What Is A Thigh Lift?

Thigh lift surgery is designed to improve the appearance of the thighs by removing excess skin and fat, resulting in a more toned and sculpted contour. This cosmetic surgery is often sought by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or aging, leading to loose or sagging skin on the thighs. The procedure involves making incisions in strategic areas, such as the inner thigh or groin crease, to remove surplus skin and fat. Additionally, the underlying tissues may be tightened to enhance the overall firmness of the thighs.

Plastic surgeons can customize thigh lifts to address specific concerns, whether it's the upper, inner, or outer thighs. Liposuction is almost always performed with a thigh lift to further thin and sculpt the thighs.

How A Thigh Lift Reshapes The Inner & Outer Thighs

In most cases, liposuction is done first to thin or “debulk” the thighs. This is usually done in a circumferential fashion treating the thigh as a “cylinder”; and slimming it down to create a tighter appearance. This leaves excess skin which must be removed to achieve ideal contour. The skin is removed with either an incision in the groin crease or a longitudinal incision running the length of the thigh from the groin to the knee located in the inner thigh. In extreme cases, a combination of these two incisions can be used. Once the skin is removed, the defect is closed in multiple layers to optimize the scar.

How Is A Thigh Lift Procedure Performed?

Liposuction is done first to thin the thighs. The thigh is treated like a cylinder and fat is removed circumferentially. Excess skin is then removed either through a groin incision or an incision on the inside of the thigh (medial thigh) extending from the groin longitudinally to the knee. In cases with excessive skin, a combination of these two incisions is used.

Can I Get By with Just Doing Lipo For My Thighs?

Liposuction can be used alone if the thigh simply has fat deposits and the skin quality is good. Patients who benefit from liposuction typically have discrete fat deposits. These are typically located on the inner and outer aspects of the thigh. These patients are typically young without stretch marks or much cellulite. In these cases, liposuction alone gives good results without skin excision. Vaser ultrasound liposuction can be used to more accurately remove the fat. Vaser can also have a skin-tightening effect which helps with loose skin that can result from liposuction.

Learn More: VASER® Liposuction

Am I A Candidate For A Thigh Lift?

Optimal candidates will have a BMI less than 30 but Dr. Burns does accept patients up to a BMI of 35. Your weight needs to be stable. Gaining weight after surgery will compromise the result.

Thigh Lift in Dallas, Texas- Dr. John Burns, MD- Top Plastic Surgeon in Dallas

Does A Thigh Lift Tighten Muscles Too?

A thigh lift deals only with skin and fat above the muscle layer. The muscles are not affected. After surgery, if muscle definition is desired there are devices such as InMode Evolve or EmSculpt.

Occasionally the results of a thighplasty can be enhanced using a device to tighten the skin on areas that might not have gotten as tight as possible with the skin removal. In these cases, a skin-tightening device such as can be used BodyTite to further tighten the skin.

Learn More: BodyTite

What Will Recovery Look Like From Thigh Lift?

After a thigh lift, there will be some pain, swelling, and bruising from the procedure. Patients are encouraged to walk to avoid blood clots but further activity is not necessary. Patients will wear a compression garment for the first 6 weeks. Drains are occasionally used, but not always. The incisions are treated with antibiotic ointment such as bacitracin. Patients are given pain medication as necessary and an antibiotic to prevent infection. Patients can shower on day 3 but not submerge in a bath. Activities of daily living are done with minimal restrictions.

Exercising

At 2 weeks patients can drive if they are off of pain medication and increase their activity levels. Light exercise is possible at 6 - 8 weeks as tolerated.

Compression After Surgery

Patients wear compression garments for 6 - 8 weeks after surgery. This presses the skin smoothly across the thigh and prevents contour irregularities. Compression also reduces swelling. Many patients also use manual lymphatic massage to help with swelling after surgery.

Will I Need Drains For A Thigh Lift?

Drains can be used depending on the size and extent of the procedure. In cases of large-volume liposuction, drains are typically used to evacuate fluid.

Frequently Asked Questions- Thigh Lift in Dallas, Texas

How much does a thigh lift cost?

The cost of a thigh lift is about $10,000 including all associated liposuction.

Will insurance cover my thigh lift?

A thigh lift is a cosmetic procedure and not covered by insurance.

Will having a tummy tuck lift my thighs?

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is designed to flatten the abdomen and trim and sculpt the waist but will not lift the thighs

Can a thigh lift help cellulite?

Yes, tightening the skin will improve cellulite.

When can I workout after a thigh lift?

Light exercise is possible after 4 - 6 weeks and advanced slowly from that point.

Can I finance a thigh lift?

Yes, we offer several financing options. Link to financing page on website.

Are You Ready For A Life-changing Transformation?

Dr. John L. Burns Jr. MD is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and President of the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, one of the largest plastic surgery group practices in the United States. Dr. Burns is also the Medical Director for the EpiCentre Skin Care and Laser Center, a world renowned medical spa. Dr. Burns dedicates his practice to aesthetic or cosmetic plastic surgery.

Dr. Burns widely known for his expertise in cosmetic breast surgery, facelift, and fat transfer to the face, breast, and body. Dr. John. L Burns, Jr., MD has been named among America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2023 for Facelift, Rhinoplasty, and Breast Augmentation by Newsweek Magazine and Statista. He also named among D Magazine's Best Doctors  Realself Top Doctors.


D Magazine's Face of Breast Augmentation
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Dr. Burns offers complimentary consultations for women throughout the world who are seeking thigh lift rejuvenation. We invite you to meet our team and experience our difference. Get started here.

Schedule Your Thigh Lift Consult with Top Plastic Surgeon,
Dr. John Burns 

Schedule your private consultation with Dr. John Burns.  Dr. Burns offers both virtual and in-office plastic surgery consultations for women considering thigh lift surgery in Dallas, throughout the United States, and the world.