Thigh Lift

Benefits of a Thigh Lift

Age and diminished skin elasticity cause the inner and outer thighs to lose firmness and shape, and weight gain and loss exaggerate it. The thighs are also an area where fat collects, and for many people — especially women — those deposits do not respond well to diet and exercise. A thigh lift, or thighplasty, combines liposuction with the removal of excess skin to improve the appearance and contour of the thighs, addressing both problems in one procedure rather than either alone.

How Does a Thigh Lift Work?

In most cases surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, though your circumstances and the extent of your goals determine the setting. The procedure typically lasts two to five hours and can run longer. An adult should escort you on the day of surgery and stay with you at home for the first 24 hours.

Liposuction and Skin Removal

Liposuction addresses the fat deposits while the excess skin is excised, so the thigh is both slimmed and tightened. Treating only the fat in a thigh with poor skin elasticity would leave the contour looser, which is why the two are combined.

Assessing Skin Tone

At consultation your surgeon evaluates your health and medical history, determines the extent of loose skin across the thigh and buttock region, and assesses your skin tone. That assessment drives the surgical plan and how much can be removed.

Inner and Outer Thighs

Both the inner and outer thigh can be addressed. Which areas are treated, and the technique used, depends on where your laxity sits and what you want to change.

Recovery + What to Expect

Walking within the first 48 hours is strongly recommended as tolerated. Showering is permitted after 48 hours. Avoid stairs and anything that stresses the wounds for the first 72 hours. Desk work is usually possible within one week; jobs involving prolonged standing, walking, or heavy lifting may require three weeks. Vigorous activity and aerobic exercise wait until after three weeks.

Risks + Considerations

Risks are low but real, and include bleeding and infection. Blood clots in the leg can occur, and a clot that travels to the heart or lungs can be fatal — this is why early walking matters so much. Fluid collections occur rarely and may require drainage. Smokers should stop three weeks before surgery, since smoking alters blood circulation in the skin, increases the risk of complications, and delays healing. Thigh incisions sit in an area under tension and can be slower to heal than other body sites, and scarring is permanent. Following your instructions closely before and after surgery is the most reliable way to reduce your risk.