Thigh Lift

A thigh lift addresses only loose, sagging skin of the thighs, while a lower body lift is a more comprehensive procedure that combines the inner and outer thigh lift procedure with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and a buttock lift. This surgery is appropriate for people who have experienced dramatic weight loss, and have extensive loose, sagging skin in these areas.

A thigh lift pulls the sagging skin tight while also removing excess skin so the contour of the thighs can be revealed. Some tissue will need to be removed for satisfactory results, as the skin will not be able to retract once it has been stretched to a certain point.

For many people, loose, sagging skin is not limited to just the thigh area. A thigh lift is often combined with other body contouring procedures to address loose skin in other areas, such as the stomach, buttocks, and arms. Combination procedures are very common and can be performed as long as your plastic surgeon thinks it is safe to do so. Surgeons limit the amount of surgery that can be performed at once to make sure patients aren’t kept under anesthesia too long, and to minimize the chances of complications during surgery and recovery.

Swelling is to be expected after any plastic surgery procedure, and a thigh lift can produce quite a lot, depending on the extent of the surgery. Swelling can take quite a while to resolve fully, but the majority of swelling should resolve within a month or so. Residual swelling can take up to six months or more to resolve, but patients will see preliminary results much sooner.

If you are chiefly concerned with unwanted fat in the thigh area, then a procedure such as thigh liposuction, or even non-invasive CoolSculpting® are a better choice than a thigh lift, as they are designed to address excess fat and are gentler treatments than a thigh lift. You should only consider a thigh lift instead if you have significant sagging skin and poor contour of the thighs.

All surgery produces some scarring, and body contouring procedures such as a thigh lift often produce more scarring than most plastic surgery, due to the large incisions that must be made to remove excess skin. However, our Emory plastic surgeons always do their best to minimize the appearance of scarring, and most patients find that they are willing to deal with scarring (that can typically be hidden by clothing) to enjoy the beautiful results of a thigh lift. Incisions are made in discreet areas when possible, and a more limited thigh lift may only require a shorter incision beginning at the groin, and extending only part way down the thigh so that it can be covered underneath shorts or a skirt. However, more extended procedures often involve a longer incision, and thus, longer thigh lift scars.

Cellulite is an annoying problem that affects the majority of women, and some men as well. It is a dimpled, “cottage cheese” appearance to the skin, which is caused by fat pressing up against fibrous tissue in the skin. While this problem is not easy to treat, many people confuse true cellulite with loose skin, which can certainly be addressed with a thigh lift.

Nothing can stop the aging process, and additional skin laxity may occur as patients grow older. Plastic surgery can often slow down this process, but it cannot be stopped altogether.

Thigh lift surgery, though extensive, is typically an outpatient procedure, with patients being released the same day. However, you will absolutely need someone to come and pick you up, preferably someone who will stay with you for at least a day or two into your thigh lift recovery. You will appreciate having someone on hand, as you will not feel up for much in those first few days following surgery.