Surgery to remove excess skin from the thighs (thighplasty, a thigh lift).
About the procedure
What this procedure involves
A thigh lift (thighplasty) is surgery that removes excess skin and tissue from the inner or outer thigh and tightens the area. It is often considered after significant weight loss. It is not a treatment for stretch marks and is not a weight-loss procedure, and it leaves scars. Dr Jassim Daood performs thigh lift surgery at the Bankstown clinic. Whether it is appropriate for you is assessed at a consultation.
Recovery
Recovery varies between patients. A compression garment is typically worn, and walking is encouraged while more strenuous activity is restricted for a period. Many people take around two to four weeks away from work. Scars take many months to mature.
In depth
More about this procedure
Detailed information about this procedure. Select a section to read more.
A thigh lift is most often considered by people with loose, excess skin on the inner or outer thighs that does not respond to exercise, commonly after significant weight loss. A stable weight is generally advised beforehand.
Where the concern is mainly fat rather than excess skin, liposuction may be more appropriate. Suitability is assessed individually at your consultation, including a discussion of the scars involved.
The procedure removes excess skin and fat and tightens the remaining tissue to reshape the thigh. The incisions depend on the area being treated and the amount of skin to be removed, and may run in the groin crease or along the inner thigh.
It is generally performed under general anaesthetic. Where appropriate, liposuction may be combined with the procedure. The approach and expected time are discussed at your consultation.
A compression garment is typically worn for several weeks to support the thighs and control swelling, and swelling and bruising are expected. Early walking is encouraged while more strenuous activity is restricted for a period.
Many people take around two weeks away from work, depending on the individual and the extent of surgery.
A thigh lift can produce a firmer, smoother thigh contour, which many people find improves comfort and the fit of clothing.
The main trade-off is the scarring, and a stable weight helps maintain the result. Realistic expectations are discussed at your consultation.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
A thigh lift removes excess skin and tissue from the inner or outer thigh to improve contour, most often after significant weight loss. Whether it is appropriate for you is assessed at your consultation.
Suitability generally favours people in good health with a relatively stable weight, who do not smoke, who have excess thigh skin and who have realistic goals. Some people are not suitable candidates, which the consultation determines.
A thigh lift is surgery to remove excess skin, not a treatment for stretch marks. Some marks within the removed skin may go, but reducing stretch marks is not the purpose of the procedure.
Liposuction removes fat but does not tighten skin, so where the concern is loose skin, liposuction alone can make it worse. Combining the two is only considered where there is significant fat with good skin tone, and is assessed individually.
Incisions are placed in the thigh, often in the groin crease or along the inner thigh, and scarring varies between individuals. A garment is worn for several weeks, and many people take around two to four weeks away from work.
Cost depends on your individual procedure and is provided in writing after your consultation. Any quote reflects the total cost, covering the surgeon, anaesthesia, facility fees, aftercare and any garments required.
Yes. Under Australian regulations a GP referral is required before a cosmetic surgery consultation, and the referring practitioner must not perform cosmetic procedures themselves.
