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Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)

Transform your leg contours with thigh lift surgery that removes excess skin and fat for smoother, firmer thighs and improved body proportions.

Procedure Time
2-4 Hours
Recovery Time
2-3 Weeks
Anesthesia
General
Results
Permanent

About Thigh Lift Surgery

A thigh lift, medically known as thighplasty, is a body contouring procedure designed to remove excess sagging skin and fat from the inner and/or outer thighs, creating smoother, more toned leg contours and improved body proportions.

Dr. RIDHA specializes in advanced thigh lift techniques including medial thigh lifts (inner thighs) and lateral thigh lifts (outer thighs). Whether you have excess skin from aging, massive weight loss, or genetics, thighplasty can restore firmer, more youthful-looking thighs.

During your consultation, Dr. RIDHA will assess your thigh anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and recommend the most appropriate surgical approach to achieve natural-looking, proportionate results while minimizing visible scarring.

  • Board-certified plastic surgeon with 20+ years of experience
  • Customized approach for inner and outer thigh concerns
  • Advanced techniques for optimal skin tightening and contouring
  • Can be combined with liposuction for enhanced results
  • Comprehensive post-operative care and scar management
Plastic Surgeon
Board Certified
20+ Years
Experience
98% Rating
Patient Satisfaction

Benefits of Thigh Lift Surgery

Remove Excess Skin

Eliminate sagging, loose skin from inner and outer thighs for a firmer, more toned appearance.

Tighter Thigh Contours

Achieve smooth, well-defined thigh contours that complement your overall body shape.

Enhanced Confidence

Feel more confident wearing shorts, swimwear, and fitted clothing without self-consciousness.

Improved Leg Proportions

Restore balanced, proportionate leg contours that harmonize with your body frame.

Reduced Chafing

Eliminate uncomfortable skin rubbing and chafing between thighs during walking or exercise.

Permanent Fat Removal

Surgically removed fat cells do not regenerate, providing long-lasting body contouring results.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Thigh lift surgery may be right for you if you meet the following criteria:

You May Be a Good Candidate If:

  • You are in good overall health with no serious medical conditions that impair healing
  • You have realistic expectations about the outcomes of thighplasty
  • You have significant excess skin on the inner or outer thighs that does not improve with exercise
  • You are at or near your ideal body weight and have maintained it for at least 6 months
  • You have completed major weight loss and your weight has stabilized
  • You are a non-smoker or willing to quit smoking at least 4 weeks before and after surgery
  • You experience discomfort from chafing or skin rubbing between thighs
  • You are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and stable weight after surgery

Procedure Details

Duration
2-4 Hours
Procedure time depends on extent of correction needed
Anesthesia
General
Performed under general anesthesia for maximum comfort
Location
Outpatient
Performed in accredited surgical facility
Recovery
2-3 Weeks
Most patients return to work within 2-3 weeks
Results
3-6 Months
Final results visible after swelling subsides completely
Incision
Groin Crease
Typically a seam from the groin to mid thigh-knee depending on excess

Recovery Timeline

Recovery from thigh lift surgery requires patience and adherence to post-operative instructions. Most patients follow this general timeline:

1
Immediate Recovery

First 1-2 Weeks

Days 1-14

Initial recovery phase with most restrictions

  • Moderate pain and discomfort managed with prescribed medication
  • Swelling, bruising, and tightness in thigh area (peaks at 48-72 hours)
  • Surgical drains may be in place to remove excess fluid (typically 7-14 days)
  • Compression garment worn 24/7 to reduce swelling and support healing
  • Limited mobility; walk with assistance and avoid standing for long periods
  • No lifting, bending, squatting, or strenuous leg activities
  • Elevate legs when resting to minimize swelling
2
Short-term Recovery

Weeks 2-6

Days 15-42

Gradual return to normal activities with continued healing

  • Decreased pain and swelling; most discomfort subsides
  • Drains removed (if present) once drainage decreases sufficiently
  • Return to light desk work after 2-3 weeks (avoid prolonged standing)
  • Continue wearing compression garment as directed (usually 6-8 weeks)
  • Begin gentle walking and light stretching (no leg exercises yet)
  • Incision care and scar management protocols begin
  • Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and prolonged standing/walking
3
Long-term Recovery

Months 2-6

Weeks 6+

Full recovery and final results emerge

  • Swelling gradually subsides; see dramatic improvement in thigh contour
  • Cleared for all normal activities including exercise after 6-8 weeks
  • Resume leg strengthening and high-impact workouts gradually
  • Scar continues to fade and flatten over 12-18 months
  • Final thigh contour visible by 3-6 months post-surgery
  • Maintain stable weight and healthy lifestyle for lasting results
  • Long-term: Annual follow-ups to monitor healing and address concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about thigh lift surgery. Contact us if you have additional questions.

A medial thigh lift addresses the inner thighs with an incision along the groin crease, removing excess skin from the upper inner thigh area. A lateral thigh lift addresses the outer thighs and hips with an incision around the hip area, removing excess skin from the outer thigh and buttock junction. Dr. RIDHA may recommend one or both approaches based on your anatomy and goals.
Yes, thigh lift surgery results in permanent scars. For medial thigh lifts, scars are typically hidden in the groin crease where they are less visible. For lateral thigh lifts, scars are positioned around the hip area where they can be concealed by underwear or swimwear. Scars are initially pink or red but fade significantly over 12-18 months. Following scar care instructions helps minimize their appearance.
Yes, liposuction is often combined with thigh lift surgery to remove excess fat and enhance thigh contouring. This combination can provide more dramatic results, especially if you have both excess skin and stubborn fat deposits in the thigh area. Dr. RIDHA will determine if liposuction is appropriate during your consultation.
The cost of thigh lift surgery varies based on the extent of correction needed, surgical technique, anesthesia, and facility fees. During your consultation, we will provide a detailed cost breakdown tailored to your specific procedure. We offer flexible financing options to make your surgery affordable.
Thigh lift surgery is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance. However, in rare cases where excess skin causes medical issues such as chronic rashes, infections, or significant functional impairment, partial coverage may be possible. Our team can help you explore your options and provide documentation if needed.
Thigh lift results are long-lasting, but significant weight gain can stretch the skin and affect your results. Maintaining a stable weight through healthy diet and exercise is essential to preserving your thigh contours. Minor weight fluctuations (5-10 pounds) typically do not impact results significantly.
Light walking is encouraged immediately after surgery to promote circulation. You can resume light upper body exercises after 2-3 weeks. Lower body exercises, leg workouts, and high-impact activities should be avoided for at least 6-8 weeks. Dr. RIDHA will provide personalized guidelines based on your healing progress.
Thigh lift results are considered permanent as long as you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Surgically removed skin and fat do not grow back. However, natural aging and gravity can affect your results over time. With proper care, most patients enjoy their thigh lift results for many years.