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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.