Thigh Lift

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Thigh Lift Austin Plastic Surgeon,

A thigh lift, also known as a thighplasty, is a body contouring surgery used to remove excess skin from the inner thighs. In many cases, patients can be left with residual skin around the thighs after significant weight loss. At times, this excess skin can make it difficult for patients to fit into clothes or fully enjoy the results of their weight loss.

At Austin Plastic Surgeon, our talented team is experienced in delivering stunning results with procedures like the thigh lift.

To schedule a personal consultation with one of our qualified professionals at Austin Plastic Surgeon, please call the location that is most convenient for you or fill out our contact form:

About the Thigh Lift

The thigh lift helps patients achieve a more pleasing leg contour. There are different kinds of thigh lifts that require different kinds of incisions and produce different results. Depending on the patient’s situation, the surgeon may recommend thigh liposuction as part of the thigh lift to enhance the final leg shape. The medial thigh is a common treatment area, as this area often retains stubborn fat deposits that are difficult to address with diet or exercise. Similarly, the sagging skin that comes with massive weight loss or aging is also difficult to address with these traditional methods. (1)

After Weight Loss Thigh Lift

When a patient suffering from obesity or weight-related issues loses a significant amount of weight, it is often a great accomplishment that has many health benefits. Weight loss has become revolutionized with the accessibility of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), as patients can experience curbed cravings and a slower digestive process. However, losing a large amount of weight can result in bothersome, excess skin that hinders a person’s ability to fully enjoy the benefits of their weight loss. The thighs are a common area where patients can see excessively loose, wrinkly skin begin to hang from the legs, obscuring the more toned shape of the actual leg. (2)

With an after-weight-loss thigh lift, patients can enhance their natural curves and enjoy the hard-earned results of their weight loss.

Surgical Thigh Lift Options

1. Full (Medial) Thigh Lift

  • Overview: Involves removing excess skin and fat along the inner thigh, typically with an incision extending from the groin down toward the knee (although exact incision placement varies).
  • Ideal For: Patients with significant skin laxity, often due to substantial weight loss.
  • Benefits:
  • Dramatically reshapes and tightens the inner thigh.
  • Addresses both excess tissue and sagging skin.
  • Considerations:
  • Longer incision and recovery compared to less invasive options.
  • May require drains post-surgery.

2. Mini Thigh Lift

  • Overview: Focuses on tightening the upper portion of the inner thigh, with a shorter incision typically limited to the groin crease.
  • Ideal For: Patients with mild to moderate skin laxity confined to the upper inner thigh.
  • Benefits:
  • Less extensive than a full thigh lift, with a smaller scar.
  • Shorter recovery time.
  • Considerations:
  • Not suitable for patients with extensive skin laxity or significant volume reduction needs.

3. Lipo Thigh Lift

  • Overview: Combines liposuction with a more conservative skin excision, refining the thigh’s contour while minimizing large incisions.
  • Ideal For: Patients with good skin elasticity who primarily need fat reduction, or those requiring both minimal skin tightening and volume removal.
  • Benefits:
  • Less invasive than a full thigh lift.
  • Can smooth and sculpt the thigh while removing isolated pockets of fat.
  • Considerations:
  • Limited ability to address severe skin laxity.
  • Results depend on the elasticity and quality of the remaining skin.

Non-Surgical & Minimally Invasive Thigh Contouring

1. Radiofrequency (RF) Energy Treatments

  • Examples: Renuvion, Quantum, Sofwave (which also uses ultrasound).
  • Overview: Use heat energy (RF or ultrasound) to contract existing collagen and stimulate new collagen production, tightening the skin over time.
  • Ideal For: Patients with mild to moderate skin laxity who are not ready or eligible for surgery.
  • Benefits:
  • Minimal to no downtime.
  • Can improve skin texture and firmness.
  • Considerations:
  • Multiple sessions may be required.
  • Less dramatic results compared to surgery.

2. Skin Resurfacing (RF Microneedling)

  • Overview: Uses tiny needles and radiofrequency energy to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, boosting collagen and elastin.
  • Ideal For: Patients with mild looseness, uneven texture, or stretch marks on the thighs.
  • Benefits:
  • Improves skin quality and mild laxity without incisions.
  • Stimulates natural collagen remodeling for gradual, lasting improvement.
  • Considerations:
  • Best for early or mild signs of aging/looseness.
  • May require multiple treatments to see optimal results.

Benefits

Undergoing a thigh lift offers numerous benefits for patients, including:

  • Improved Contour: A thigh lift defines the shape and silhouette of the legs, contributing to a more balanced body proportion.
  • Increased Confidence: Patients can experience self-esteem and satisfaction with their figure following surgery.
  • Excess Skin Removal: The procedure effectively eliminates loose skin that cannot be addressed through diet and exercise alone.
  • Better Clothing Fit: Patients can enjoy wearing clothes that fit them better and in a more flattering way.
  • Enhanced Comfort: Tightened skin can lead to a more comfortable fit without chafing during daily activities and exercise.
  • Long-lasting Results: With a healthy lifestyle, patients can enjoy their enhanced appearance for years.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Below is a concise overview of the main thigh contouring options—ranging from surgical lifts to non-surgical skin-tightening treatments—that can help patients, including those who have undergone significant weight loss with GLP-1 medications.

  1. Degree of Laxity & Skin Quality: More severe sagging often requires a surgical lift, while mild to moderate laxity can often be addressed with non-surgical methods.
  2. Downtime & Recovery: Surgical options provide more dramatic results but also involve incisions and longer recovery. Non-surgical treatments allow for minimal downtime but yield subtler improvements.
  3. Goals & Expectations: Patients looking for a major transformation should consider surgical lifts, whereas those seeking gradual or preventative treatments may benefit from radiofrequency or skin resurfacing.
  4. Expert Evaluation: Always consult with a board-certified surgeon or aesthetic provider to determine the most appropriate approach based on your anatomy, lifestyle, and desired outcome.

Candidates

Patients who are good candidates for a thigh lift may be dissatisfied with the appearance of their upper legs due to the presence of loose, excess skin. They may experience uncomfortable chafing or clothes fitting in a way that they find unflattering. These candidates should be at a stable weight for at least six months to a year before considering a thigh life, as well as have plans to maintain their weight after their procedure is complete. (1)

The Austin Plastic Surgeon team may not recommend a thigh lift to patients who have certain diseases, conditions, or infections, which is why it is important to first attend a personal consultation at one of the offices to affirm the patient’s candidacy.

Personal Consultation

Finding clothes that fit the body well after excessive weight loss can be difficult. A thigh lift at Austin Plastic Surgeon can help patients feel more confident in their bodies and clothes. During a personal consultation, we will carry out a thorough examination and encourage the patient to share all of their questions and concerns. If we think that the patient would benefit from thigh liposuction as well, we will also discuss this with the patient at this time.

Call now to discuss your aesthetic goals with our surgeons!

To schedule a personal consultation with one of our qualified professionals at Austin Plastic Surgeon, please call the location that is most convenient for you or fill out our contact form:

Preparation

After determining patient eligibility, your surgeon will prepare a detailed procedural plan. We will also provide specific steps that the patient can take themselves in order to ensure the optimal success of their procedure.

Some important preoperative instructions may include:

  • Discontinuing blood-thinning medications and certain dietary supplements as advised
  • Ceasing nicotine use several weeks prior to surgery for optimal healing
  • Arranging transportation home after the procedure
  • Setting aside sufficient recovery time

Procedure

The thigh lift procedure typically begins with a preoperative marking period, during which the surgeon will carefully mark the areas where they will make incisions and remove excess skin. (2) Patients will require general anesthesia during their thigh lift. The surgeon will typically make the necessary incisions along the back of the thigh, in a way that will produce a scar that is as discreet as possible. The length of the incision varies depending on the amount of skin that the surgeon will need to remove during the thigh lift. After removing the excess tissue, the surgeon will close the incisions in multiple layers to allow the body to heal optimally.

Recovery

After thigh lift surgery, patients may experience swelling and some bruising, which is very normal for this procedure. Patients should rest with their legs elevated for the first week to minimize swelling. They may begin to go on gentle walks when the surgeon has advised it is okay to do so, and most strenuous activities are possible after about six weeks of healing. Patients should avoid strenuous activities during their recovery, and take an adequate amount of time off of work to rest. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor progress and sutures.

After the initial healing is complete, the team at Austin Plastic Surgeon can suggest products or treatments to use to help minimize the appearance of scarring.

Results

Thigh Lift Austin Plastic Surgeon,

Once the healing process is complete, patients can see significant improvements in the appearance and contour of their thighs. The results of a thigh lift can be long-lasting, but it is important to continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If a patient gains or loses a large amount of weight, this can undermine the effects of the thigh lift. This is why patients should be at a stable weight that is near their ideal weight before going forward with a thighplasty.

After a thigh lift, patients may find that close-fitting pants are more flattering, as there is less bulging skin getting in the way. If patients were experiencing chafing of the thigh skin, a thigh lift can also result in improvements to this issue.

Overall, patients can experience higher levels of confidence and satisfaction with their appearance after the thigh lift removes bothersome skin. The skin of the thighs will appear more taut, allowing for a more youthful appearance as well. Final results may take several weeks to develop as the healing process continues. Scars will fade over time and are often hidden discreetly among the features of the legs, allowing for a more natural-looking appearance.

Cost of a Thigh Lift in Austin

The cost of a thigh lift can vary based on multiple factors, including the extent of the procedure and whether the surgeon combines the thigh lift with liposuction. After the initial consultation, an Austin Plastic Surgeon professional can provide a detailed quote, outlining the costs that are associated with the personalized surgical plan.

To schedule a personal consultation at Austin Plastic Surgeon, please call the most convenient location for you or fill out our contact form:

FAQ

Who is a good candidate for a thigh lift?

Candidates for a thigh lift usually include people who are dissatisfied with the appearance of loose or sagging skin on the thighs. These candidates should have realistic expectations and be in generally good overall health. They should also have been at or near their ideal weight for at least six months to a year prior to considering this surgery.

How long do the results of a thigh lift last?

Results can last for many years; however, maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle will maximize longevity. If a patient gains or loses a significant amount of weight after their thigh lift, they may find that their results become altered. Skin that was made taut by the surgeon can stretch out with new weight gain, and lose elasticity if a lot of weight is lost.

Can I combine a thigh lift with other procedures?

Yes! Many patients choose to pair their thigh lift with other body contouring procedures, such as tummy tucks or liposuction. A lower body lift is a more comprehensive approach to these procedures, as it can address multiple areas of the lower body at once in a customizable way.

References

  1. Bell D, Winters R. Thighplasty. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594236/
  2. Hurwitz DJ. Thighplasty in the Weight Loss Patient. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2006;20(01):038-048. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-932448