Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)

Learn About Thigh Lift Surgery on Long Island and in NYC

What is a Thigh Lift Surgery?

Thigh lift surgery, also called thighplasty, removes the loose sagging skin and fat deposits. It reveals thinner, firmer legs that reflect the hard work you’ve put into losing weight. While lifting the inner thigh is more common, we also perform the procedure on the outer thighs. An outer thighplasty can result in smoother and slimmer hips for the patient.

This procedure is excellent for men and women who are dealing with loose skin from the upper leg to the hips. Weight loss and aging can cause excessive sagging skin around the thigh and hip regions. Our board-certified plastic surgeons commonly perform thighplasty procedures to remove that excess fat, skin, and tissue.

Types of Thigh Lift Procedures:

• Inner Thigh Lift – targets the inner portion of the thighs.
• Mini Thigh Lift – targets only the upper third of the leg and produces minimal scarring.
• Medial Thigh Lift – focuses on the upper portion of the inner thighs only.
• Lateral Thigh Lift – addresses the outer thighs only.
• Bilateral Thigh Lift – targets the front and outer thigh regions.

How Thighplasty Surgery is Performed

Loose, hanging skin on the thighs may occur from a combination of genetics, age, gravity, and weight fluctuations. A lot of people struggle with excess fat pockets on the outer thighs, called “saddle bags.” Even after losing weight and exercising, getting rid of them is difficult. An inner or outer thigh lift can reduce loose skin and fat pockets and improve the contours of your thighs.

We typically combine an outer thigh lift with liposuction, through an incision made in the thigh or waist area. If there is little to no excess fat tissue, we use a special technique to separate the skin for easier removal. The outer thighplasty is a standalone procedure, but we usually complete it with an abdominoplasty or a lower body lift

An inner thighplasty may leave a small scar, but patients usually find that undergarments can easily conceal it. However, more extensive procedures will require the use of a larger incision on the inner leg. We will give you the best recommendations based on the look you are trying to achieve.

We commonly perform thigh lift surgery with general anesthesia. For an inner thigh lift, the incision will start in the groin area and extend down the inner thigh. For an outer thigh lift, the incision may include the hips and buttocks region and will be more extensive. Based on your surgical goals, we will strategically place the incisions to be easier covered by clothing, as much as possible.

Thigh Lift Recovery

After your thigh lift procedure, we apply surgical dressing or bandages to the incision site. Our surgeons will recommend the proper compression garment for the recovery process. This will help support the new contour of the thighs while you are healing.

If necessary, we may temporarily place a small drain tube to remove excess blood and fluid from the surgical site. Our surgeon will remove it during your post-up follow-up visit. Post-op, we will use sutures to close the incisions and provide proper care and instructions prior to going home.

We advise most patients to take 7 to 10 days off from work, to ensure the best possible results. During the recovery period, patients should rest in a reclining position or a standing position whichever is more comfortable to them. Some bruising and swelling may be present after the surgery and should subside on their own over the next 30 days. Most patients return to their full normal daily activities within 4 to 6 weeks.

Good Candidates for Thigh Lift Procedure

To determine if thighplasty is right for your goals, schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. We will listen to your goals and desired outcomes and tailor the best surgical combination to help you achieve these goals. Men and women who have excessive saggy skin and fat in their thighs may be good candidates for a thighplasty.

Good thighplasty candidates include:

• Those who are in good physical health.
• Individuals who have a relatively stable weight
• Excessive soft tissue in the inner thigh region and/or outer thigh area
• Those who have a positive outlook and realistic goals for their surgical outcome.
• Non-smokers (individuals must be willing to stop smoking before the surgery and during the recovery period)

Scheduling a Consultation with Our Thighplasty Experts

To determine if you are a good candidate for thighplasty, or to learn more, contact our office to schedule a consultation. Call our New York office (212-570-2500) or our Long Island location (516-773-4646). You may also fill out our online consultation form and one of our expert patient care specialists will follow up directly.