What is a thigh lift?

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.

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.

Mini thigh lift: 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.

Vertical thigh lift: 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.

Lift with liposuction: 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.

About the Procedure

Before thigh lift surgery, you’ll be instructed to stop taking medications that increase bleeding. These include aspirin, certain supplements, and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. Your surgeon may also ask for a medical evaluation to ensure you’re a good candidate for surgery.

You’ll be put under general anesthesia during the procedure. Your surgeon will make the appropriate incisions based on the type of thigh lift you’ve chosen. Then, they’ll cut out excess skin and fat cells before inserting sutures to close up your wounds.

On average, the entire procedure takes 2 hours to complete. Since you’ll also spend several hours in both pre-op and post-op, you should expect the entire process to take up most of the day.

It’s a good idea to have someone drive you to and from your operation and to stay with you overnight in case complications arise.

Thigh Lift Recovery

Although your individual experience may vary, after your thigh lift, we suggest taking 1 to 2 weeks away from work and planning for about 6 more weeks of healing before returning to full activity.

Immediately following your surgery, you may notice smoother contours. However, it will be several months before you can see your full results. Bruising, swelling and soreness are to be expected initially after your thigh lift. Your surgeon will provide you with aftercare instructions that include how to manage your discomfort while you heal from your thigh lift surgery. You will be instructed to wear compression garments during your recovery, and you may have drains in place to help remove excess fluid and reduce excess swelling.