Home|Body Contouring Surgery|Thigh Lift

Thigh Lift

A thigh lift or thighplasty is a procedure where excess skin from the thighs is removed to help create an upper leg profile that is tighter and more attractive. This surgery is usually done after dramatic weight loss and is not considered a weight loss technique. The incisions may be limited and hidden in the upper thigh/groin crease if only a small amount of tissue needs to be removed. More commonly the procedure may require a long incision on the inside of the thigh. Our board-certified plastic surgeonDr. Thomas Crabtree—may also use liposuction in these incisions if additional fat pockets need to be reduced.

Your Consultation

In the initial consultation, Dr. Crabtree will use the time to get to know you, learn about your expectations and discuss a plan to achieve your goals. This may be a part of a post-bariatric weight loss body-contouring plan. For these patients, a thigh lift can be an integral part of completing their body transformation. He will discuss the different variables of surgery and risks, as well as the incision types and possibility of liposuction. Prior to surgery you will have a good understanding of the procedure, plan and recovery. If you decide you are ready to proceed you will set a date for surgery and be given instructions on how to prepare. You will also schedule a pre-operative appointment to review your medical history, take pre-operative photographs, measure for your post-surgical garments and confirm the details of your surgery.

Your Procedure

To perform thighplasty, extra skin is carefully excised from along the inner thighs to create a smoother look. The particular technique employed will be dependent upon the location and quantity of skin being removed. If necessary, liposuction can be utilized to further enhance the results of treatment when diet- and exercise-resistant fat is also present in the thighs, creating an improved overall contour. Typically, the surgery takes two to three hours.

Thigh lifts are typically performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, and Dr. Crabtree works with a board-certified surgical team to help ensure the highest levels of safety and effectiveness throughout treatment.

Your Recovery

Following thighplasty, you can typically expect an accelerated rate of recovery due to our extensive postoperative care program designed by the Crabtree Plastic Surgery team. Immediately after surgery, a compression garment is placed to facilitate healing and aid in the natural shrinking/tightening of skin. Some moderate swelling, bruising, and/or tenderness can generally be expected, but these symptoms should gradually resolve over time. On average, patients are able to resume non-strenuous routines such as office jobs, school, and running errands after approximately seven to ten days, though all intense physical and/or vigorous activities should be avoided for a minimum of four to six weeks.

Over the course of the recovery period, Dr. Crabtree and our staff will monitor your healing progress and remain available to address any questions or concerns that may arise.

Thigh Lift Procedure

  • Clinic Procedure or Operating Room: Operating Room
  • Hospital Status: Outpatient
  • Length of Surgery: 3-4 hours
  • Anesthesia: General Anesthesia performed under the care of a board certified Anesthesiologist
  • Post-Operative: A special garment may be worn for up to two weeks to help with swelling and recovery. In addition, small temporary drains may be placed in existing incisions beneath the skin to remove any excess blood and fluid. Mild soreness, swelling, and bruising are all normal
  • Recovery Time: Return to normal daily routine in one week, four to six weeks avoiding heavy lifting and several months for scars to fade. Scars can be concealed on the less visible side of the thighs.
  • Results: The results will be evident immediately but will continue to improve over the course of several weeks.