A thigh lift removes excess skin and fat from the thighs to improve their appearance. Sagging skin, skin laxity, and localized fat deposits in the thigh area can all be addressed by the surgery. With thighplasty, you can tone and sculpt your lower body by improving your thighs’ contours.

This article covers thigh lifts in detail, including the benefits, surgical techniques, patient selection criteria, potential risks, recovery, and possible outcomes.

Thigh Lift Surgical Techniques

We can perform thigh lifts using various surgical techniques depending on the patient’s individual needs and goals. The most common techniques are the inner thigh lift and the vertical thigh lift. An inner thigh lift involves incisions made along the inner groin crease to remove excess skin and fat from the inner thigh region. Conversely, a vertical thigh lift addresses the medial aspect of the thigh, extending from the knee area to the groin. In some cases, a combination of these techniques may be employed to achieve optimal results. The choice of technique is determined by the patient’s unique anatomy and desired outcomes, which we evaluate during preoperative consultations.

Benefits of Thigh Lifts

According to American Society of Plastic Surgeons statistics, thousands of thigh lift surgeries are performed annually nationwide. This demonstrates widespread acceptance and demand among individuals seeking a more toned and sculpted lower body. Thigh lifts offer numerous benefits to individuals who are unhappy with the appearance of their thighs due to sagging skin, excess fat, or loss of skin elasticity.

• Improved Body Contour: Thigh lifts provide a solution for those who have experienced significant weight loss or aging-related changes that have resulted in loose, hanging skin in the thigh area. By removing excess skin and fat, thigh lifts help to reshape and contour the thighs, creating a more toned and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
• Enhanced Self-Confidence: Many individuals feel self-conscious or uncomfortable with the appearance of their thighs, which can affect their self-esteem and body image. Thigh lifts can boost self-confidence by addressing cosmetic concerns and allowing individuals to feel more comfortable and satisfied with the shape and contour of their legs.
• Complementary to Weight Loss Efforts: Thigh lifts can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have undergone significant weight loss, as it helps to eliminate the excess skin that often remains after weight loss. By removing this excess skin, thigh lifts can enhance the overall results of weight loss efforts and provide a more proportionate and sculpted lower body appearance.
• Long-lasting Results: While maintaining a stable weight and adopting a healthy lifestyle are key to maximizing long-term results, thigh lifts usually produce long-lasting outcomes. Removing excess skin and fat during the surgery effectively reshapes the thighs, resulting in a more defined and youthful appearance that can be enjoyed for years to come.
• Increased Comfort and Mobility: Excess skin and fat in the thigh area can cause discomfort, irritation, and difficulties with mobility. Thigh lifts alleviate these issues by eliminating excess tissue, allowing individuals to move more freely and comfortably without sagging or rubbing skin.

Am I An Ideal Thigh Lift Candidate?

Thigh lift candidates typically exhibit one or more of the following characteristics: excess skin and fat in the thigh region, skin laxity resulting from aging or significant weight loss, dissatisfaction with the appearance of their thighs, and the absence of underlying medical conditions that may impede the healing process. Candidates should maintain a stable weight and be committed to a healthy lifestyle, as weight fluctuations can compromise the long-term results of surgery. A comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and discussion of expectations is imperative to determine candidacy and to ensure the procedure’s appropriateness for the individual.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, thigh lifts carry inherent risks and potential complications. These may include infection, bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia, delayed wound healing, seroma or hematoma formation, asymmetry, changes in skin sensation, and unsatisfactory scarring. In a 2019 study of 24 female thigh lift patients following massive weight loss, the researchers noted that seromas were the most common complication in medial thigh lift patients. Thankfully, thorough pre-operative assessments, aseptic techniques, patient education, and post-surgical care are paramount and can mitigate these risks. Some surgeons may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics after medial thigh lifts to help reduce complications in massive weight loss patients. Post-operative instructions vary based on the patient, procedural techniques, and surgeon’s preferences.

Thigh Lift Recovery Process

Thigh lift patients should be aware that the recovery period after surgery requires patience and adherence to the surgeon’s post-operative guidelines. There may be swelling, bruising, discomfort, and restricted mobility. We prescribe compression garments to reduce swelling and support the surgical site. Patients can resume normal activities, including exercise, as advised by their plastic surgeon. We schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and address any concerns.

Expected Outcomes

Thigh lift surgery aims to improve thigh contour, increase skin tightness, and a more proportionate lower body appearance. Patients can expect enhanced self-confidence and body image satisfaction following the procedure. The final results are typically evident after the initial healing phase, although it may take several months for residual swelling to fully subside. Results vary by patient, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, will optimize and prolong post-surgical outcomes.

Feel Confident in Your Skin

Book a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons to talk about your desired outcomes and treatment options.