A thigh lift, also called thighplasty, removes loose skin, reshapes the thighs, and creates smoother, firmer contours after weight loss or aging.
Overview
A thighplasty, commonly known as thigh lift surgery, is a body contouring procedure designed to remove loose or stretched skin from the inner or outer thighs while improving shape, firmness, and proportion. Many patients consider a thigh lift after significant weight loss, aging, or genetics that contribute to skin laxity in the upper legs.
A thighplasty is not a weight-loss procedure. Instead, it helps refine the thighs when exercise cannot tighten loose skin or improve contour concerns. Depending on your anatomy and goals, treatment may involve an inner thigh lift, medial thigh lift, outer thigh lift, liposuction, or a customized combination approach designed for the safest and most natural-looking result.
Thighplasty cost varies based on the extent of surgery, incision pattern, surgeon expertise, facility fees, anesthesia, and whether liposuction or other procedures are performed at the same time.
Average cost (USD)
Cost Range (USD)
A limited inner thigh lift often costs less than a more extensive thighplasty requiring larger skin removal or vertical incisions. A personalized consultation is the most accurate way to understand pricing.
Thighplasty removes excess skin, tightens underlying tissue, and reshapes the thighs through carefully placed incisions, creating smoother contours and improved proportion after healing and recovery.
Treats loose thigh skin, contour irregularities, thigh laxity, chafing, and excess tissue after weight loss or aging.
Most surgeries take 2 to 4 hours depending on technique, incision type, and whether liposuction is included.
Ideal candidates are healthy adults at a stable weight with loose thigh skin and realistic expectations.
Most patients need 2 to 4 weeks of downtime, with swelling gradually improving over several months.
A thigh lift removes excess skin and tightens underlying tissue along the inner or outer thigh, most often needed after major weight loss or significant aging-related laxity. A surgeon selects the incision pattern based on how much correction is needed. Below are the concerns this treatment addresses, each explained on its concern page.
After significant weight loss, skin along the thighs often doesn't retract back to fit the body's new shape, leaving loose, hanging tissue. A thigh lift removes this excess skin directly, revealing a smoother, more contoured leg shape.
Significant weight loss can leave the thighs with loose, sagging skin that diet and exercise alone can't tighten. A thigh lift removes this excess tissue and reshapes the area, addressing sagging that's specific to major weight change.
As skin loses elasticity with age or after weight fluctuation, it can sag along the inner and outer thigh rather than sitting smoothly against the leg. A thigh lift removes this loose tissue, restoring a firmer, more contoured shape.
Many patients report smoother thigh contours, less chafing, better clothing fit, and improved confidence after thigh lift surgery.
Most patients experience swelling, tightness, and soreness early on. Discomfort is typically manageable and improves steadily during healing.
Most surgeons recommend reaching a stable goal weight first, as this supports healing and helps maintain long-term results.
Thighplasty results can last many years when weight remains stable and healthy habits are maintained.
Thighplasty scars are often planned along the groin crease, inner thigh, or natural contours depending on the technique used. Most fade gradually over time.
The information presented on this page is supported by data and insights from the following trusted sources:
A comprehensive patient guide outlining what a thighplasty involves, including surgical techniques, candidacy, recovery expectations, and realistic outcomes for thigh contouring procedures.
Liposuction-assisted thigh lifts showed lower complication rates (36.8%) compared to excision-only techniques (70.7%).
The average cost of a thigh lift in the U.S. is $8,715, with a typical range between $4,500-$12,000.
All sources are reviewed for accuracy and credibility to ensure the content remains reliable and up to date.
MD, MSC, FACS
Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh is a board-certified plastic surgeon, clinical researcher, and founder of Cosmoplastic Surgery, with offices in Long Island and New York City.
New York, NY
Jericho, NY
FACS
Dr. Joshua Korman is a Board-Certified plastic surgeon and founder of Korman Plastic Surgery & Wunderbar MedSpa, serving the San Francisco Bay Area.
Mountain View, CA
Mountain View, CA
M.D.
Dr. C. Edwin Pittman is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the founder of Pittman Plastic Surgery in Athens, Georgia.
Athens, Georgia
MD
Dr. Heather Furnas is a board-certified plastic surgeon and co-founder of Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa, one of Northern California’s most established and respected centers for aesthetic excellence.
Santa Rosa, CA
MD
Dr. Eric Culbertson is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and partner at Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa, where he brings a refined, evidence-based approach to aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.
Santa Rosa, CA
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