Thigh Lift
Surgery
Achieve slimmer, more balanced lower body contours
Miami is the “City of Sun,” where the tropical climate and beach culture collide to make shorts, skirts and swimsuits a staple of everyday life. If you’re self-conscious in certain clothing styles or find yourself hiding your legs despite the warm weather, it might be time to consider a thigh lift. Also known as thighplasty, a thigh lift is a surgical procedure that eliminates loose, hanging skin from the thighs to sculpt more balanced and proportionate lower body contours.
A thigh lift is perfect for those who have lost a significant amount of weight and wish to eliminate excess skin, fat or dimpling on the inner thighs to create a slimmer appearance. It’s also suitable for individuals who are unhappy with their upper legs due to aging or genetics. At PURE Plastic Surgery, our experienced and board-certified plastic surgeons will evaluate your concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your goals.
What is a Thigh Lift?
Thigh lift surgery is designed to remove excess skin from the inner thighs to reshape and contour the upper legs. Aging and weight loss can contribute to unwanted sagging or drooping in this area, but diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to address these concerns.
A thigh lift surgically removes excess skin and fat and tightens the remaining tissues to provide comprehensive results that look both healthy and natural. Unlike nonsurgical treatments that only offer a temporary improvement, this procedure addresses the underlying cause of sagging thighs and sculpts a more toned appearance that lasts. If you experience chafing due to excess skin around the thighs, a thigh lift can also eliminate any discomfort to enhance your lifestyle.
Thigh Lift benefits
Patients choose to undergo a thigh lift to address several aesthetic concerns, typically caused by significant weight loss or the natural aging process. There are multiple techniques that our surgeons may utilize to tailor this procedure to your unique needs and goals. Thigh lift surgery offers numerous benefits for those wanting slimmer and tighter legs, such as:
- Firmer, smoother and more youthful-looking thighs
- A more proportionate lower body contour
- Reduced fat, cellulite and loose skin on the inner thighs
- Better-fitting swimwear and other clothing
- Increased confidence to show off your legs
- No more skin irritation or rashes caused by chafing
Ideal candidates for Thigh Lift Surgery
Most patients considering a thigh lift have lost a significant amount of weight but are still bothered by excess skin that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise. This is a common problem, as skin loses some of its elasticity over time and can’t always adhere to new body contours after a dramatic change. Aging and genetics also play a role. Whatever the cause, a thigh lift can address your concerns to restore more balanced lower body contours. If you’re considering thigh lift surgery, ideal candidates for this procedure include those who:
- Have loose, sagging skin due to weight loss or other factors
- Want to reshape their thighs to improve their overall appearance
- Experience rashes, chafing or skin irritation due to excess skin
- Feel embarrassed by their legs and hide them under clothing
- Are in good overall health with no contraindications
- Have been at a stable weight for at least six months
- Don’t smoke, or are willing to quit before undergoing surgery
Candidates should also understand that while a thigh lift can remove some unwanted fat, it is not a weight-loss procedure. The primary goal of a thigh lift is to trim loose skin and improve the appearance of the upper legs. For optimal results, candidates should be near their ideal weight before undergoing surgery.
How does a Thigh Lift work?
Your thigh lift surgery will be performed at PURE Plastic Surgery in Miami, Florida, in our state-of-the-art surgical facility. It is performed on an outpatient basis using general anesthesia and takes a few hours to complete, but this may vary depending on your treatment plan and the specific techniques used to achieve your goals.
A thigh lift does more than tighten the skin — it reshapes the upper legs to restore balanced body contours that complement a slimmer figure. There are two main types of incisions that your surgeon may use: a crescent incision, or a longer incision that extends down the inner thigh.
Crescent Incision
A thigh lift that uses a crescent incision is ideal for removing excess skin in the upper inner thigh. It is ideal for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity that doesn’t extend down to the knee and allows the tissues in the upper thigh to be tightened with less visible scarring. During this procedure, an incision is made in the crease of the groin, where it can be hidden by swimsuits and undergarments once it has healed. To ensure the best long-term results, our surgeons use an anchoring technique that prevents the incision lines from migrating.
Standard Incision
A thigh lift that uses a standard incision is best suited for patients with significant skin laxity and excess tissue that extends down the inner thigh. This technique involves making an incision that runs from the groin down the inner thigh, sometimes reaching the knee. While this results in a more visible scar, it allows for the removal of a larger amount of excess skin and fat, providing a more dramatic reshaping of the thigh contours. The incision is strategically placed to be as discreet as possible and typically isn’t noticeable when standing with your legs together.
What About the Outer Thighs?
The outer thighs are best addressed with a circumferential body lift, which eliminates loose skin and tightens the contours of the abdomen, waist and buttocks. This procedure is ideal for patients who have achieved massive weight loss and have loose skin in multiple areas. Once the body lift has been performed and the outer thighs have been addressed, the inner thighs can then be targeted for further refinement. This staged approach ensures optimal results and allows for a more thorough and aesthetically pleasing transformation.
Thigh Lift recovery
Thigh lift surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll be able to return home the same day. The effects of anesthesia can cause grogginess for hours after your procedure, so you’ll need to arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up from our Miami office.
After surgery, you can expect soreness, bruising and swelling in the upper legs, but this is normal and should subside as your body heals. You’ll be advised to avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks and instructed to wear compression garments for a certain amount of time for optimal results. Drains will be placed on each thigh to prevent excess fluid from accumulating, and lymphatic massages will be recommended to further reduce swelling in the legs.
Compression and massage are important for most surgeries but are absolutely crucial for thigh lift patients, as the legs are particularly prone to swelling and fluid retention. Consistent use of compression garments and regular lymphatic massages help to minimize swelling, promote proper circulation and support the healing process, ensuring the best possible outcome.
Most patients feel ready to go back to work seven to 10 days after their procedure. However, residual bruising and swelling may remain for several months. Your surgeon will send you home with detailed aftercare instructions and advise you on when to resume strenuous activities.
Thigh Lift results
You’ll notice improved contours immediately after your thigh lift, but your final results will become apparent in the following weeks or months as swelling subsides. By getting rid of excess skin and fat in the inner thighs, your upper legs will look smoother, leaner and more contoured, with flattering proportions that complement your natural figure. Instead of hiding your legs, you may find yourself shopping for new clothes so you can show them off with confidence!
Once your final results have developed, you can expect them to be long-lasting. Thigh lift results are generally considered permanent, but weight fluctuations and the aging process can affect your appearance over time. It's important to follow a healthy lifestyle to maintain your new contours. By keeping your weight stable and taking care of your skin properly, you can enjoy the benefits of your thigh lift for many years to come.
Frequently
Asked Questions
How long do I need to wear compression garments after surgery?
What are the risks and complications associated with a Thigh Lift?
Can a Thigh Lift create a thigh gap?
Will I have visible scars after a Thigh Lift?
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I am happy and satisfied with Dr Earle and his entire team. Pure Plastic has created an impact on my esthetic concepts. My results are incredible. I have a new natural body with the curve that I wanted. I have received phone calls and video Zoom meetings with the nutritionist post-op and the pharmacist. It’s been a whole team working along with me. I recommend Dr Earle, and all I can say is Thank you 😊
I just had my procedure with Dr. Earle, I did an extensive search to find nothing but the best Dr. Earle. He is knowledgeable, caring and professional, the entire team made my experience very smooth and pleasant. From the first call and afterwards; I felt reassured I have chosen an excellent practitioner. The results were beyond my expectations and they took care of details I’ve never experienced before with other surgeons. You are in good hands with Dr. Earle and his entire team, excellent care and results!!! Thank you !!!
My overall experience with Dr. Earle and his staff has been beyond amazing. From my initial consultation, thru the surgery and post op, they have been caring, attentive and responsive. Dr. Earle is truly a master of his work. I am so happy that I chose him for my procedures and I would recommend him 1000% over. He and his staff care for their patients. They don’t make you feel like you’re just a dollar sign. I felt very comfortable and relaxed. The saying You get what you pay for is evident with Pure Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Earle and his staff were very accommodating and really made you feel at ease. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND.