Thigh
Lift (thighplasty)
Transform yourself with
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Thigh
Lift (thighplasty)
Transform yourself with
"*" indicates required fields
By submitting this form you agree to receive emails, calls, and text messages from BodEvolve related to our services. This agreement is not a condition to purchase and you can opt-out at any time.
Overview
What is a thigh lift (thighplasty)?
A thigh lift, or thighplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the thighs, creating a smoother, firmer, and more toned appearance. This procedure is commonly sought after by individuals who experience loose, sagging skin on the inner or outer thighs, often due to aging, weight loss, or a loss of skin elasticity.
By tightening both the skin and underlying tissues, a thigh lift restores a more contoured and youthful leg shape, improving overall body proportions and enhancing self-confidence.
How does a thigh lift improve leg shape?
A thigh lift enhances the legs by:
- Removing loose, sagging skin caused by weight fluctuations, aging, or genetics.
- Tightening and smoothing the inner and outer thighs for better definition.
- Reducing excess fat deposits to improve leg proportions.
Eliminating chafing and discomfort caused by excess skin.
How common is thigh lift surgery?
Thigh lift surgery has grown in popularity, especially among individuals who have undergone significant weight lossor body transformations. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, thousands of thigh lifts are performed each year, making it a top choice for patients seeking body contouring.
Who is a good candidate for a thigh lift?
Ideal candidates for thighplasty typically:
- Have loose, sagging skin on the thighs that does not improve with exercise.
- Experience loss of skin elasticity due to aging or significant weight loss.
- Are at a stable weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Are in good overall health and do not smoke.
- Have realistic expectations about the surgery and recovery process.
While a thigh lift removes excess skin, it is not a weight loss procedure. Patients should be close to their ideal weight before considering surgery.
Procedure Details
Types of Thigh Lift Surgery
There are several types of thigh lift procedures, each tailored to different patient needs based on the amount and location of excess skin and fat.
1. Inner Thigh Lift (Medial Thigh Lift)
- Targets loose skin on the inner thighs.
- Incision is placed along the groin crease, extending toward the inner thigh.
- Best for patients with moderate skin laxity.
2. Mini Thigh Lift
- A less invasive option for mild sagging in the upper thigh.
- Incision is placed only in the groin area, leaving minimal scarring.
- Ideal for patients who do not require extensive skin removal.
3. Vertical Thigh Lift (Extended Inner Thigh Lift)
- Removes excess skin from the entire length of the inner thigh.
- Incision runs vertically along the inner thigh from the groin to the knee.
- Best for patients who have experienced massive weight loss.
4. Outer Thigh Lift (Lateral Thigh Lift)
- Focuses on sagging skin on the outer thighs and hips.
- Incision is made along the hip area, sometimes extending to the lower back.
- Often combined with lower body lifts or liposuction.
5. Spiral Thigh Lift (Total Thigh Lift)
- Addresses skin laxity on the front, back, inner, and outer thighs.
- Incision placement depends on the amount of skin and fat removal.
Ideal for patients with extreme skin sagging after major weight loss.
What happens before thigh lift surgery?
Before undergoing a thigh lift, patients must:
- Undergo medical evaluations to ensure they are fit for surgery.
- Follow pre-surgical instructions, including stopping smoking and avoiding certain medications.
- Maintain a stable weight to prevent post-surgical weight fluctuations.
Some patients may choose to combine their thigh lift with other body contouring procedures, such as a tummy tuck, liposuction, or buttock lift, for a more comprehensive transformation.
What happens during thigh lift surgery?
A thigh lift is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of skin removal.
The general steps include:
- Incision Placement – The surgeon makes incisions based on the type of thigh lift being performed.
- Fat Removal & Tissue Tightening – Excess fat is removed (if necessary), and the skin is tightened.
- Suturing & Skin Closure – The remaining skin is repositioned smoothly, and stitches or dissolvable suturesare used to close the incisions.
Compression Garments Applied – A compression garment is placed to reduce swelling and support healing.
Risks / Benefits
What are the benefits of a thigh lift?
A thigh lift provides significant improvements in leg contour, comfort, and self-confidence. Key benefits include:
- Tighter, smoother thighs with improved definition.
- Elimination of loose, sagging skin for a more youthful appearance.
- Reduced thigh chafing and skin irritation.
- Better clothing fit, allowing patients to wear shorts and fitted clothing with confidence.
Long-lasting results, especially when paired with a healthy lifestyle.
What are the potential risks of thigh lift surgery?
As with any surgery, thighplasty carries some risks, including:
- Scarring – Thigh lift scars are permanent but fade over time.
- Swelling and bruising – Common during the first few weeks.
- Temporary numbness or sensation changes in the thighs.
- Seroma (fluid buildup) – May require drainage but is manageable.
- Infection or slow wound healing, particularly in patients who smoke or have poor circulation.
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in thigh lifts helps minimize risks and ensure the best possible results.
Recovery and Outlook
How long does recovery take after a thigh lift?
Recovery depends on the extent of the procedure and whether liposuction was combined. General recovery timelines include:
- First 1–2 weeks: Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common. Patients must wear compression garments and avoid excessive leg movement.
- Weeks 3–4: Light daily activities can resume. Patients should avoid strenuous activities and exercise.
- Months 3–6: Swelling continues to subside, and final results become more visible.
Patients must wear compression garments for 4–6 weeks to help minimize swelling and promote skin retraction.
How long do thigh lift results last?
Results from a thigh lift are long-lasting, but maintaining a stable weight and active lifestyle is crucial for preserving the outcome.
Can a thigh lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes! Many patients combine a thigh lift with other cosmetic procedures to achieve comprehensive body contouring results.
- Liposuction – Removes excess fat before skin tightening.
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) – Helps create a flatter stomach and more contoured waistline.
- Buttock Lift or Augmentation – Enhances lower body proportions.
- Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) – Complements a thigh lift by tightening the arms.
By combining procedures, patients achieve a fully sculpted, proportional physique while reducing overall recovery time.
Final Thoughts on Thigh Lift Surgery
A thigh lift is a highly effective procedure for individuals looking to tighten and sculpt their legs by removing excess skin and fat. Whether performed alone or with other body contouring procedures, thighplasty provides long-lasting, dramatic improvements in leg contour and overall body shape.
At BodEvolve, our board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in customized thigh lift procedures to help patients achieve natural-looking, toned legs. Our team provides expert surgical techniques, personalized care, and comprehensive post-operative support to ensure a safe and satisfying experience.
If you are considering thigh lift surgery, schedule a consultation today to explore your options.
Call (214) 831-6182 or request an appointment online.