What are the steps of a thigh lift procedure?

A thigh lift procedure includes the following steps:

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The options include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.

Step 2 – The incision

Incision patterns vary based on the area or areas to be treated, degree of correction and patient and surgeon preference.

Inner thigh lift incision

One technique used for a thigh lift places incisions in the groin, extending downward and wrapping around the back of the thigh.

Another technique removes excess skin from the groin down to the knee using an incision along the inseam.

You may also qualify for a minimal incision inner thigh lift that involves an incision only in the groin area. Your plastic surgeon will determine what's appropriate.

Outer thigh lift incision

Improving the contours of the outer thigh may require an incision extending from the groin around the hip and across the back.

Advanced techniques usually allow incisions to be placed in strategic locations where they can be hidden by most types of clothing and swimsuits. However, incisions may be extensive.

Step 3 – Closing the incisions

Deep sutures within underlying tissues help to form and support the newly shaped contours. Sutures, skin adhesive tapes or clips may be used to close the skin incisions.

Step 4 – See the results

The smoother tighter contouring that results from a thigh lift is apparent almost immediately, although initially obscured by swelling and bruising. Get more information about thigh lift results.