What is a Thigh Lift?

At Longwood Plastic Surgery, we often see patients looking to improve the shape, size, or skin tightness of their thighs as part of their body contouring goals. Many of these patients have achieved an incredible amount of weight loss that has left their skin too loose, while others are concerned about age-related skin laxity. With over 40 years of combined experience, our LPS surgeons are your body contouring experts in the greater Boston area.

*Individual Results May Vary

How Does a Thigh Lift Work?

The thigh lift is a versatile procedure designed to give the thighs a smoother, leaner appearance through the removal of excess fat and skin. Several thigh lift techniques make this procedure customizable for each patient’s body shaping goals and individual anatomy.

The most common is the inner thigh lift, which uses an incision from the groin down toward the knee or back of the thigh. Next is the outer thigh lift. This incision also begins in the groin, but travels outward toward the hip and lower back area, providing access to unwanted fat on the outer thigh. A vertical thigh lift is for patients who have a lot of excess skin to contend with, such as after significant weight loss. The incision is more extensive, from the groin down to the knees to remove skin that hasn’t quite bounced back after a big drop in weight. Your LPS surgeon may also recommend adding liposuction to your procedure to improve the contour of your thighs even more.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Thigh Lift?

If you’d like to address skin laxity and unwanted fat for more shapely thighs, you could be a candidate for a thigh lift. If weight loss has contributed to your skin laxity, your surgeon will recommend you be close to your desired weight and have maintained a stable weight for up to 6 months. Weight fluctuations can affect the outcome of your thigh lift down the road. Schedule a consultation with an LPS surgeon to get started.

What is the Procedure Like?

All our thigh lift procedures are performed in our accredited surgical facility by your LPS surgeon on an outpatient basis for your comfort, safety, and privacy. When you awaken from the procedure, your thighs will be wrapped in compression bandages, and in some instances, drains are placed to help prevent fluid retention. The first few days are the most uncomfortable, and you may need the help of a loved one for the first 24-48 hours.

What is Recovery from a Thigh Lift Like?

A thigh lift is a major surgical procedure, and most patients require 1-3 weeks off work to recover. You’ll be prescribed pain medication to help with the initial discomfort, and resting will facilitate faster healing. Your LPS surgeon will recommend light mobility the first few days to promote healthy blood circulation, but don’t overdo it. Most patients return to work after 2-3 weeks and begin resuming moderate physical activity around this time. You’ll likely be cleared for more strenuous exercise between 4-6 weeks, depending on the rate your body heals.

What Results Can I Expect from a Thigh Lift?

The best part about a thigh lift is that, despite initial swelling and bruising, you’ll see an immediate improvement in the contours and skin tightness of your thighs. Keep in mind, it may take several months for the swelling to subside completely. Overall, people are often pleased with the outcome of their thigh lift. They feel more confident wearing shorts or swimsuits, and the discomforts of having excess skin and unwanted fat are significantly diminished. If you’re ready to have smooth, slender thighs, give us a call today.

Take the Next Step

Interested in learning about a thigh lift? Schedule your consultation with Longwood Plastic Surgery today by calling our Brookline office at (617) 383-6250. We serve the Brookline and Greater Boston area with distinction.