Thigh Lift or Thighplasty FAQs – New Dental Residency

As you age, gain and lose weight or bring children into this world, you may develop loose, wobbly thighs. This can be the result of the skin on your thighs losing its elasticity and sagging.

If you are concerned with the way your thighs look, avoid swimming pools and comfortable summer clothes, you should contact Dr Patrick Briggs our certified (FRACS) specialised plastic surgeon. They can help remove any problematic, sagging skin and stubborn fat tissue for a true rejuvenation of your thighs.

Get the Guide to Skin Reduction Surgery after Weight Loss.

Learn more about Body Contouring

What Is Thigh Lift FAQs

How do I get rid of cellulite and flabby thighs?

If you suffer from cellulite and flabby thighs, a Thighplasty or an upper thigh reduction is a procedure for you.
In this procedure, your specialised plastic surgeon will remove any flabby thigh skin and fat deposits.
It is also a great procedure for reducing the appearance of cellulite.

How do I get rid of loose skin on my thighs?

You can get rid of loose skin on your thighs using a thigh lift or an upper thigh reduction
During the procedure, your surgeon will recontour your thighs through surgical excision of extra skin and surgical removal of stubborn fat pockets. This is a commonplace procedure that yields very satisfying results.

Can you tighten loose skin on inner thighs?

Yes, you can tighten loose skin on inner thighs using a thigh lift or an upper thigh reduction procedure.

Your experienced plastic surgeon will properly assess your state, discuss the procedure with you and propose the best solution for you.

In the case of fat deposits on your inner thighs, you may opt for inner thigh liposuction, while in cases of very loose skin, such as after large-scale weight loss or bariatric surgery, you may want to go for a full thigh lift.

What is a Thigh Lift?

Terminology/names for a thigh lift include upper thigh reduction or a Thighplasty.
The procedure focuses on the removal of excess skin and thigh fat to recontour the upper thigh, rejuvenating how it looks.
The procedure is commonly performed together with other surgical procedures, such as; upper Brachioplasty (upper arm lift) or even a tummy tuck, as a rejuvenating package procedure.

What is a Thighplasty?

A Thighplasty or a thigh lift is a rejuvenating surgical procedure for your thighs.
It focuses on recountouring the thigh to create a more aesthetically pleasing apperance.
If you would like to get rid of loose skin on your thighs and recurrent infections they may cause, you should contact our specialised plastic surgeons, Dr Patrick Briggs to schedule an initial screening.

Why Should I Choose Thigh Lift Surgery?

You should choose a thigh lift surgery if you:
- Suffer from very loose, saggy skin on your thighs,
- You feel selfconsious or embarrassed by your thighs and the way they look,
- Have had a massive weight loss and have saggy skin on your thighs,
- Have had bariatric surgery and have lost weight leaving you with sagging skin,
- Avoid certain social activities because of your looks,
- Have problems wearing summer clothes, such as shorts and leggings.

If any of these are true, contact your specialised plastic surgeon today and schedule what could be life-changing surgery for you.

How do I know if I need a thigh lift or thigh liposuction or both?

To decide whether you need a thigh lift or thigh liposuction, or both, you can first do a self-assessment of your thighs, touch your thighs and try to pinch the skin a little.
- Is the tissue under the skin soft?
  - If it is, you may need a thigh lipo.
- If there is no fat tissue underneath, try to pull the skin back? Is it firm? Is it stretchy and loose?
  - If it is stretchy and loose, you may need a thigh lift.
- If you notice that your skin is both stretchy and loose, but there are soft deposits under the skin, you may need both an upper thigh reduction and thigh liposuction.

The only way to be certain about this is to have a professional check out your thighs. They will assess your entire body and bring an educated conclusion about the procedure that you may need.

Will a thigh lift get rid of cellulite?

Yes, a thigh lift will get rid of some cellulite.
The thigh lift procedure includes removing fatty deposits found under the skin, and this removal via a thigh lipo can cause some of the cellulite tissue to break down.
You should be mindful that your surgeon will usually not do a lipo around the entire perimeter of the thigh, so you may want to discuss thigh liposuction as a combined procedure, where you wound benefit from a single recovery time for both a thigh lift and a thigh lipo.

Am I The Right Candidate / Thighplasty Prerequisites FAQs

What are realistic expectations of a thigh lift?

Realistic expectations of a thigh lift include;
- A rejuvenated thigh
- A reduction in the the thigh diameter
- Smoother skin of the thigh
- No saggy, loose skin.
Most patients also see a significant relief of chafing and inner thigh skin infections.
However, a thigh lift is not a magical procedure and is not a weight-loss procedure.
You will lose some weight, but this should not be the primary aim of the procedure.

What is the best age for a thigh lift?

A thigh lift or upper thigh reduction can be done on anyone over 18 years of age.
This procedure can be done on;
- Anyone who struggles with inner thigh chafing or wobbly thighs
- Or, patients that have lost a significant amount of weight.
Your specialised plastic surgeon can properly assess your situation and propose the right solution and procedure for you.
Methods that give great results on one patient may give less-than-desired results to you, so always consult your experienced plastic surgeon for an educated recommendation.

Is 50 too old for a thigh lift?

No, 50 is not too old for a thigh lift. Your health and skin quality is what matters the most, so, as long as you are healthy and strong enough to undergo this kind of procedure age does not matter.

You should, however, inform your specialised plastic surgeon about any medication you regularly take and any chronic medical conditions you may have.

You should also talk about any previous surgeries you may have had, be they plastic surgeries or not.

Is 60 too old for a thigh lift?

No, 60 is not too old for a thigh lift. At this age, you should have some skin laxity irrelevant to your weight gain or loss.

You can schedule consultations with your plastic surgeon and prepare to discuss whether you are eligible for a thigh lift or not.

Its important you inform your surgeon about medication and chronic medical conditions you have so that they can assess your health level and whether or not you are suitable for the procedure.

What is the best BMI for a thigh lift?

There is no specific BMI for a thigh lift however, the lower your BMI, the better the chances for a quick recovery and optimal results.
Very high BMIs are connected to increased risks during and after the thigh lift surgical procedure, so losing weight before your thigh lift is the way to go.
Consult your specialised plastic surgeon or a nutritionist and a personal trainer to learn how to lose weight without compromising your health.

Can I have a thigh lift soon after a tummy tuck?

Yes, you can have your thigh lift after a tummy tuck.
You can combine these two surgeries, but it is not recommended.
If you choose not to have these two procedures simultaneously, you may want to space them by at least six months.
Some surgeons would even suggest waiting a full year from your first procedure to the second to give your body enough time to heal.

Thigh Lift Preparation FAQs

How do you prepare for a thigh lift?

To best prepare for a thigh lift, includes the follow;
- Quit smoking
- Avoid alcohol
- Focus on a healthy lifestyle.
A healthy diet will help your body go through a thigh lift recovery faster, and it will also reduce the chances of infections.
You may also want to include some light physical activity in your daily routine, as you may benefit from better blood flow.

How do you prepare for Thighplasty consultation/ Thigh Lipectomy?

To best prepare for a Thighplasty consultation with your board-certified plastic surgeon, you should think about:
- Your current state and the procedure that you would like to have,
- The results you desire,
- Your health
- Any chronic medical conditions or medication you take regularly
- And also any concerns you may have about the procedure.

You should prepare all details of both your personal and family medical history. This information is important as it can reveal potential complications or hereditary issues.

What do I need to buy before a thigh lift?

Before a thigh lift, you should;
- Buy compression garments, icepacks and food that can be stored easily.
- Finish all errands prior to surgery so you have nothing hanging over you while your trying to recover
During the initial two weeks, most if not all your time should be spent at home. You need to avoid strenuous activity and try to rest as much possible.
You should also arrange for a friend or a family member to take you to the hospital and back home.
It is also benifitial to have someone stay with you for the first few days to help you in anyway you need.

Thighplasty Procedure FAQs

Do thigh lifts work?

Yes, thigh lifts work, and they yield satisfying results.
Most people who undergo a thigh lift are happy with their rejuvenated, smooth thighs and reduced chances for chafing and infections.
With a relatively short recovery time, a thigh lift can be a life-changing procedure that can turn you from a person too shy for a pool to somebody who enjoys what life has to offer.

Does liposuction work on inner thighs?

Yes, inner thigh liposuction works.
It is a procedure that removes fatty deposits from the inner thighs to reduce their volume.
The procedure is commonly done in patients who experience constant chafing issues and repeated inner thigh skin infections.
If you experience any of these issues, you should consult your specialised plastic surgeon to recommend a proper procedure for your case.
However, can result in crepey skin.

Do I need a thigh lift or liposuction?

Whether you need a thigh lift or thigh liposuction depends on several factors, such as your;
- Current BMI,
- Thigh fat deposits,
- Thigh skin laxity.

Your specialised plastic surgeon should check out the condition of your thighs because sometimes you may need both procedures.

Where are the incisions for a thigh lift?

The incisions for a thigh lift are made in the inside of the leg.
Your certified plastic surgeon will put the incisions here to hide them from the view. This way, the thigh lift incisions are covered by your underwear and may not pose any problems for everyday social activities.

What different types of thigh lifts are there?

There are different types of a thigh lift, depending on where the surgeon operates on and where the incisions are placed:

Inner thigh lift
The incision for this thigh lift is in the groin area and is well hidden by your underwear and swimwear. It addressed large-scale inner thigh skin laxity that may reach the knee.

Outer thigh lift
The incision starts in the groin area and extends over the hip and towards the back. This is the procedure that addresses large-scale skin laxity in both the inner and the outer thigh.

Mini thigh lift
The incision is placed in the groin area but is somewhat shorter than the incision in a full inner thigh lift. It addresses skin sagging in the upper inner thigh only.

Vertical thigh lift
The incision starts in the groin area and goes vertically down towards the knee. This thigh lift addresses the side-to-side skin laxity that you may experience after a massive weight loss.

Thigh lifts with liposuction
The combined procedures give the most pleasing results. The thigh liposuction removes the fat deposits (usually only from the inner thigh), and the thigh lift removes sagging skin.

Medial thigh lift

A medial thigh lift is a most popular, thigh lift procedure. The incision is made in the groin area, starting from the mon pubis back to the crease of the buttocks.

Spiral thigh lift

A spiral thigh lift is a surgical procedure that removes the extra skin and fat deposits from the entire perimeter of the thigh.

What is a Medial Thigh Lift?

A medial thigh lift is a very common thigh lift procedure.
The incision is made in the groin area, starting from the mon pubis back to the crease of the buttocks.
The extra skin is removed and sutures placed.
To avoid the stretching of the vulva, your specialised plastic surgeon will place the sutures deeper in the tissues.

What is a spiral thigh lift?

A spiral thigh lift is a surgical procedure that removes the extra skin and fat deposits from the entire perimeter of the thigh.
The procedure is perfect for patients who have undergone a massive weight loss or bariatric surgery and would like to remove large portions of the sagging skin from the lower body.

What is a mini thigh lift?

A mini thigh lift is a thigh lift procedure where your surgeon makes a shorter incision in the groin area.
The mini thigh lift removes extra skin and fat deposits from the upper inner thigh only.
This is a great procedure for those who have had limited weight loss and would like to tone up their bodies.
It is also a good solution for those who suffer from regular chafing in the upper thigh and groin area.

What is an inner thigh lift?

An inner thigh lift is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon only removes wobbly skin from the inner thigh.
The inner thigh lift incision is made in the groin area and hidden by beachwear and underwear.
This is a good procedure for those who experience inner thigh skin sagginess that reaches the knee.

How much excess skin can a thigh lift remove?

A thigh lift can remove several kilos of excess skin.
When a thigh lift is combined with a thigh lipo, additional 5 litres (at most) of fat tissue can be removed.
A thigh lift is a great procedure after you’ve lost a lot of weight.

Thigh Lift Recovery FAQs

How long does it take to recover from a thigh lift?

The initial recovery time for a thigh lift is around two weeks. During this time, your body will work fast to heal the incision and the area that your surgeon operated on.

After the initial two weeks, most of the bruising and swelling will be gone, and you will need some four more weeks to see your new thighs. Some swelling can linger on your thighs for several months after the procedure, although as it dissipates, you may notice a change in the definition of your thighs, rather than contour and size.

How long does swelling last after a thigh lift?

Most of the swelling after a thigh lift will be gone within the first two weeks. After this, some swelling will stay in place for up to six weeks.
Most thigh lift patients can go back to work at the end of the second week, depending on the pace of their recovery.
You may start driving someone two weeks after the procedure, and you will be comfortable resuming most of your daily activities after week six.
However, you may want to abstain from heavy lifting and very rigorous exercise until you recieve the all clear from your surgeon.

How long do you wear a compression garment after a thigh lift?

You should wear your compression garment for aleast six weeks after your thigh lift or thighplasty. During this time, the compression garment will support the skin that your specialised plastic surgeon has tightened so that the skin can heal and reattach itself to the deeper tissues.
You should be wearing your compression garment all the time. Otherwise, you may compromise your results.

How do you sleep after a thigh lift?

After a thigh lift, it is best to sleep on your back, with either your legs and your torso slightly propped up.
By lifting either your knees or your upper body after a thigh lift surgery, your make sure that the skin is not overstretched, and you may find that this postion relieves any discomfort that may be present in the thigh area.

Can you walk after a thigh lift?

Yes, you can, and you should walk after a thigh lift procedure.
After a thigh lift, you should spend most of the time in bed to give your body the rest time it needs to heal and reattach the tissues properly.
It is best if you take short, light walks several times a day to promote good blood flow and speed up the recovery time.

What happens if you don’t wear a compression garment after a thigh lift?

If you do not wear a compression garment after your thigh lift, you may experience:
- Increased swelling and bruising,
- More discomfort,
- Longer recovery time,
- Compromised results.

In extreme cases, you may need revision surgery to correct the damage by not wearing your compression garment.

How long after thigh lift can I exercise?

For the initial two weeks after a thigh lift, you should not exercise.
In week three, you can resume walking and exercising your upper body.
You can resume most exercises from week six onwards, except heavy lifting and exercise regimes such as CrossFit. For these, you may have to wait for up to three months.

Can I Travel Soon After Thigh Lift Surgery?

You should wait for at least four weeks after your thigh lift surgery to travel again.
After a thighplasty, you need to rest for the first two weeks, and this rest time includes a lot of bed rest.
Travelling may compromise your results and prolong the recovery time.

Thighplasty Longer-Term Results FAQs

How can I expect my thighs to look over time?

After a thigh lift, your thighs will change their look as the healing progresses. On the second day post-op, the swelling will be at its maximum. It will slowly subside over several weeks and will be at a minimum of six weeks after the surgery. Over several next months, your thighs will get better defined and will be better contoured.

How to minimise scars after a thigh lift?

To minimise scars after a thigh lift, you should:

Take good care of your body and your diet
Get plenty of rest to ensure a quick recovery,
Apply moisturisers and silicone-based scar-fading creams,
Wear loose and comfortable underwear to avoid any pressure on the scar tissue.

This will ensure that scarring after thigh lift is minimal. To promote further thigh lift scar fading, consult your specialised plastic surgeon about any scar management methods that may apply to you.

Will my saggy inner thigh come back after a thigh lift?

The skin that is removed in a thigh lift is removed for good and cannot come back. However, repeated weight gain and loss and other factors of age-related and hereditary nature will cause more excessive skin.
You may experience new skin stretching and growth in the area that was operated on.
In any case, your thigh lift results will be visible for a minimum of 10 years post your thigh lift surgery.

Is thigh lift permanent?

Yes, a thigh lift is permanent.
The skin that your surgery removed cannot come back, but new skin sagging may appear.
In general, your thigh lift results will remain visible for some ten years or even longer, depending on your age and hereditary factors.

Thighplasty Risks And Complications FAQs

Is a thigh lift dangerous?

A thigh lift is a surgical procedure that has some possible risks and complications:
- Bleeding and haematoma formation,
- Swelling and seratoma formation,
- Bruising, asymmetry in your thighs,
- Blood clot formation (deep venous thrombosis),
- General anesthesia-related risks,
- Delayed healing.

To minimise any risks and complications, always choose the best board-certified plastic surgeon to operate on you.

Choosing a non-certified surgeon or a backroom clinic and suspiciously cheap plastic surgery abroad is a recipe for less-than-ideal results and compromised looks and functionality after the surgery.

Always remember that corrective plastic surgery is always more expensive than the actual procedure in that same clinic and that some damage done by inexperienced surgeons may never be corrected.

What Can I Expect To Feel After A Thigh Lift?

After a thigh lift, you can expect to experience mild pain and discomfort and numbness of the area. These sensations will return as you heal, and eventually, you will start feeling a tingling sensation as your nerves start to heal.
Once the recovery is over, your sensation should be fully restored, and you will feel no more discomfort.

Is A Thigh Lift Painful?

During a thigh lift procedure, you will be under general anaesthesia and will feel no pain whatsoever.
Post-thigh lift surgery, you may experience some mild pain, but you will be on pain medication for at least one week, so this pain should not be prominent or interfere with your recovery.
The pain will go away after around a week, and you will be able to go back to normal slowly.

What Are The Scars Like after Thigh Lift?

The scars after a thigh lift will be light reddish to purple as they mature and fade over a year.
Your specialised plastic surgeon will place the scars in a place where they will not be so prominent (the groin area) and may suggest scar-revision procedures for you.
In the case of a vertical thigh lift, you will have a vertical scar from your groin to the knee.
This scar will fade as well, but you will need to opt for scar management treatments to assist in fading.

What Could Go Wrong in a Thigh Lift?

Risks and complications are fairly rare in a thigh lift surgery but may still take place. The risks of a thigh lift surgery include:
- Hematoma and bleeding,
- Seratoma and swelling,
- Reactions to the general anaesthesia,
- Blood clot formation,
- And others.

Always discuss possible risks and complications with your surgeon before the surgery.

Thigh Lift Financing FAQs

Does insurance cover thigh lift?

Yes, some fees covered by your Private Health Insurance.

Is thigh lift covered by Medicare?

Is a thigh lift worth it?

Yes, a thigh lift is worth it.

A relative short recovery and downtime are a small price to pay for a life-long improvement in your looks, contour and reduced chafing and thigh skin infections on your upper thigh.

The majority of patients who undergo a thigh lift say that they are very satisfied with the results of this procedure.