Thigh Lift (Thighplasty) for Sleeker, Smoother Legs
Refine and slim your thighs with a personalized inner thigh lift. Remove excess skin, reduce chafing and enjoy smoother, more confident movement.
Reveal Sleeker, More Contoured Thighs
If loose inner thigh skin keeps you from feeling your best, a thigh lift can help.
Also called thighplasty or inner thigh lift, this procedure removes excess skin and reshapes soft tissue for a smoother, more athletic contour.
What a Thigh Lift Does
A thigh lift focuses on extra skin and stubborn pockets of fat that do not respond to exercise. The goal is to restore natural contours, reduce chafing and make clothing fit comfortably.
In patients after major weight loss, removing redundant skin can significantly improve day-to-day quality of life.
Anticipated Results After Surgery
After a thigh lift, most patients notice smoother, slimmer inner thighs as swelling begins to fade. Clothes often fit better and daily movement can feel more comfortable with less rubbing or irritation.
Final results continue to refine as tissues settle and scars mature. With proper care such as compression, scar management and sun protection, scars typically fade and become less noticeable over the first year.
Many patients experience:
- A firmer, more sculpted inner thigh shape
- Improved comfort during walking and exercise
- Greater confidence wearing fitted clothing and shorts
- Lasting contour changes when weight remains stable
- Noticeable improvements in skin quality and tone
For those who have lost a significant amount of weight, a thigh lift can bring a major boost in comfort and self-image, helping you feel proud of your transformation.
Who Is a Good Candidate
You may be a strong candidate if you:
- Have persistent inner thigh laxity or skin folds
- Are at or near a stable weight
- Do not smoke or are willing to stop before and after surgery
- Have realistic expectations about scars and recovery
After massive weight loss, certain factors raise risk, including higher BMI and medical comorbidities. Your plan should address these to improve safety.
How a Thigh Lift Is Tailored to You
Every thigh lift is planned around your body’s unique shape and the amount of extra skin or fat present. Your surgeon will choose the safest and most effective technique to create smooth, natural-looking results.
- Liposuction with skin tightening can refine the contour by reducing fat before removing excess skin.
- Inner thigh lift focuses on tightening loose skin along the inner thigh for a slimmer, more toned look.
- Extended or vertical thigh lift may be used when there is significant laxity, often after weight loss.
- Additional skin refinement can address areas not fully corrected by a previous lift or weight changes.
Dr. Frew will carefully plan your incisions to keep them as discreet as possible while shaping your thighs for smooth, balanced contour and natural function.
Recovery Timeline
Healing after a thigh lift happens in stages, and knowing what to expect can help you feel prepared and confident throughout your recovery.
- Week 1 to 2. Swelling and tightness improve. Short walks are encouraged. Compression is essential.
- Weeks 3 to 4. Light daily activity increases. Avoid heavy lifting and deep squats.
- Weeks 5 to 6. Most patients resume full workouts as cleared by the surgeon.
- Scars mature over 6 to 12 months. Consistent scar care and sun protection help them fade.
These timelines vary with the extent of your thighplasty and whether procedures are combined.
Procedures Often Combined With a Thigh Lift
A thigh lift can be performed on its own, but many patients choose to combine it with other body contouring procedures for a more complete transformation. Pairing surgeries can help create better balance and reduce the need for multiple recovery periods.
Common options include:
- Tummy tuck to flatten and tighten the abdomen while improving the waistline
- Liposuction to remove stubborn fat in surrounding areas for smoother overall contour
- Buttock or lower body lift to address excess skin after significant weight loss
- Arm lift for a fully reshaped upper body
- Mommy makeover to restore the body after pregnancy with a combination of lifting and contouring procedures
Dr. Frew will guide you in choosing safe, strategic combinations that fit your health, goals, and recovery needs, helping you achieve balanced, natural-looking results in a single, well-planned surgery.
Elite Surgical Skill in Breast & Body Aesthetics
Dr. Tyler Frew is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in aesthetic surgery of the breast and body.
He is known for delivering natural-looking results through advanced techniques in breast enhancement, tummy tuck, liposuction, and mommy makeover procedures.
Dr. Frew combines surgical expertise with compassionate, patient-focused care, helping each individual restore confidence and achieve their personal aesthetic goals.
Thigh Lift Surgery FAQs
What is a thigh lift?
A thigh lift, also called thighplasty or an inner thigh lift, removes excess skin and reshapes soft tissue to create smoother, slimmer thighs. Liposuction can be added for improved contour.
Will liposuction alone fix sagging thighs?
Liposuction can reduce fat but does not tighten significant extra skin. Many patients need a thigh lift, sometimes combined with liposuction, for the best result.
Where are the scars placed?
Incisions are usually hidden along the inner thigh and may extend vertically when more tightening is needed. Dr. Frew plans placement to keep scars as discreet as possible.
What results can I expect?
Most patients see smoother, slimmer inner thighs once swelling fades. Clothing fits better, movement feels more comfortable, and confidence improves. Final contour refines over several months.
How long do results last?
Results can be long lasting when your weight remains stable and skin is protected from sun damage. Natural aging continues, but most patients enjoy lasting improvement.
What is recovery like after a thigh lift?
Short walks start early, and compression garments are essential. Many patients return to light daily activity in one to two weeks and resume full workouts at about five to six weeks as cleared by Dr. Frew.
Will I need to wear compression garments?
Yes. Compression helps control swelling, supports healing, and improves skin redraping. Dr. Frew will tell you how long to wear them.
Is the procedure painful?
Expect soreness and tightness for the first one to two weeks. Medication, elevation, and compression help keep you comfortable. Dr. Frew will discuss pain control options with you.
Do I need to reach my goal weight before surgery?
It is best to be close to a stable weight before a thigh lift. Significant weight changes after surgery can affect your results.
What type of anesthesia is used for a thigh lift?
Most thigh lifts are done under general anesthesia. Some limited cases may use sedation. Dr. Frew will recommend the safest option for you.
Will I have drains after surgery?
Some patients need temporary drains to help prevent fluid buildup. Dr. Frew will decide based on your procedure.
When can I return to work?
Desk work often resumes in one to two weeks. More physically demanding jobs may require additional time off. Dr. Frew will personalize your return-to-work timeline.
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Patients trust Dr. Tyler Frew for his warm, personalized approach, advanced surgical techniques and results that look natural and refined.
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Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Tyler Frew, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon