Thigh Lift
What is a thigh lift?
Significant weight loss, aging, and changes in skin elasticity can leave excess skin along the thighs that does not improve with exercise or additional weight loss. A thigh lift removes excess skin and reshapes the tissues to create a smoother, more defined contour.
The procedure is individualized based on the location and amount of excess skin, skin quality, and underlying fat. The most common approach is a medial thigh lift, which addresses loose skin along the inner thigh. More extensive techniques may be appropriate when excess skin extends farther around the thigh. Liposuction may be incorporated when appropriate.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
- Significant excess or loose skin along the thighs
- Skin laxity following significant weight loss
- Accepting of scars that may be visible in certain clothing
- A stable, healthy weight
- Good overall health and realistic expectations
Patients with primarily excess fat and good skin elasticity may be better candidates for liposuction alone.
What to Expect
During your private consultation, your doctor will:
Evaluate the amount and location of excess skin, skin elasticity, underlying fat, and the overall proportions of your legs and body.
Together, you will discuss:
- The appropriate thigh-lift technique and incision pattern
- Scar location and expected length
- Whether liposuction would be beneficial
- Whether additional body-contouring procedures should be performed
- Your medical history and medications
- Recovery, risks, and potential complications
The surgical plan will balance the amount of skin that can be safely removed with appropriate scar placement and wound healing.
The Procedure
A thigh lift is typically performed under general anesthesia and usually takes several hours, depending on the extent of surgery and whether additional procedures are performed.
The procedure generally includes:
- An incision in the groin and/or along the inner thigh, depending on the technique
- Removal of excess skin and tissue
- Reshaping and tightening of the remaining tissues
- Liposuction of selected areas when appropriate
- Careful closure of the incisions
For patients with more extensive skin laxity, the incision may extend farther down the inner thigh or around the thigh.
Temporary drains may be placed and are removed as healing progresses. Thigh lift surgery is generally performed as an outpatient procedure, although an overnight stay may be appropriate for more extensive surgery.
Recovery after thigh lift
Swelling, bruising, soreness, and tightness are common during the early recovery period. Because the incisions are located near areas of frequent movement and friction, careful wound care is particularly important.
You will typically have:
- Temporary restrictions on walking long distances and strenuous activity
- Restrictions on heavy lifting and lower-body exercise
- Compression garments when recommended
- Follow-up visits to monitor healing and remove drains when appropriate
- Gradual return to normal activities as healing progresses
Many patients can return to less physically demanding work within approximately 1–2 weeks, although recovery varies depending on the extent of surgery and the demands of your occupation.
Walking is encouraged early, but strenuous exercise and activities that place tension on the incisions are restricted for several weeks. Swelling gradually improves over the following weeks to months.
Thigh-lift scars are permanent but typically fade and soften with time.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Before & After Results
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