Thigh Lift Surgery
A thigh lift (thighplasty) can reduce excess skin and fat in the thigh and knee area. As a result of slim and redefined thigh will look great in skinny jeans, mini-skirts and bathing suits.
Today new trend of thigh lift surgery aims to create thighs that are proportionate to the buttocks, hips and legs. Ideally, the trunk and outer thighs should form an hour-glass silhouette with a smooth outward curve to the outer thighs. From the back, the thigh should stand apart from the buttock with a well-defined fold and there should be a diamond shape area between inner thighs and buttocks. From the front, the thighs should appear smooth and showcase the underlying muscles. The inner thighs should be firm and flat.
Both men and women who have saggy, flabby, dimpled loose tissue and skin on their thighs may be candidates for this procedure. Many people who have lost massive amounts of weight may also benefit from thigh lifts to get rid of the excess fat and loose skin in that area.
- Thigh Lift
- Also known as thighplasty
- A thigh lift is a procedure that involves the removal of excess skin and fat from either the inner or outer thighs. This body contouring procedure is often desirable after substantial or bariatric weight loss or in individuals for whom dieting and exercise have failed to reduce excess tissue in their upper thighs. Liposuction may be used as an adjunct to the recontouring of the inner thigh. If you are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a moderate weight, a thigh lift can help you regain the youthful thigh contours you desire. A thigh lift is often part of a mommy makeover procedure.
- When to Consider a Thigh Lift
- If you want your thighs to have a better, more proportional contour and a firmer look and feel.
- If you have undergone bariatric surgery or massive weight loss.
- If you are distressed about loose, flabby skin on your thighs.
- If you have difficulty fitting into clothing because of heavy thighs.
If you’ve recently lost weight in your thighs, you may be looking for a way to help achieve smoother, more shapely legs. Or perhaps you’re looking for a way to address the skin on your thighs, which tends to sag with age.
For some people, a thigh lift may be a solution for getting rid of excess, sagging skin.
It’s important to know that a thigh lift is a major surgery that can pose a variety of risks, especially if you have underlying health issues or if you’re not at your goal weight.
Considering the invasive nature of the surgery, it’s a good idea to research the procedure before undergoing one. In this article, we review the different types of thigh lift procedures, as well as their potential risks and cost.
A thigh lift (thighplasty) is an invasive cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the thigh area.
Perhaps the most common reason for a thigh lift is to help reshape and smooth the thigh area after losing weight. Some people also opt for the procedure to gain more shapeliness and to feel more comfortable wearing swimsuits, shorts, and jeans.
If you’re considering this procedure after weight loss, doctors recommend that you’re at a steady weight for at least 6 months and that you’ve already achieved your goal weight. This is because weight fluctuations can interfere with results post-thigh lift surgery.
- Are you a good candidate for a thigh lift?
The following are some common reasons why you may want to consider a thigh lift:
- The effects of aging have led to sagging, cellulite and loose skin on your thighs.
- You have succeeded in a weight reduction program and you now desire shapely thighs and legs that reflect your more proportional, toned figure.
- Clothes do not fit properly because of your heavy thighs.
- Your thighs make you feel self-conscious and you want to restore your self-assurance regarding your body.
- If you are in good general health, have a positive attitude and realistic expectations, you are most likely a good candidate for this procedure.
What are the different types of thigh lifts?
Thigh lifts remove excess skin and fat, but there are different types that are achieved via different incisions. Your provider will help you choose the best surgery to meet your individual needs. Below are the different types of thigh lifts to consider.
- Inner (medial) thigh lift
A medial thigh lift is the most common form of this cosmetic surgery. It addresses sagging skin in your inner thighs via an incision from your groin down toward your knee or toward the back of your thigh area.
Depending on your individual needs, your surgeon may determine that you qualify for a mini thigh lift. This procedure requires fewer incisions than other types of thigh lifts, only involving an incision in your groin area. It works well if you’re wanting to focus on the upper-inner part of your thigh only.
- Outer (bilateral) thigh lift
An outer thigh lift addresses the outside portions of your thighs. The procedure involves an incision that starts in you groin area, then extends outward to your hip and lower back area.
If you’re looking to address a lot of excess skin in all areas of your thighs, you may consider a vertical thigh lift. It requires larger incisions that extend down to your knees. However, due to a higher risk for complicationsTrusted Source, your surgeon may not recommend this type of thigh lift.
In some cases, the thigh area may have poor skin elasticity. Your surgeon may recommend liposuction in addition to thigh lift surgery to help remove excess fat cells and prevent sagging skin.
- How is a thigh lift procedure performed?
Medial (inner) thigh lift: An incision is made in the groin area, and any excess fat and skin are excised along the inner aspect of the thigh. Liposuction may be but is not always included with an inner thigh lift, depending on your individual requirements. The area from the groin to the knee is recontoured and the procedure is repeated for the other thigh. If a more substantial wedge of tissue is removed, the procedure is called a thighplasty.
Lateral (outer) thigh lift:This is a more complex procedure, usually involving recontouring of the buttocks as well as the outer thighs and removal of more tissue. Scarring is more extensive, and the skin will be less elastic after the surgery, so weight should be maintained.
- What’s the recovery like?
Before you go home from your operation, your surgeon will place dressings against the incisions to help ease swelling. They may also insert a tube to help drain excess blood and fluids from the area. You’ll need to make a follow-up appointment to have your surgeon remove these items.
Like other cosmetic surgeries, thigh lifts are considered major procedures and you’ll need to take time off work to recover.
You’ll likely experience pain, bruising, and swelling for a few days after the procedure. You should notice more contour to your thighs right away, but you won’t see full results for several months.
Any worsening pain or the onset of bleeding through sutures or dressings should be addressed with your doctor right away. You should also see your doctor if you experience:
- wound separation
- fever
- chills
- numbness
How long before you see results?
In general, you’ll need several weeks to recover from thigh lift surgery, so you should plan your work schedule accordingly. You’ll also need to refrain from any heavy lifting and strenuous exercises for at least 6 weeks after your procedure.
You’ll want to elevate your legs as much as possible during this time, and you may be able to go outside after a few days. It’s normal for the ankles to swell as you gradually move around more.
Once healed, there may be scars from where your surgeon made incisions to remove excess skin around your thighs. However, when done by an experienced surgeon, the scars shouldn’t be very noticeable to others, especially if they’re placed in inconspicuous areas.
- What are the potential risks to be aware of?
Before committing to a thigh lift, you’ll need to determine whether the results you’re looking to achieve are worth the risk of side effects. While serious complications aren’t as common, you should discuss the following risks with your surgeon:
- bleeding
- scarring
- infections
- skin discoloration
- asymmetry
- loss of skin elasticity
- fluid accumulation
- deep vein thrombosis
- heart or lung complications
Your risk for complications may increase if you smoke, get limited physical activity, or consume a diet high in processed foods.
- How much does a thigh lift cost?
A thigh lift is considered an aesthetic procedure, which isn’t typically covered by medical insurance. However, many surgeons offer payment plans and financing options, so it’s important to ask your provider for ways you can offset some of the costs.
In 2021, the average cost of a thigh lift procedure was $4,171. This price represents the surgeon’s fee only. You may need to pay for additional costs related to the procedure, including those related to anesthesia, the facility, medications, and more.
The overall cost may also vary depending on where you live, the type of thigh lift you choose, and your surgeon’s overall experience.
It’s important not to settle for an inexperienced surgeon for the sake of saving money. Using a surgeon unfamiliar with the procedure could increase the risk for side effects and unsatisfactory work, which could cost even more in the long run.
- Where can I find a qualified surgeon to perform this procedure?
Before committing to a thigh lift, it’s important to shop around for a reputable and experienced cosmetic surgeon. Ideally, the right provider will be board certified and specialize in skin removal procedures, such as thigh lifts.
A prospective provider will go over the procedure with you in detail. They’ll also be able to show you a portfolio of their work that includes before and after photos.
At your initial consultation, be sure to ask questions about the surgeon’s specific experience as well as any perceived risks based on your individual health profile. Finding a surgeon with experience in performing a wide variety of thigh lifts is essential to getting the best results possible with minimum side effects.
A thigh lift is an invasive cosmetic surgery that’s commonly used to help remove excess skin and fat after losing a lot of weight. To retain your results, you must be at a steady weight for several months before having the procedure.
Due to the complexities of cosmetic surgery, it’s important to choose a provider who has experience with thigh lifts. They can also go over any potential side effects and risks with you before committing to the procedure.
In all, you should expect your recovery to take several weeks. When a thigh lift is done by the right surgeon though, you may find the procedure well worth your time and investment.
- Your initial consultation appointment
During your initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your cosmetic goals. Your surgeon will evaluate you as a candidate for thigh-lift surgery and clarify what a thigh lift can do for you. Understanding your goals and medical condition, both alternative and additional treatments may be considered (see related procedures).
You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your complete medical history. This will include information about:
- Previous surgeries
- Past and present medical conditions
- Allergies and current medications
- Your treatment plan
Based on your goals, physical characteristics, and the surgeon’s training and experience, your surgeon will share recommendations and information with you, including:
- An approach to your surgery, including the type of procedure or combination of procedures.
- The outcomes that you can anticipate.
- Your financial investment in the procedure.
- Associated risks and complications.
- Options for anesthesia and surgery location.
- What you need to prepare for your surgery.
- What you can expect to experience after surgery.
- Show before and after photos of cases similar to yours and answer any questions.
- Questions to ask your aesthetic plastic surgeon
It is important for you to take an active role in your surgery, so please use this list of questions as a starting point for your initial consultation.
- Am I a good candidate for a thigh lift?
- Are the results I am seeking reasonable and realistic?
- Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for the procedure I am undergoing?
- Will my scars be visible? Where will my scars be located?
- What kind of anesthesia do you recommend for me?
- What will be the costs associated with my surgery?
- What will you expect of me to get the best results?
- What kind of recovery period can I expect, and when can I resume normal activities?
- What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
- How are complications handled?
- What are my options if the cosmetic outcome of my surgery does not meet the goals we agreed on?
- Preparing for Your Procedure
- How do I prepare for a thigh lift procedure?
Your surgeon will provide thorough preoperative instructions, answer any questions you may have, take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam to determine your fitness for surgery.
In advance of your procedure, your surgeon will ask you to:
- Stop smoking before undergoing surgery to promote better healing.
- Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding.
- Regardless of the type of surgery to be performed, hydration is very important before and after surgery for safe recovery.
- Your surgeon will ascertain that you have maintained a stable weight for a significant period of time, since regaining weight can jeopardize the effects of the thigh lift.
What can I expect on the day of thigh-lift surgery?
Your surgery may be performed in an accredited hospital, free-standing ambulatory facility or office-based surgical suite. Most thigh lift procedures take at least two to three hours to complete but may take longer.
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure.
General anesthesia is commonly used during your procedure, although local anesthesia or intravenous sedation may be desirable in some instances.
For your safety during the surgery, various monitors will be used to check your heart, blood pressure, pulse and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood.
Your surgeon will follow the surgical plan discussed with you before surgery.
After your procedure is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. You will have drainage tubes in place. You will have a compression garment over liposuctioned areas of your thighs. A surgical dressing will be placed over the surgical site.
If a general anesthetic is used, you will stay overnight in the facility for observation and your surgeon will discharge you when you have recovered sufficiently. If your procedure was performed under local anesthesia, you may be permitted to go home after a short observation period unless you and your plastic surgeon have made other plans for your immediate post-operative recovery.
Aftercare and Recovery
Your surgeon will discuss how long it will be before you can return to your normal level of activity and work. After surgery, you and your caregiver will receive detailed instructions about your post-surgical care, including information about:
- Drains, if they have been placed
- Normal symptoms you will experience
- Potential signs of complications
- Immediately after your thigh lift
Although your new smooth contours will be visible immediately after surgery, there will be a period of bruising, swelling and soreness. If your pain is extreme or long-lasting, contact your plastic surgeon to find out if your pain, bruising and swelling is normal or a sign of a problem.
- Recovery time frame after a thigh lift
It is vitally important that you follow all patient care instructions provided by your surgeon. This will include information about wearing compression garments, care of your drains, taking an antibiotic if prescribed, and the level and type of activity that is safe. Your surgeon will also provide detailed instructions about the normal symptoms you will experience and any potential signs of complications. It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.
During the first ten to 14 days you should only engage in light activities.
This is a critical period for healing and you should be watchful for any signs of infection or nonhealing and report these to your doctor immediately.
The pull of gravity and the actions of walking, sitting, and bending put stress on the sutured areas, so you should make careful and deliberate movements.
It will be helpful if you have someone staying with you for the first few days of your recovery.
- Weeks two to eight
- You may need to wear a compression garment for the first month to optimize contouring of the thighs.
- Swelling should subside in three to five weeks.
- You may resume driving and walking for exercise after the first two to three weeks, when these activities do not cause pain.
- Avoid heavy lifting and jogging for six to eight weeks.
- How Long Will the Results Last?
- If you maintain a stable weight, healthy lifestyle, and fitness program, your results will be long-lasting.
Maintain a relationship with your aesthetic plastic surgeon
For safety, as well as the most beautiful and healthy outcome, it’s important to return to your plastic surgeon's office for follow-up evaluation at prescribed times and whenever you notice any changes in your thighs. Do not hesitate to contact your surgeon when you have any questions or concerns.