Key Takeaways: Thigh Lift
- Overview: Loose, excess skin around the thighs can accumulate over time due to reduced skin elasticity, causing hanging skin, folds, discomfort, and self-consciousness. A thigh lift can resculpt the thighs by removing excess, hanging skin and stubborn fat deposits, providing patients with a sleeker, smoother, and more defined contour.
- Benefits: As an outpatient procedure, a thigh lift can also alleviate skin chafing caused by friction and be incorporated into a larger post-weight loss body contouring plan.
- Recovery: Recovery after thigh lift surgery generally takes two weeks, although most patients can return to non-strenuous or desk-based work within four to seven days while delaying exercise and strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks.
An inner thigh lift is a surgical procedure that addresses sagging or hanging skin caused by weight loss or aging. Over time or as the result of substantial weight loss, a buildup of loose, excess skin may develop in the lower body as the skin is no longer able to contract around the thighs. This laxity not only aesthetically disturbs the contour of the thighs, but redundant skin can also rub together and cause irritation, inflammation, or hygiene issues. When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, a thigh lift can remove excess skin and fat while tightening the underlying structure of the thighs for a leaner, more defined look. Inner thigh lifts are typically combined with liposuction to remove pockets of fat and achieve further improvement in your body contour.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for a Thigh Lift?
The best candidates for an inner thigh lift are patients in good health and of average weight. These patients usually have isolated pockets of fat and loose skin in the upper thigh area, and would like to eliminate this excess tissue. Many individuals interested in a thigh lift may also experience loose skin in the upper arms, which can be addressed by adding an arm lift to a patient’s treatment plan. The thigh lift procedure is not recommended as a weight loss measure and should not be performed until weight loss goals are met.
It should be noted that a thigh lift requires at least one full week of recovery time and sometimes more. Patients will be able to stand up and walk around, but they will not be able to sit comfortably during that time. Patients should prepare for time off work and other duties before they undergo inner thigh lift surgery.
How is the Thigh Lift Procedure Performed?
Dr. Geoffrey Leber performs inner thigh lifts under general anesthesia and usually as an outpatient procedure. Incisions are made in the groin area, wrapping around to the back of the thigh. In some cases, the incision may be slightly larger or smaller, depending on the amount of tissue and skin that needs to be removed.
This incision allows Dr. Leber access to remove extra fat tissue and excess skin. Liposuction may be used during the procedure to loosen and remove fat pockets. An inner thigh lift typically takes around 2-3 hours to complete.
What Can I Expect From the Thigh Lift Recovery Period?
Most patients return home the same day as the procedure. Drainage tubes may be placed in the incision to allow the treatment area to drain for 7-10 days. Pain medication is prescribed to help patients manage any discomfort in the first few days after surgery.
Most patients return to light duty and other regular activities within 10 days to two weeks while delaying exercise and strenuous activities for 3-4 weeks or longer. Results of a thigh lift are seen right away, but continue to improve over the following weeks as residual swelling and bruising subside. An inner thigh lift is considered a permanent, long-term solution to fat pockets and sagging skin, as long as the patient maintains a healthy weight after surgery.
Will I Have Visible Thigh Lift Scars?
Scarring is an expected part of any surgical procedure and a thigh lift is no exception; however, incisions are placed along natural folds and contours of the thighs whenever possible and the visibility of scarring is expected as your body heals. Dr. Leber strategically places incisions in areas that can be more easily concealed, such as along the groin crease or, in more extensive cases, extending down to the inner medial thigh. While scars are initially more noticeable (often appearing red or raised), they typically fade over time and become lighter and flatter within several months to one year. Following Dr. Leber’s aftercare instructions, including guidance on proper wound care, avoiding sun exposure, and using scar treatments, such as silicone sheeting and scar massage, can significantly improve the appearance of post-op scars. Most patients find that the improved contour and comfort achieved after a thigh lift far outweigh any concerns about scarring.
How Much Does a Thigh Lift Cost in Scottsdale?
Rates for a thigh lift in Scottsdale are typically more affordable than the price of the procedure in other major metropolitan cities, such as Los Angeles and San Diego. While the cost of a thigh lift in the Scottsdale region is usually around $8,000 to $15,000 or more, the price is tailored according to individual details of a patient’s treatment plan, such as:
- The extent of the procedure and the level of skin removal necessary
- The surgical technique(s) used
- Fees for the surgical facility, anesthesia, lab testing, etc.
- Whether surgery is combined with other body contouring procedures, such as a lower body lift
A more limited inner thigh lift may fall on the lower end of the cost range, while a full or extended thigh lift involving more comprehensive reshaping may have a relatively higher cost estimate. It’s important to remember that while price is an important consideration, choosing an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon with a strong track record of beautiful results and patient safety is essential. Our Scottsdale office also accepts plastic surgery financing for qualified patients through CareCredit® and Prosper® Healthcare Lending to help make the procedure more accessible.
For more information about an inner thigh lift, or other cosmetic procedures you might be considering, contact Dr. Leber’s staff at his Scottsdale-area clinic.