Thigh Lift Surgery (Thighplasty) 

Smoother, more natural lines with thigh lift surgery

As you age or lose a large amount of weight, you might notice excess skin and stubborn fat causing your thighs to appear loose and saggy, affecting your comfort and confidence. A thigh lift, also known as thighplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove this excess skin and fat, resulting in firmer, smoother thighs.

At Reid Health in Richmond, Indiana, our plastic surgeons are experienced in performing thigh lift surgery tailored to your individual needs, focusing on safe, natural-looking results. 

What is a thigh lift?

A thigh lift is a type of cosmetic surgery that eliminates excess skin and fat from the upper thighs. The surgery improves the thigh’s shape, tightens the skin, and, in some cases, address cellulite.

During your initial consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss your goals, so they can help you decide which type of thigh lift will work best for you. Different types of thigh lifts target different areas and can help accomplish different goals.

• Inner thigh lift: An inner thigh lift, also called a medial thigh lift, targets the inner portion of the thighs and usually involves incisions (cuts) along the groin and sometimes down the inner thigh. It’s commonly performed after moderate weight loss or because of natural aging to improve shape and reduce chafing.
• Outer thigh lift: An outer thigh lift focuses on the outer thigh and hip area with incisions closer to the hip crease. This lift helps sculpt and smooth the thigh and hip silhouette.
• Circumferential thigh lift: A circumferential thigh lift removes skin and fat around the entire thigh and hip. Surgeons often perform it after massive weight loss to overall shape and proportions of your leg. 

What to expect during the procedure

Thigh lift surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day of your surgery. The length of the procedure depends on how much skin and fat tissue are removed, but it generally lasts between two and five hours.

Your surgeon will make cuts in places that help hide scars but still give them good access to remove extra fat and skin. After they take away the unwanted tissue, they will tighten the muscles and tissues underneath to make your thigh look firmer and smoother. Then, the leftover skin is carefully pulled over the new shape to give a natural look. Finally, the cuts are closed with stitches, skin adhesives, or clips to help the skin heal and keep scars from standing out too much.

After surgery, your surgeon might place temporary drains to reduce fluid buildup, and your surgical team could apply bandages or recommend compression garments to help reduce swelling and support healing.

Your team will also give you a comprehensive postsurgical discharge plan to help address concerns you might have in the hours and days after surgery. 

Recovery and postoperative care

Following surgery, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, all of which will generally improve over the first two weeks. Most people return to normal daily activities within about six weeks, but you should wait until your surgeon says it’s OK before resuming exercise or vigorous activity.  

Rest and medicine from your surgeon can help you manage pain as you recover.

Here are some tips to aid your recovery:

• Wear your compression garment. It helps reduce swelling and support tissue as it heals.
• Keep the surgical area clean and dry. This helps prevent infection.
• Limit physical activity. Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least six weeks.
• Attend all follow-up appointments. Your surgeon needs to monitor healing and remove any drains or sutures.
• Maintain a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. This helps support tissue repair and healing. 

Why choose Reid Health for your thigh lift?

At Reid Health, your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. Our plastic surgeon combines advanced techniques with compassionate care to help you achieve natural, beautiful results.

When you choose Reid Health, you receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to your body and goals. We focus on educating you about your procedure, so you feel confident every step of the way.

You also benefit from an experienced surgeon who uses advanced techniques to perform safe, successful procedures. And our comprehensive pre- and postoperative care helps ensure a smooth recovery.