What is a thigh lift?
A thigh lift is the surgical correction of excess skin to the thighs. Over time, with weight loss or even during normal development, excess skin to the thighs can develop compelling women to seek correction. Dr. M Kayser is a Michigan Plastic Surgeon who is Board Certified in Plastic surgery. As a perfectionist, Dr. M Kayser will take all measures necessary to ensure that your results are the best that he can offer. Please view the extensive gallery of before and after photographs Dr. M Kayser’s patients.

Learn about the Thigh lift Procedure in 3D

What are the incisions used in an arm lift?
The traditional approach to a thigh lift involves removing excess skin around the thigh along its length, which extends from the knee to the groin. The scar is placed along the inside of the thigh so that it’s well concealed. In time, many patients have scars that blend and fade beautifully but sometimes the scar can remain red for months and even widen; this potential drawback, however, is more than worth it for the patient who can now fit normally into their clothes!

What type of anesthesia is used?
A thigh lift is usually performed with general anesthesia. The procedure is performed as an outpatient or sometimes, as an overnight stay. The office of Dr. M Kayser is strategically located at 20905 East 12 Mile Road, suite 300, which is directly across from the fully accredited St. John Hospital Outpatient Surgery Center just off the I-696 and I-94 loop in the Roseville and St. Clair Shores area – a suburban community northeast of the city of Detroit, Michigan.

Can other procedures be performed with a brachioplasty?
Patients often have multiple procedures at the same time. The most common include tummy tucks (abdominoplasty), a buttocks lift and/or liposuction. Often times, excess skin from the inner thigh is removed after a lower body/buttocks lift has already been performed, since excess skin usually involves removal in both a vertical and horizontal fashion and, therefore, separate or staged, procedures are advised. This saves both time and money since costs are often reduced when multiple procedures are combined. Ask Dr. M Kayser about your options as each patient is unique and expectations will vary upon each patient’s circumstances.

What can I expect after surgery?
Most patients in my practice feel that thigh lift was less traumatic than they expected and many patients stop taking their narcotic pain medication a day or two after surgery. The procedure is out-patient, which means you can go home the same day. The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches and sealed with glue on the outside so there are no sutures to remove and patients can shower the very next day. Drains are usually placed but are removed the next day. Most of the swelling is resolved in about 4-6 weeks after surgery and patients are encouraged to wear a support garment for about 4-6 weeks, after which, there are no restrictions at all. Follow up is very important and patients are encouraged to return to the office within the week, at six weeks, six months and a year. This allows Dr. M Kayser to not only address any concerns that a patient may have but also make sure that both short and long term progress has been up to his high standards.

Tell me about credentials - Is there a difference?
Yes. A thigh lift is a procedure which, unfortunately, can be performed by any physician - whether adequately trained or not. Most states have very little regulation on this matter. Because of this, non-plastic – or so called “cosmetic” - surgeons can perform a thigh lift as well. In addition, some physicians who are legitimately board certified in other specialties, such as ENT, dermatology, and gynecology, for example are performing “cosmetic” surgery even though they often have never had any formal residency training in the specialty of plastic surgery itself. Weekend courses abound and the patient is often confused as to which doctor to see.

Dr. M Kayser is Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which is the only plastic surgical specialty recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to perform plastic surgery of the face and entire body. Beware of self designated boards that are not recognizes by the ABMS. These would include The American Board of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, The American Board of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, and The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery – just to name a few. The ABPS requires ongoing education and maintenance of certification to help ensure that each board certified plastic surgeon is current and able to provide the best care possible. Dr. M Kayser is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). This organization allows only board certified plastic surgeons in its membership. The ASPS says it best by stating that they “are dedicated to advancing quality care in plastic surgery by encouraging high standards in training, ethics, physician practice, research, and continuing education.” Look for the circle – the symbol of excellence that represents which surgeons have fulfilled these criteria.

Dr. M Kayser has been in practice over ten years and is the founder of Image by Design Plastic Surgery. Patient satisfaction is of the utmost importance. In addition, we have an extensive list of patients who are available to share their experience with you. Please call the office at 586-776-3223 and speak with either Denise or Janet to answer all your questions.

Does Hospital affiliation matter?
Again, yes. Although operating in an office setting is not in and of itself inappropriate, it is always possible that an extended hospital observation or additional care might be needed. Indeed, certain procedures or multiple surgeries are usually best treated within the context of a full hospital facility. In addition, hospitals usually require certain standards (credentialing) such as board certification before a physician can have staff privileges. Unfortunately, there are no legal restrictions in most states that prevent physicians operating out of their offices or non hospital associated free-standing surgery suites; so be sure to ask if your doctor does have admitting privileges at a fully accredited hospital facility. If they don’t, their ability to either transfer patients or provide continuity of care is potentially compromised. Dr. M Kayser is a fully credentialed and active staff plastic surgeon at St. John Hospital and Medical Center, St. John Macomb Hospital and Bon Secour and Cottage Hospitals. Make sure your Michigan plastic surgeon has full hospital privileges as well.

Any other helpful hints?
Denise and Janet will be able to relate to you on both a professional and personal level and answer any questions you may have. Prospective patients are even invited to visit separately with Denise before a formal consultation is even scheduled. Call the office at 586-776-3223 – you’ll be glad you did.

How can I schedule a consultation with Dr. M Kayser?
Considering a thigh lift is usually a well thought out process and, at Image by Design Plastic Surgery, we strive to ensure that all your questions are fully answered. Indeed, it is Dr. M Kayser himself who conducts the entire consultation – a complete and thorough evaluation dedicated to each patient by the plastic surgeon that will be performing the procedure. This may take more time but it is essential so that each patient can make a fully informed decision. Call Denise or Janet to schedule your consultation with Dr. M Kayser at 586-776-3223.