A thigh lift, or thighplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper legs to create smoother, firmer, and more contoured thighs. This body contouring surgery is especially effective for patients whose thighs have not responded to diet and exercise.
What Is a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift is a body contouring procedure that reshapes the thighs by removing excess skin and fat. According to the Cleveland Clinic, thighplasty addresses sagging tissue that diet and exercise cannot correct, particularly after major weight loss. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes two to four hours, depending on the technique used.
- Medial (inner) thigh lift: The most common approach, targeting the inner thigh through an incision placed high in the groin crease. Removes a crescent of skin and fat for a slimmer contour.
- Vertical thigh lift: Involves an incision from the groin to the inner knee, allowing for more extensive skin and fat removal. Best suited for patients with significant tissue excess.
- Spiral thigh lift: A comprehensive approach that extends the correction around the outer thigh and gluteal crease, addressing both the inner and outer thigh in a single procedure.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that ideal candidates have excess soft tissue along the inner or outer thigh and are in good overall health.
