# 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

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) describes a thigh lift, also called thighplasty, as an operation that reduces excess skin and fat to reshape the thighs.

## Overview

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) describes a thigh lift, also called thighplasty, as an operation that reduces excess skin and fat to reshape the thighs. ASPS says liposuction alone suits skin that is still elastic, and a lift with liposuction may be recommended where elasticity is poor. The NHS says that after weight loss surgery excess skin folds can remain, including around the hips and limbs, and skin-removal surgery is usually considered cosmetic and not always available on the NHS (NHS, OGL v3.0). ASPS describes candidates as healthy non-smokers with a relatively stable weight, excess soft tissue on the inner or outer thigh and realistic goals. ASPS lists intravenous sedation and general anaesthesia as the options. Incisions range from a groin-only cut to longer ones along the inner thigh or round the hip, and ASPS says they may be extensive. ASPS says dressings may be applied and thin tubes placed temporarily to drain fluid or blood. It says incisions should be protected from excessive force, abrasion and motion while healing. It suggests asking the surgeon when normal activity can resume. Swelling and bruising hide the new contour at first, ASPS says. ASPS lists risks including bleeding, infection, seroma, poor wound healing, numbness, fat necrosis, deep vein thrombosis, asymmetry, unfavourable scarring and possible revision surgery.

## 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)