Thigh Lift

If you’re embarrassed by loose skin on your thighs, hips or buttocks, a thigh lift may be right for you. Age, heredity and massive weight loss can decrease the elasticity of your skin, allowing the stretched-out skin to sag, feel flabby and look dimpled. A thigh lift removes the hanging skin, reduces extra fat and improves irregularities in the skin surface to give the thighs a smoother, more shapely contour.*

A Texas native, Dr. David Dellinger has attained board certifications in both plastic/reconstructive and general surgery, and has extensive experience performing body contouring plastic surgery procedures over more than 20 years in practice. At Elysian Plastic Surgery, Dr. Dellinger works with men and women in the Austin area and throughout Texas who are interested in improving their appearance with body contouring surgery.

Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512-229-1978 to learn more your options for body contouring.

• A board-certified plastic surgeon with 20 of experience, Dr. Dellinger has continued his training and education to stay current on the latest innovations in surgical and nonsurgical body contouring procedures, especially after significant weight loss.
• At Elysian Plastic Surgery, we put you first. Drawing on our expertise, we really listen to you and provide knowledgeable, compassionate care from your first contact through your final visit.
• We offer a full range of cosmetic treatments that utilize modern devices and techniques to rejuvenate your appearance and improve your health.

You may be a good candidate for a thigh lift if you have reached a stable, goal weight and have excess skin and soft tissue in the inner or outer thighs. You should also be healthy and have realistic expectations. A thigh lift can contour the thighs and correct sagging skin and fat caused by aging, multiple pregnancies or significant weight loss.

If your skin has good elasticity or little to no sagging, Dr. Dellinger may recommend liposuction to remove the extra fat or minimally invasive BodyTite treatments to treat loose skin and excess fat.

A thigh lift can be combined with other body contouring surgery, especially if you are interested in having post-bariatric plastic surgery.

A thigh lift is performed under general anesthesia and may take several hours. During your thigh lift procedure, Dr. Dellinger may make incisions in the crease of your hip, running from the groin area to the buttock crease to lift the outer thighs. A shorter incision on the crease in your groin may be used to lift the inner thigh. Dr. Dellinger can then remove the excess skin and fat, either directly or with liposuction, and pull the skin taut for a smoother contour.*

After your thigh lift, a compression garment will be applied to reduce swelling and hold your skin tightly to the underlying tissue for the best results.*

You may be able to go home the same day as your thigh lift if your surgery was minimal. You may need to stay in the hospital for a night or two if you had a more extensive thigh lift. You may have some bruising, swelling and discomfort for a few days and should rest at home for several days. The swelling should subside within a month but you should avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 6 weeks.*

You should see a change in how your thighs look right after surgery with improvements as your results continue to refine over 4 to 6 months. Your results should be long-lasting if your weight remains stable, though age may gradually affect your results.*

 

How much does a thigh lift cost?

The average thigh lift costs around $5,000, according to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This number excludes any additional fees that cover operating room facilities, anesthesia and other associated costs.

The cost of a thigh lift also varies by location, plastic surgeon and whether or not you choose to include other body contouring procedures with your thigh lift.

How do I choose the best plastic surgeon near me for a thigh lift?

Look for board-certified plastic surgeons in your area who have ample experience with body contouring plastic surgeries such as a thigh lift. The best plastic surgeon for your procedure should also have before and after photos available, positive reviews, both online and word-of-mouth, and should be willing and able to answer all of your questions. Schedule a consultation with your top picks to help you narrow your search and ultimately choose the best fit for you.

Which thigh lift technique is best for me?

Many people choose to combine inner and outer thigh lifts together, although you can choose only one thigh lift type as well. The best option for you will depend on where areas of loose skin and/or stubborn fat are located and what you hope to get out of your thigh lift results. Dr. Dellinger will carefully listen to your needs and goals and provide a physical assessment during your consultation to help you create a thigh lift plan that best suits your individual needs.

Is a thigh lift painful?

Thigh lifts are typically performed under general anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure itself. Swelling, bruising and tenderness are common side effects in the first days and weeks after a thigh lift, however, Dr. Dellinger can prescribe appropriate pain medication to help make you more comfortable while you recover.

What can I expect after a thigh lift?

Plan to be away from work and strenuous physical activity for 7 to 10 days after a thigh lift. Bruising and swelling are to be expected, but should gradually dissipate over the next days and weeks. You can begin introducing light physical activity back into your routine several weeks after your thigh lift, avoiding vigorous exercise until around six weeks after your procedure.

Can you walk after a thigh lift?

You will need to limit leg movements and activities for the first several days after your thigh lift. As you feel up to it, you can begin going on light walks around the house for healthy blood flow. However, take it easy and listen to your body. Do not overdo it. Dr. Dellinger will work with you to gradually reintroduce varying levels of physical activity into your routine until you are able to resume your normal exercise regimen.

When will I see thigh lift results?

You could see an improvement in the contours of your legs immediately after getting a thigh lift. However, swelling and bruising will camouflage those results, so it will take several weeks of recovery before you begin to see your final results developing.

To schedule your thigh lift consultation, please call our Austin plastic surgery practice at 512-229-1978 or request a consultation online.

*This information is for education only, and is not meant as a guarantee of results. Your results may vary.