Thigh Lift Surgery

Thigh lift surgery, also known as thighplasty, reduces excess skin and fat in the thigh and upper knee area to reduce the dimpling and give a redefined, slim look to the upper leg.

Before and After Thigh Lift

Dr. Kristy Hamilton
before Before
after After

Thigh Lift Photo Gallery


Thigh lifts are outpatient surgical procedures, performed in our accredited surgical center. There are several types of thigh lifts, with different incision patterns for each. For example an inner, or medial, thigh lift involves incisions in the groin fold. This is the most popular type of thigh lift. It is best for people with a moderate amount of skin and fat in this area. For an inner thigh lift, the surgeon basically lifts up the thigh skin and tissue to tighten it.

An extended or vertical thigh lift involves a vertical incision that starts at the groin crease and extends to the inner knee. The scar is visible when the inner thighs are exposed such as while you are wearing a bathing suit or mini-skirt. During a vertical thigh lift, the surgeon removes a wedge of skin from the inner thigh. Individuals with more significant fat and loose skin may need a vertical thigh lift.

An outer thigh lift requires an incision that extends from the groin around the hip. The skin and tissue are tightened and excess skin or fat may be removed. The skin is then smoothed back down and closed with sutures, and the area will be wrapped in a bandage or compression garment to reduce swelling.

The newest thigh lift procedure is called spiral thigh lift, which targets the front, back, inner and outer thigh areas. The incision begins below the buttock fold and continues over the groin crease, to the junction of the thigh and pubic area. This lift is most common among people who have had significant weight loss. A plastic surgeon may also recommend that liposuction be performed in conjunction with a thigh lift, to further remove excess fat deposits.


The average patient will experience discomfort and tightness for one to two weeks after the procedure. Painkillers can help relieve the immediate discomfort, and walking as soon as possible helps speed the recovery time and reduce the risk of blood clots. There may also be some swelling and bruising, which may take several weeks to completely subside. However, the lift results are visible immediately.


Both men and women who have excess fat, dimpled tissue or flabby skin in the thigh area are good candidates for this body contouring procedure. Also, people who have had significant weight loss or had bariatric surgery, such as Lap Band or gastric bypass, find that a procedure such as a thigh lift can help get rid of the excess loose skin caused by the loss of weight.


Thigh lift results are generally long lasting. Most results are visible immediately, though it may take several months for the final results to fully develop. If the patient maintains a regimen of physical activity and a stable, health weight, the majority of the improvement and results attained through thigh lift surgery should be permanent.

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