The best candidates for thigh lifts are men and women who lead relatively healthy lifestyles, but whose inner thighs retain fat despite diet and exercise. Many men and women who have lost a significant amount of weight are good candidates for a post-weight loss thigh lift, while other patients choose thigh lift surgery to counteract some of the evidence of the natural aging process, including cellulite and sagging, loose skin.

If you’re considering a thigh lift, scheduling a consultation at Kaufman & Davis Plastic Surgery is the first step. During this time you can talk to Dr. David Kaufman or Dr. Drew Davis about your personal goals and hopes for surgery to make sure a thigh lift is the right solution for you. For example, if your appearance concerns are related more to excess fatty tissue rather than loose skin, you may see good results from liposuction rather than a full thigh lift. Your surgeon will talk more about your options, as well as give you detailed pre- and post-op instructions.

For patients who have a thigh lift, excess skin and fat of the upper thighs are removed and the remaining skin is lifted to a new position and sutured in place. Often, a thigh lift is combined with liposuction. A thigh lift typically takes 2 to 3 hours to perform.

Incisions are made in the natural creases of your body which are typically in the groin area, and along the inner thigh if more extensive skin removal is necessary.

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 after-care 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.

​Full results may take up to 6 months or more to be revealed, although everyone’s recovery journey is different.

Once you’ve you are fully healed, you should notice smoother, shapelier thighs and legs and feel more comfortable in your clothing. Scars should continue to fade over time, but incisions are placed as discreetly as possible to keep them hidden. Many of our patients find that the benefits of thigh lift surgery far outweigh any scarring concerns.

Thigh lift surgery can provide long-lasting results, though, it can’t stop the natural aging process. In order to maintain your results for as long as possible, it’s important to maintain a healthy, stable weight and continue to be active and eat right.

How much does a thigh lift cost?

On average, a thigh lift costs around $5,000, according to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, though this can vary based on location and other factors. This number does not typically include additional fees for anesthesia, the use of operating room facilities, medical tests and other items.

If the cost of a thigh lift presents a challenge for you, please discuss financing and payment options during your consultation to help make your procedure as affordable as possible.

How do I choose a thigh lift plastic surgeon near me?

Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area who has ample experience with body contouring and post-weight loss procedures, including thigh lifts. Narrow your search by looking at before and after photos on the practice’s website, reading online reviews and asking for word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family near you.

Finally, schedule an in-person consultation to meet with your plastic surgeon and make your final decision.

Is a thigh lift the best procedure for me?

A thigh lift could be the best body contouring solution for you if exercise-resistant fat and loose skin in your upper thighs are keeping you from looking and feeling your best. Liposuction alone can help to remove isolated areas of stubborn fat, but it will not address excess skin due to massive weight loss, genetics, aging or other factors.

Will a thigh lift get rid of cellulite?

A thigh lift can help to improve the appearance of cellulite, as this procedure tightens and removes loose skin. However, a thigh lift will not necessarily get rid of all cellulite in the treated area.  If cellulite is of big concern, a lower body lift, which aims to tighten and remove loose skin from areas such as the hips, abdomen, buttocks and thighs, may be worth considering down the road.

Does a thigh lift hurt?

A thigh lift is performed under general anesthesia, so you should not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure itself. After getting a thigh lift, it is common to experience some tenderness, swelling and bruising, which are typically easy to manage with the use of prescription or over-the-counter pain medication, ice packs and getting enough rest as your body heals.

How long does it take to recover from a thigh lift?

Plan to take 1 to 2 weeks off work and other daily activities as you recover after your thigh lift. Expect to avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous physical activity for around 6 to 8 weeks after getting a thigh lift. Wearing a compression garment during recovery as directed by your plastic surgeon can help your body to heal more effectively and comfortably.

When will I see results from a thigh lift?

You may notice an immediate improvement in the contours and smoothness of your thighs directly following your thigh lift. However, swelling and bruising can hide initial results, which will gradually develop over the coming weeks and months. It can take six months or more to see your final results from your thigh lift.

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