A thigh lift, also known as thighplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reshape the inner and outer thighs. It is especially recommended for people with sagging skin due to significant weight loss, aging, or decreased tissue tone.
In this article you will find all the essential information about this surgery: what it is, in what cases it is recommended, what types exist, how it is performed, what the recovery is like and what non-surgical alternatives can be considered in certain cases.
A thigh lift is a surgical procedure whose objective is to remove excess skin and fat from this area to achieve firmer legs and a more streamlined contour. Unlike a liposuctionWhile primarily focused on removing localized fat, the thigh lift allows for tightening and repositioning sagging tissues, more comprehensively improving the appearance of the legs.
This procedure can be performed on the inner thighs, the outer thighs, or both areas, depending on the degree of sagging and the anatomical needs of each patient.
What is a thigh lift or thighplasty?
A thigh lift is a surgical procedure whose objective is to remove excess skin and fat from this area to achieve firmer legs and a more streamlined contour. Unlike a liposuctionWhile primarily focused on removing localized fat, the thigh lift allows for tightening and repositioning sagging tissues, more comprehensively improving the appearance of the legs.
This procedure can be performed on the inner thighs, the outer thighs, or both areas, depending on the degree of sagging and the anatomical needs of each patient.
In which cases is it recommended?
A thigh lift is often recommended for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, for example, after bariatric surgery or a major weight loss process, and have sagging skin. It may also be indicated for people with sagging skin associated with aging, loss of skin elasticity, or significant changes in body shape. In addition, it can be a good option for those who want to improve the shape of their legs after liposuction or are looking for a firmer and more defined result that cannot be achieved with exercise alone. It is not usually recommended for patients with uncontrolled obesity, serious circulatory problems, or unrealistic expectations about the results. You may also be interested in learning more about treatments for sagging skin on the legs.Benefits
Improves the appearance of the legs
Thigh lifting helps to remove excess skin and redefine the contour of this area.Increase confidence
Many patients feel more comfortable wearing tight clothing, shorts, or a swimsuit after surgery.Corrects severe sagging
It is a particularly useful option when excess skin does not improve with exercise or less invasive treatments.It can be combined with other surgeries
In certain cases, it may be associated with procedures such as liposuction or more extensive body surgery to improve the overall harmony of the silhouette.Types of thigh lifts
Medial (internal) lift
It focuses on the inner thighs and is especially indicated when sagging is concentrated in the area between the legs.Lateral (external) lift
It corrects sagging on the outer thigh and can be especially useful after significant weight loss.Full facelift
It addresses both the inner and outer sides, offering a more comprehensive treatment for sagging thighs.Mini thigh lift
It is indicated in mild cases and is characterized by smaller incisions and a less extensive approach.How can I improve the firmness of my thighs without surgery?
When sagging is mild and there isn't yet a significant excess of skin, non-surgical treatments can be considered. Among them, cryolipolysis can help reduce localized fat, although it doesn't significantly correct severe skin laxity. If you'd like to learn more about these alternatives, you can read more about liposuction without surgery.Thigh lift with surgery
Step by step procedure
The procedure is performed under general or epidural anesthesia. The incisions vary depending on the technique used: they may be placed in the groin in a medial facelift or extend to other areas in more extensive procedures. During the surgery, excess skin and fat are removed, tissues are tightened, and the area is repositioned to achieve a firmer contour. Finally, the incision is closed with carefully planned sutures.How long does the surgery last?
The duration usually ranges between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure and whether it is combined with other interventions.Possible combinations with liposuction
Many patients choose to combine thigh lifts with liposuction to eliminate localized fat and tighten the skin in a single procedure, provided it is medically appropriate.Thigh lift before and after
Before a thigh lift, many patients experience sagging skin, loss of definition, and a feeling of heaviness or drooping in the area. After surgery, the legs typically appear firmer, more streamlined, and with a more even contour. The results are visible from the first few weeks, although the final result is assessed once the inflammation subsides and the scars evolve, which may take several months. You can see real-world examples in our case studies. liposuction before and after.
