# Thigh Lift > Citation bundle for Thigh Lift on The Treatment Registry. > URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/procedures/thigh-lift > Bundle URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/api/citations/procedures/thigh-lift - Category: cosmetic-surgery ## Description Bariatric surgery is a group of surgical procedures used to manage obesity and related conditions. Long-term weight loss with bariatric surgery may be achieved through alteration of gut hormones, physical reduction of stomach size, reduction of nutrient absorption, or a combination of these. ## Overview Bariatric surgery is a group of surgical procedures used to manage obesity and related conditions. Long-term weight loss with bariatric surgery may be achieved through alteration of gut hormones, physical reduction of stomach size, reduction of nutrient absorption, or a combination of these. Standard of care procedures include Roux en-Y bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, from which weight loss is largely achieved by altering gut hormone levels responsible for hunger and satiety, leading to a new hormonal weight set point. *Reference text adapted from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify with a qualified clinician before treatment.* ## Peer-reviewed outcome rates - **Complication rate:** 13.12% (range 7.89–18.34%) — from 2 cited sources ## FAQs ### What is a thigh lift? A thigh lift, or thighplasty, is a body-contouring procedure that removes excess skin and, where present, surplus fat from the thighs to produce a smoother contour. It is often considered after major weight loss, when loose skin remains despite a stable weight. Because tissue is removed, the procedure leaves a scar. ### Who is a typical candidate? It is generally considered by people with loose or sagging thigh skin that does not respond to diet and exercise, often following significant or bariatric weight loss. Candidates are usually at a stable weight and in good general health. A surgical assessment is used to confirm suitability. ### How is a thigh lift performed? The surgeon removes redundant skin and closes the incision to tighten the remaining tissue, and liposuction is sometimes combined to address excess fat. Incision patterns vary with how much skin is removed and where it is located, for example along the inner thigh or extending toward the groin. It is performed under anaesthesia. ### Will it leave scars, and what is the trade-off? Yes. Because excess skin is excised, a thigh lift leaves permanent scars whose length and position depend on the technique used. The central trade-off is that improved contour is achieved at the cost of visible scarring, which is an important point to discuss with the surgeon before deciding. ### What does recovery generally involve, and how long do results last? Recovery involves swelling, bruising, and discomfort that settle over time, with a period of restricted activity while the incisions heal, and compression garments are commonly used. Results can be long-lasting when weight remains stable, though significant weight change and natural ageing can affect the contour. Cost varies by clinic and country; see the destinations listed for this procedure. ### What are the main risks? Recognised risks include bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, fluid collection (seroma), changes in skin sensation, asymmetry, and problematic scarring, along with the general risks of anaesthesia. Further surgery is sometimes needed to treat complications or refine the result. These should be discussed with the surgeon beforehand. ## Cited authors - Andrea Sisti — Plastic Surgery Division, Department of General and Specialist Surgery, University of Siena, Siena, Italy. - Roberta Albanese — Plastic Surgery Unit, San Carlo of Nancy Hospital, GVM Care and Research Group, 00185 Rome, Italy. ## Sources - [Complications Associated With Medial Thigh Lift: A Comprehensive Literature Review.](https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.172189) — Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery (accessed 2026-07-13) - [A Comprehensive Review of Medial Thighplasty: The Role of Liposuction in Reducing Complications and Optimizing Patient Outcomes.](https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14072426) — Journal of clinical medicine (accessed 2026-07-13)