Thigh-Lift Surgery (Thighplasty)

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UT Southwestern Medical Center’s plastic surgeons perform thigh-lifts using their extensive experience with surgical innovations, including combining various types of body-contouring procedures and using incisions to remove excess fat and skin while minimizing scarring.

Through our research on how the body produces fat and heals, our surgeons offer long-term results that are safe and effective for both inner and outer thigh-lifts.

What is a Thigh-Lift (Thighplasty)?

A thigh-lift, or thighplasty, is a surgical procedure to reshape and contour the inner and outer thighs by removing excess skin and fat. It's often combined with liposuction.

This procedure gives patients smoother skin and contours the shape of the thighs. By removing excess tissue, some patients experience improved comfort and mobility.

Our Dallas-area plastic surgeons are internationally recognized for delivering outstanding clinical care and conducting groundbreaking research.

What Are the Types of Thigh-Lifts?

Our surgeons perform different types of thighplasty, each focusing on specific areas of the thigh:

Inner (medial) thigh-lifts to tighten the inner thighs. The incision typically starts in the groin and may extend downward toward the knee or around the back of the thigh.
Mini thigh-lifts for sagging in the upper inner thigh. This uses a smaller incision in the groin area.
Outer (bilateral) thigh-lifts to address the outer thighs. Incisions start at the upper groin, wrap around the hip, and may extend across the back at the waistline.
Spiral thigh-lifts target multiple areas of the thigh, including the front, back, inner, and outer regions. For this comprehensive procedure, the incision extends from the buttock crease to the groin.
Vertical thigh-lifts involve a vertical incision along the inner thigh from the groin to the knee. This technique is used for patients with significant skin laxity along the entire length of the thigh.
Combined thigh-lifts to remove excess skin both vertically and horizontally. This method addresses extensive sagging and achieves maximum contouring.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Thigh-Lift?

Sometimes diet and exercise are simply not enough to eliminate saddlebags, sagging skin, and other concerns. Patients with excess soft tissue along the inner or outer thighs that does not improve with lifestyle changes may benefit from this procedure.

Additionally, good candidates have maintained a stable weight and are in good overall health without medical conditions that could slow down healing. Non-smokers are preferred, as smoking can interfere with the healing process.

It’s important to have realistic expectations about the results and be committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and fitness. A thorough evaluation by a surgeon will help determine if a thigh-lift is appropriate based on the patient’s medical history and goals.

What Are the Benefits of a Thigh-Lift?

This procedure can help patients improve the shape and contour of their thighs. The primary advantage is the reduction of loose, sagging skin, resulting in a firmer and more toned appearance.

Additional benefits of a thigh-lift include:

Smoother skin texture: May reduce cellulite and stretch marks
Increased comfort: Decreases chafing and skin irritation
Increased confidence: Helps patients feel better in their clothing and bodies

How Should Patients Prepare for a Thigh-Lift?

Before having a thigh-lift, it’s important for patients to maintain a stable weight, stay active, and embrace a healthy lifestyle. Adjustments to current medications might be necessary. It's important to stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, herbal supplements, or other medications that can increase bleeding risk.

We also recommend patients stop smoking well in advance of the procedure to promote better healing.

Patients will arrange for transportation to and from the surgery and should plan for assistance during the initial recovery period.

What Can Patients Expect with Thigh-Lift Surgery?

Before Thigh-Lift Surgery

During an initial consultation, we talk with patients about their overall health and expectations. Our surgeons individualize this procedure to create a natural shape of the thighs and might suggest performing procedures such as liposuction or a body-lift along with a thigh-lift to achieve a balanced look.

During Thigh-Lift Surgery

Thighplasty typically takes around three hours to complete, although the exact duration can vary based on the specific procedure. After a patient is placed under general anesthesia, the surgeon begins by making incisions in predetermined locations based on the specific type of thigh-lift being performed. These incisions may be in the groin area, extend down the inner thigh, wrap around the hip, or follow other patterns to address the targeted regions.

Excess skin and fat are then removed, and underlying tissues are reshaped and tightened to improve the shape of the thigh and knee areas. The surgeon may also use liposuction to further refine the shape.

Deep support sutures are placed within the underlying tissues to form the new contours, and the skin incisions are closed with sutures, skin adhesive, or clips. Dressings or bandages are applied to the surgical sites, and small drains may be placed to remove excess fluid.

After Thigh-Lift Surgery

Patients are moved to a recovery area where medical staff monitors their initial healing. Depending on the surgeon's recommendations, patients may go home the same day or stay overnight in the hospital. We provide instructions on how to care for the surgical sites, manage pain, and recognize signs of potential complications.

Patients wear compression garments for three to six months to help with swelling. Walking is important, as it promotes circulation and aids in the healing process. Most people can resume normal activities within six weeks.

Patients will experience a gradual improvement in the shape with time.

How Long Do Thigh-Lift Results Last?

The results of thighplasty last for a lifetime, but the shape of a person’s thighs will change over time and is dependent on the quality of the skin. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

We offer resources to help patients make any necessary lifestyle changes.

Can Patients Get Other Cosmetic Procedures Done at the Same Time as a Thigh-Lift?

Yes, patients can undergo additional cosmetic procedures at the same time. This may include:

Liposuction
Buttock lift
Lower body-lift

Combining surgeries can be efficient and may reduce overall recovery time. They can also help patients achieve more comprehensive body contouring results.

However, the decision to perform multiple procedures simultaneously depends on the patient's health, surgical goals, and the surgeon's recommendations. A thorough consultation is necessary to determine the safest and most effective surgical plan.