The thigh lift: Applications, recovery and results

For women and men who have undergone drastic weight loss or are experiencing signs of aging, the thighs are often an area of loose, sagging skin. This is especially noticeable when wearing shorts, skirts or bathing suits. Rather than covering their legs or being embarrassed by their appearance, many patients are now opting for a thigh lift.

So, what is a thigh lift and what results can be expected? Is this procedure effective for all patients? What is the recovery process like? We reached out to ASPS Member Surgeons Shim Ching, MD, and Jeffrey Roth, MD, FACS, to get their answers to these questions and more!

The popularity of the thigh lift procedure

A thigh lift removes excess skin and fat from the thighs, contouring and toning the upper legs to rejuvenate the appearance of your legs. This procedure can be performed using a variety of techniques depending on the patient's goals and the surgeon's preferences. However, all procedures are performed with the goal of creating a more aesthetic, toned appearance of the upper leg.

"Thigh lifts are very popular," said Dr. Ching. "Being in Hawaii, the legs are very often shown either at the beach or with shorts or a skirt. It's summer all the time in Hawaii. It's important for my patients to feel comfortable with their bodies."

Most patients who pursue a thigh lift are women, although men have been increasingly seeking it out in recent years.

"Women have a slightly different skin quality, it seems," said Dr. Ching. "It is more prone to looseness, sagging and excess fat in these areas. Sometimes, men can have this. Usually, when I'm treating men for this, it's because they've gone through weight loss."

In fact, this procedure seems to be most often requested following significant weight loss.

"They typically have excess skin that they want addressed," said Dr. Roth. "Some are concerned about how they look in a swimsuit. Some find it difficult to exercise. Some find it difficult to wear clothing."

Thigh lift basics, recovery and results

While the goals of many patients may be best served through a thigh lift, the actual techniques used will vary between surgeons and based on the target results. Many patients will simply be looking for a solution to excess skin, whereas others also want treatment for unsightly fat deposits.

"Some will need liposuction, and some will need a surgical lift," said Dr. Roth. "Some will benefit from both."

This is why it is crucial for patients to communicate their goals properly to their surgeons, as they will be able to tailor the procedure or procedures.

Following a thigh lift procedure, the recovery process and timeline can differ depending on the patient and the procedures chosen.

"It does really vary depending on the type of thigh lift," said Dr. Ching. "There are different techniques to lift a thigh. Basically, how extensive the procedure is can play a key role. Some patients recover within one to three weeks, and others need more time, depending on the type of thigh lift."

Once the recovery period has elapsed, patients should be able to see their results.

"They can expect that the thigh area has been lifted and tightened," said Dr. Ching. "The skin will be smoother, and the loose skin will be greatly improved, if not gone. Essentially, patients can anticipate contouring and tightening of the skin, which was a main concern of patients when they showed their thighs prior to the procedure."

Getting the most from your thigh lift

As with any surgical procedure, there are specific actions that you can take before and after to your thigh lift to set yourself up for success.

The first, and most important, step in pursuing a thigh lift is to determine the right plastic surgeon to perform the procedure. Look for a board-certified surgeon who is an ASPS member with plenty of experience with this procedure to ensure that you get the results that you want.

"I think the most critical thing is to find the right surgeon and that really means finding someone that you can trust that has the experience, ability and skill to perform the procedure well for a patient," said Dr. Ching.

Plastic surgery is real surgery and should be treated as such when considering your provider.

"Like any procedure, it needs to be taken seriously," said Dr. Roth. "Best to see a board-certified plastic surgeon. They will review the goals and see if they are obtainable. Together they will make a plan. This plan will include what needs to happen before and after the surgical procedure."

Also, be clear with your surgeons about the results you want.

"There isn't just one type of thigh lift," said Dr. Ching. "There are so many ways to do plastic surgery even though it might be the same thing. Really discuss with your surgeon what's going to be done – a thigh lift won't be done the same way with every surgeon. It's up to that patient to find the right procedure technique and surgeon for them. That's really the most important thing."

You'll need to take the proper time for rest and recovery after your procedure. This can involve preparation ahead of time to ensure that you have a proper plan set up for care.

"It is important to have a solid plan for postoperative recovery," said Dr. Roth. "Patients will need a ride to and from the surgery center. They will need someone with them for the first few days. They will need rides to their first couple of postoperative visits. Their home should be conducive to having a postoperative recovery, such as access to food, bathroom, etc."

Be aware you will experience scarring. The location of the scarring will depend on the amount of skin removed and the technique used to perform the surgery, but scars will be visible in most patients.

While some scarring may be visible following this type of procedure, patients often report a high level of satisfaction.

"Some incisions are placed on the inner thigh. Some will be circumferential around the entire leg," said Dr. Roth. "Usually, there is a significant difference that most patients appreciate. Some of the scars may be a bit wider than on other parts of the body. Most patients state that it is a good trade-off."

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.