Thigh Lift Fact Sheet

The objective

Thigh lift surgery - or thighplasty - reduces the amount of loose skin and fat around the inside and outside of the upper thighs, in order to make them appear firmer and slimmer and improve a sagging appearance, when diet and exercise hasn’t been successful at doing this.

The procedure

The operation is normally carried out under a general anaesthetic and can take up to three hours.

The surgeon will make an oval-shaped incision at the top of the thigh and remove a section of skin and any surplus fat. The remaining skin will then be pulled together and stitched into place. For an inner thigh lift, the incisions are high up in the inner thighs, while for an outer thigh lift they may be positioned just above the buttocks, so the scars won't show in swimwear. Sometimes the operation is performed in combination with liposuction. Once the procedure is complete, the incisions will be stitched and drains - tubes used to remove blood or other fluids from a wound to help healing - may be inserted.

The outcome

Following surgery, the thighs may be very swollen and bruised for a number of days or even weeks, and you will need to wear a compression garment. If drains are in place, they will normally be removed after 1-2 days. Movement will be very minimal and painful for the first few days. If stitches are not dissolvable, they will need removing after 10-12 days.

You will be able to leave the hospital after 1-2 days. You can normally return to work after 2-3 weeks and should avoid strenuous activity for 2-3 weeks.

Deep bruising and lumpiness as a result of surgery - particularly if liposuction has also been used - may take up to six months to disappear.

You should expect thighs that are in better proportion to the body and are more uplifted and slimmer as a result of this surgery.

The risks

All general anaesthesias carry associated risks, but complications particular to thigh lift surgery include infection and problems with wound healing, such as necrosis, where the blood supply is affected and the skin dies.

Fluid build up under the skin (seroma) is a risk which may require further surgery to remove, as well as haematoma (blood clot under the skin). Some patients experience reduced sensation in the treated area, which can be permanent.

More common are scar healing problems and the development of red, unsightly or lumpy scars, which may depend on how your body heals. As well, there may be skin separation at the suture site.

The costs

In the UK, expect to pay from around £3,700 - £5,200. Abroad, expect to pay from around £2,450 (inner thigh lift in Belgium) to around £2,600 (Cyprus).

The availability

Thigh lift surgery is widely available at private cosmetic surgery clinics within the UK and abroad.

The popularity

Thighplasty is a surgery that is most commonly requested by women and men who have lost a substantial amount of weight and require a reduction in the amount of excess skin and fat in the area, in order to improve their body contours and self-confidence.