MED0001860545
Read more here This website contains imagery which is only suitable for audiences 18+. All surgery contains risks.
This website contains imagery which is only suitable for audiences 18+. All surgery contains risks.
MED0001860545: This website contains imagery which is only suitable for audiences 18+. All surgery contains risks.
Read more here
A thigh lift removes excess skin and fat from the thigh, with the goal of producing a tighter, more defined thigh contour. The procedure is most commonly performed after significant weight loss, where loose skin on the inner or outer thigh hasn’t responded to exercise.
At a Glance
Thigh Lift
Introduction
A thigh lift removes excess skin and fat from the thigh, with the goal of producing a tighter, more defined thigh contour. The procedure is most commonly performed after significant weight loss, where loose skin on the inner or outer thigh hasn’t responded to exercise. Like other body contouring operations after weight loss, thigh lift trades a visible scar for a change in contour, and the trade-off is one of the main considerations we’ll work through at consultation.
Thigh lift isn’t a single operation. The specific technique depends on where the skin laxity is located (inner thigh, outer thigh, or both), how much skin needs to be removed, and what scar pattern the patient is willing to accept. We’ll explain the options at consultation and recommend the technique that’s most appropriate for your situation.
Techniques
Several different thigh lift techniques exist, and they're chosen based on where the skin laxity is located and how much skin needs to be removed.
The most commonly performed thigh lift technique. The incision is placed in the groin crease where it’s relatively concealed, and skin and fat are removed from the inner thigh. This addresses skin laxity on the inner thigh and is the technique used for most patients with mild to moderate inner thigh laxity. The scar is generally well concealed by underwear and swimwear.
For patients with more significant skin laxity on the inner thigh, particularly when the laxity extends toward the knee. A vertical incision runs down the inner thigh from the groin toward or past the knee, in addition to the horizontal incision in the groin crease. This allows for greater skin removal but produces a more extensive scar.
Addresses skin laxity on the outer thigh and hip area. Often performed as part of a lower body lift rather than as a stand-alone operation, because outer thigh laxity is usually associated with looseness in the buttocks and abdomen that’s also worth addressing. The scar runs along the outer hip and upper thigh.
Patients with skin laxity on both the inner and outer thighs sometimes need a combined approach, addressing both areas in the same operation or in separate stages. The right approach depends on the specifics of the anatomy and on what’s most important to the patient.
Dr Shepherd will explain which technique is most appropriate for your situation, the scar pattern that goes with it, and the reasoning behind the recommendation.
The procedure
Thigh lift is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital. The operation usually takes between two and four hours, depending on the technique used and whether one or both thighs are being treated (almost all thigh lifts are bilateral). Most patients stay in hospital for one or two nights, with the longer stay reserved for more extensive procedures.
Drains may be used and are typically removed before discharge or at the first follow-up appointment. Compression garments are fitted at the end of the operation and worn continuously through the early recovery period to support the operated tissues and reduce swelling.
Recovery
Recovery from thigh lift involves restrictions on movement and activity that are specific to the operated area. The inner thigh is a particularly mobile area, with constant movement during walking, sitting and standing, and this means there’s higher tension on the inner thigh closure than there is on closures in less mobile areas. Patients are asked to avoid wide leg movements, particularly stretching the legs apart, for at least four to six weeks after surgery.
Sitting on hard chairs is uncomfortable in the first week or two, and most patients prefer cushioning during this time. Walking is encouraged from the day after surgery but with short steps initially, and the gait gradually normalises through the first few weeks. Stairs require some care in the early weeks, particularly going down.
Heavy lifting, vigorous exercise and any activity that puts strain on the thigh closure are off the list for at least six weeks. Most patients with desk-based work return after two to three weeks, while patients in physical roles need longer. Final thigh contour continues to develop over several months, and scars take 12 to 18 months to reach their final appearance.
Risks
The recognised risks include:
Every risk that applies to your situation will be discussed in detail at consultation, and you'll have written information to take away before any consent is signed.
Medicare
Thigh lift may attract a Medicare rebate in specific circumstances, most commonly where there is documented significant weight loss following bariatric surgery, with documented weight stability, and where the relevant Medicare criteria are met. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Cosmetic thigh lift isn’t covered. A written quote is provided at consultation.
Results vary
Honest counsel on outcomes
Final thigh contour, scar appearance and durability of the result depend on the starting anatomy, the amount of skin removed, the technique used, and individual healing characteristics. The scar pattern is permanent. Scar migration is a recognised concern with medial thigh lift, and the final scar position may differ from the position at the time of surgery. There’s no guaranteed cosmetic result.
FAQs
It depends on the technique used. Medial thigh lift produces a scar in the groin crease, sometimes extending down the inner thigh if more skin removal is needed. Lateral thigh lift produces a scar along the outer hip and upper thigh. Scars are typically positioned where they can be concealed by underwear and swimwear, although final position can vary.
Scar migration is a recognised concern with medial thigh lift, particularly where significant skin has been removed. Specific techniques are used to anchor the scar in position and reduce the chance of migration, but some downward movement can still occur. We’ll discuss this at consultation.
Sometimes. Liposuction can be combined with thigh lift to address areas of excess fat that aren’t being removed with the skin. The combination needs to be planned carefully, because aggressive liposuction in the area being lifted can compromise the blood supply to the skin flap and increase the risk of complications.
Walking is encouraged from the day after surgery, but with short steps initially. The gait gradually normalises over the first few weeks. Sitting on hard surfaces is uncomfortable in the first week or two. Most patients are walking comfortably by about three weeks but it can take longer.
A rebate may apply where specific clinical criteria are met, most commonly after documented significant weight loss following bariatric surgery. Cosmetic thigh lift isn’t covered. We’ll assess your likely eligibility at consultation.
Practitioner
Dr Henry Shepherd, BMed MD MS (Plast.) FRACS (Plast.) | Specialist Plastic Surgeon | AHPRA registration: MED 0001860545