Thigh Lift Surgery
What is a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and tissue from the upper legs. It is typically performed to address changes in skin tone or laxity following weight loss, ageing, or other factors. The aim is to improve comfort, skin tightness, and leg contour, although outcomes can vary between individuals.
This surgery is for patients who have:
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had major weight loss or liposuction, leaving sagging skin,
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patients with fat deposits in this area or
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older patients looking to improve skin elasticity.
What Can I Expect with a Thigh Lift?
A Quick Overview
Surgery time: 4 hours.
Length of stay in hospital: 1 night.
Recovery time: (The following are approximate times.)
Driving 2 - 3 weeks,
Office work 2 - 3 weeks
Strenuous work/exercise 6 weeks.
Garments: Knee-length compression garments will need to be worn 24/7 for 4 - 6 weeks
Incision and scar: For a medial thigh lift, the incision is in the groin and extends through the entire crease.
For a vertical thigh lift, the incision will be vertical from the groin to the knee on the inner side of the thigh.
For a posterior thigh lift, the incision extends from the hip to the inner thigh along the buttock crease.
Other Things to Consider
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There are three approach options for a thigh lift, depending if the sagging skin and excess tissue extend to the knee or if it is concentrated to the upper thigh only or extends posteriorly. Combination approaches can be used.
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Medial thigh lift. This lifts the upper inner thigh only.
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Vertical thigh lift. This encompasses the entire thigh.
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Posterior thigh lift. This lifts the back of the thigh.
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Vertical thigh lift scars are visible when wearing swimwear and clothing that stops above the knee.
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For younger patients with good skin elasticity, liposuction with strict post-operative garments could be a less invasive option (this is size and patient-dependent).
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This surgery can be done in conjunction with other body contouring procedures and/ or liposuction.
You can find more information on the procedures at plasticsurgery.org.au