Leg Surgery - Dr Stefano Cotrufo

Working HoursMonday - Friday 8AM - 7PMInstagramINSTAGRAM Call Us+44 (0)207 873 2330Visit Us10 HARLEY STREET, LONDON

Thigh lift surgery helps to re-shape your thighs, to gain smoother looking skin, and to give them a more proportionate appearance to the contours of your lower body. This procedure is often chosen by patients after massive weight loss and bariatric patients. Thigh lift surgery represents the only solution for patients with excess skin that will not contract on its own. This procedure is also recommended for those patients who had liposuction with residual skin laxity.

Why choose thigh lift surgery?

Growing older and fluctuations in weight are the most common reasons for our thighs and skin appearing droopy and saggy. If you feel self-conscious and lack confidence in the appearance of your thighs, this surgery can help by removing excess skin and fat to give a firmer looking and more toned thigh area.

Improve the shape of your thighs
Smoother looking skin
Put the contours of your lower body more in proportion
No more sagging and drooping skin
Confidence in the appearance of your upper legs

WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES TO A THIGH LIFT?

Your surgeon will speak with you about possible alternatives to thigh lift surgery such as liposuction, which, in some cases, may be performed alongside or instead of a thigh lift. Thigh lift surgery can be combined with Extended Abdominoplasty as a Body Lift Surgery.

BEFORE YOUR THIGH LIFT PROCEDURE:

Every thigh lift surgery is different and tailored to the needs of the individual patient, that’s why establishing good communication between you and your surgeon is essential. A relaxed and comfortable surgery experience starts with open discussion of your personal goals within your thigh lift surgery consultation.

DURING YOUR THIGH LIFT CONSULTATION, YOU WILL:

Have the opportunity to ask Dr Cotrufo questions about the details of the thigh lift procedure
Highlight your reasons for seeking surgery
Complete a full health evaluation and lower body examination
Discuss the surgical and non-surgical options that are open to you, as well as costs and timescales

To make sure you are in the best health before your thigh lift, the surgeon may ask you to make some vital lifestyle changes in the run up to surgery. This can include:

Stopping smoking
Stopping alcohol consumption
Refraining from any stringent diets
Adjusting or stop taking certain medications
Avoiding aspirin, herbal supplements and anti-inflammatory drugs
Avoiding overexposure to the sun, especially to the thigh area

THE THIGH LIFT PROCEDURE:

The surgery normally takes around 2 hours but this depends on the extent of work required
Your surgeon will generally make incisions in the groin, extending downwards and wrapping around the back of the thigh, so that any scarring is as hidden as possible
The underlying tissue will be reshaped and tightened, with the reduced skin secured by sutures

AFTER YOUR THIGH LIFT SURGERY:

You are likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you should be up and around in 24 to 48 hours and able to return home with a friend or relative.

There may be a drip in your arm to keep you hydrated after surgery. As soon as you can drink enough it will be removed
All drains and sutures are usually removed within 10 days after your surgery
You may shower with mildly warm water on the second day after your operation and if you need pain relief
You may notice some bruising around your lower body, which is to be expected, and will subside in about 7-14 days
It is best to avoid these foods and activities for at least a month:
Hot and spicy food
Vigorous exercise
Activity that is more strenuous, including housework
Heavy lifting

The results of the thigh lift surgery are visible almost immediately afterwards. However, it will take several months for the final results to fully develop. During this time, you will attend scheduled aftercare appointments with Dr Cotrufo, who will closely monitor your post procedure progress.

STILL HAVE THIGH LIFT QUESTIONS THAT YOU’D LIKE ANSWERED?

Dr Cotrufo is an expert in plastic surgery and reconstructive microsurgery. His extensive plastic surgery experience spans several continents and includes some of the UK’s leading plastic surgery departments.

Should you have any more questions about the thigh lift procedure, please call 0207 873 2330 to organise a consultation.

Liposuction to the lower limbs is a very complex application in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery. This is because the various segment composing the lower limbs, thighs, knees and calves, have very different anatomical composition with regards to muscles and tendons volume, fibrous tissue and obviously fat distribution.

DrC performed liposuction in Harley Street, Central London, since 2010 and he achieved excellent outcomes by application of this technique to the legs.

Liposuction to the lower limbs can be performed with Tumescent technique, Power-Assisted or Ultrasound-Assisted. The target fat is localised circumferentially around the thigs although most patients are not candidate for a reduction of the back side.

Male and female patients have very different distribution of superficial fat (AKA subcutaneous) with female representing the vast majority of patients requiring such a procedure.

If you wish to have more clinical information about liposuction please click here.

VASER liposuction is recognised as the ideal technique to perform mid- or high-definition sculpting of the legs. The application of ultrasonic energy allows to break selectively the adipose tissue (AKA fat) while preserving vital arteries and nerves. The best plastic surgeon performing VASER liposuction to the thighs and knees has deep anatomical knowledge about the distribution of these neuro-vascular structures.

DrC often treats the thighs along with the inner aspect of the knees in order to achieve the most natural and homogeneous result. Calves can be treated at the same time by VASER Liposuction, but patients are candidate for this procedure only if they are not-smokers.

If you wish to have more clinical details about VASER liposuction (such as recovery position, garments and possible complications) please click here.

Calf implants are used in calf augmentation, which is a popular plastic surgery procedure for both men and women. The surgery increases the size and definition of the calf and different sized implants can be used to create a balance between disproportioned limbs.

Why choose calf implants?

Whether you are unable to achieve the muscle tone and sculpt your lower leg in the way you desire, have been left with smaller calf muscles or imbalanced muscles due to illness or injury, calf implants can create a contoured, defined look. Implants are matched to your body shape to create a natural look.

Create definition and sculpt the calf area
Bring proportion to underdeveloped leg muscles
Balance muscle definition between legs where illnesses like spina bifida, polio or clubfoot have made an impact
Boost confidence about appearance

IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TO CALF AUGMENTATION SURGERY?

Each patient has unique circumstances, so it’s always advisable to speak to your surgeon to see if other surgical and non-surgical procedures are open to you. For example, you may want to explore the potential of fat grafting to add contours to your lower legs.

WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE YOUR CALF IMPLANT PROCEDURE?

To ensure you feel as content and comfortable as possible throughout your surgery journey, it is essential that good communication flows between you and your surgeon. You can begin to establish this relationship and to set expectations during your consultation.

DURING YOUR CALF IMPLANT SURGERY CONSULTATION, YOU WILL:

Talk about your individual circumstances and why you think you may benefit from the procedure
Learn more about calf augmentation and calf implants
Have a full health evaluation
Undergo a leg assessment
Discuss the care the clinic will provide before, during and after your calf surgery
Talk through what other options may be open to you
Have the opportunity to pose questions and learn about timescales and costs

In the run-up to your calf implant procedure, you may be asked to make small alterations to your lifestyle, such as avoiding certain activities and medications.

This may include:

Taking medical tests including blood tests
Stopping smoking
Adjusting or taking certain medications
Avoiding aspirin, herbal supplements and anti-inflammatory drugs
Refraining from drinking alcohol
Avoiding sun overexposure, particularly in the calf area
Committing to not making stringent changes to your diet

If the procedure is to be done under general anaesthetic, you will be given fasting instructions to follow.

THE CALF IMPLANT PROCEDURE

The length of time for surgery is generally 1-2 hours
A small incision is made in the crease behind the knee and the silicon implant is then positioned on top of the calf muscle
The incision is then sealed with absorbable sutures

AFTER YOUR CALF IMPLANT SURGERY:

Following your procedure, you will need to stay in the clinic overnight and you will need to rest with your legs elevated for the first 24 to 48 hours.

After that

You should walk as soon as you feel able, starting off lightly then building
You should be able to return to work after 2 weeks
Strenuous activities of all kinds, including housework should be avoided for around 1 month
Exercise such as cycling, jogging or team sports, which could result in the implant moving, will need to be avoided for around two months
An aftercare schedule will be planned for you to attend appointments with Dr Cortufo, who will also be available to talk through your calf implant recovery progress

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT CALF IMPLANTS?

If you would like any further information about the calf implant procedure, your suitability for surgery or the service and aftercare you can expect to receive with us you, please book a personal consultation with our surgeon Dr Stefano Cotrufo. Dr Cotrufo is a plastic surgery expert who will be able to guide you through the options open to you. Call 0207 873 2330 to schedule an appointment.

CONTACT FORM