

Dr. Small is a board-certified body contouring specialist who obtained his medical degree with honors from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). He then completed a 5-year general residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Stratford, and pursued an intensive one-year burn and reconstructive fellowship at New York Medical College, Valhalla. Additionally, Dr. Small served as a resident and chief resident in plastic surgery for several years at Ohio University, South Pointe Hospital-Cleveland Clinic Health System.

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Thigh Lift Procedure Overview

Scope:

A thigh lift eradicates loose, sagging skin in the inner and outer thighs to create a more sculpted, youthful physique.

Anesthesia:

Thigh lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

Treatment Time:

A thigh lift usually takes 2-3 hours to complete.

Recovery:

Most patients take several weeks off from work and typically resume strenuous exercise within around 4-6 weeks.

What Is a Thigh Lift?

A thigh lift (thighplasty) is performed to remove excess skin, fat, and tissue from the thighs, improving proportion and balance in the upper legs. Despite following a healthy diet and exercise regimen, many patients experience changes in the appearance of the thighs after aging, weight loss, or pregnancy. There are several thigh lift techniques that Dr. Small can employ to create a more streamlined look, including the following:

Medial thigh lift

A medial thigh lift focuses on the inner thighs, removing excess drooping skin that can cause irritation, chafing, and discomfort. The incision is made on the inside of the leg, starting where the groin and inner thigh connect.

Vertical thigh lift

During a vertical thigh lift, incisions are created that stretch from the groin to the knees. Excess, sagging skin in all areas of the thighs can be addressed with a vertical thigh lift.

Lateral thigh lift

In contrast to a medial thigh lift, the lateral thigh lift targets the outer thighs. The incision begins at the edge of the upper leg, where the skin meets the panty line.

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What Are the Benefits of a Thigh Lift in Toms River?

When performed with precision by Dr. Small, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New Jersey, a thigh lift can provide numerous aesthetic and emotional benefits, including the following:

  • Tighter, firmer thighs
  • Relief from irritation, chafing, and discomfort
  • Improved muscle tone
  • A better fit in jeans, shorts, and swimwear
  • A more youthful-looking silhouette
  • A boost in self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Enhanced balance and proportion in the upper legs
  • Long-lasting changes
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Who Is a Good Candidate for a Thigh Lift?

Your treatment journey begins with a personalized consultation process to determine if a thigh lift is the best procedure for restoring your appearance and confidence. Dr. Small will listen to your concerns, examine you physically, and conduct a thorough review of your medical history to ensure no contraindications for surgery are present.

In general, a thigh lift is recommended for patients who have been unable to achieve their body sculpting goals through dieting and exercise alone and would like the dramatic, lasting results offered by plastic surgery. To qualify, patients need to be healthy non-smokers at a stable weight with positive yet realistic expectations for their results.

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What Does the Thigh Lift Procedure Entail?

Thigh lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring that you sleep peacefully during the treatment process and feel no pain or discomfort. Surgery usually takes 2-3 hours to complete. 

Once you are asleep, Dr. Small will create your incisions according to your individualized treatment plan, performing a vertical, medial, or lateral thigh lift. He will remove excess skin, fat, and tissue to create a more sculpted, youthful-looking appearance and may use liposuction to further enhance and streamline your results. 

Once all improvements have been completed, Dr. Small will use advanced suturing techniques to close your incisions. He will then apply a light bandage to your thighs and place you in the recovery suite for monitoring until it is time to go home.

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Recovering After a Thigh Lift in Ocean County, NJ

After surgery, your thighs will be dressed in compression garments to help reduce swelling and keep their newly sculpted curves in pristine shape as you heal. You will be escorted home by a friend, helper, or family member since you will still be groggy from anesthesia. It is common to experience mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and soreness in the thighs after your procedure, symptoms that can last several weeks. You can manage discomfort by taking your prescription painkillers, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest. While you should avoid strenuous exercise and workouts for 4-6 weeks, you can begin taking gentle walks right away after surgery. This can boost circulation, prevent certain complications, and elevate your mood.

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Schedule Your Thigh Lift Consultation at Ocean Plastic Surgery Today!

If you would like to take your body sculpting efforts to the next level with a customized thigh lift in Toms River or Stafford Township, contact us today to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Small, a leading board-certified plastic surgeon.

We look forward to answering your questions in depth and providing you with a rewarding, seamless cosmetic journey.

Thigh Lift Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does a Thigh Lift Cost in Toms River and Manahawin?

Pricing for thigh lift surgery depends on multiple factors, including the specific techniques chosen, the extent of skin sagging, and whether you combine treatment with other aesthetic options. Dr. Small will provide a customized price quote after completing your detailed consultation in Ocean County.

Is a Thigh Lift Painful?

Thigh lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. This means that you will be sleeping comfortably while the procedure is carried out, free from pain, anxiety, and discomfort. After surgery, you can use prescription pain medications to mitigate any mild soreness in the upper legs.

How Long Until I See Results With a Thigh Lift?

Swelling after a thigh lift can temporarily obscure your newly sculpted contours. However, as your recovery progresses, you will gradually start to see a more youthful, shapely physique emerge. You should wait several months before judging your final results.

Can a Thigh Lift Be Paired With Other Procedures?

Yes, definitely. Dr. Small performs transformative procedures for the skin, face, breasts, and body and can tailor your treatment plan to address multiple cosmetic issues at the same time. For instance, a thigh lift can be added to a mommy makeover to produce comprehensive changes from head to toe. Speak with Dr. Small during your private consultation in Ocean County to learn more.

What Should I Wear After a Thigh Lift?

It is recommended that you wear your compression garments for about a month after surgery. You can wear loose, comfortable clothing over your compression garments that is easy to remove and replace.

How Do You Sleep After a Thigh Lift?

During the first stages of your healing process, you should avoid sleeping on your stomach. Instead, sleep on your back and keep your legs elevated with pillows.

What Are the Risks of a Thigh Lift?

Dr. Small implements the most stringent safety protocols to safeguard your health and well-being. Despite this, certain inherent risks exist with all cosmetic surgeries. For a thigh lift, risks include the following:

  • Poor reactions to anesthesia
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Asymmetry
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Fat necrosis
  • Fluid buildup
  • Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
  • The need for a revision procedure
  • Poor scarring

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