Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)

Many women are concerned about laxity, looseness, and excess fat in the upper thigh area. These concerns can be the result of significant weight loss, aging, a gradual decline in skin elasticity, collagen damage caused by sun exposure, and other phenomena. Fortunately, Orange County plastic surgeon Daniel C. Mills, MD, FACS can often combat these issues with thigh lift surgery (or “thighplasty”). This life-changing procedure can remove excess skin and unwanted fat from the inner and/or outer thighs, creating a slimmer and more attractive contour.

• What Is Thigh Lift Surgery?
• Thigh Lift Procedure
• Thigh Lift Recovery
• Thigh Lift Scars
• Thigh Lift Cost

What Is Thigh Lift Surgery?

Thighplasty is a cosmetic procedure designed to reshape the upper legs by removing excess skin and fat, especially in individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or a natural decrease in skin elasticity. Following the procedure, patients frequently experience a boost in confidence, allowing them to feel more comfortable wearing a wider range of clothing.

Thigh lifts are customized to address each patient’s unique concerns. In many cases, the surgery can be paired with additional procedures – such as an arm lift (brachioplasty) – for more comprehensive effects.

What Does the Thigh Lift Procedure Entail?

As with all treatments we offer at Aesthetic Plastic Surgical Institute, the thigh lift process will begin with a thorough consultation with Dr. Mills. During this initial appointment, we encourage you to voice your every goal, concern, and question. Our team will guide you through preoperative instructions, necessary health screenings, and any medication adjustments. Furthermore, smokers are advised to quit at least four weeks before and after surgery for optimal healing.

Depending on your unique case, Dr. Mills may recommend either the lateral technique or inner (medial) strategy, as explained below.

Lateral Thigh Lift

Often ideal for patients with loose, sagging skin due to aging or weight loss, a “lateral” thigh lift targets excess skin on the outer thighs. To perform this type of procedure, Dr. Mills places an incision at the top of the leg and tightens the skin on the leg’s front and sides.

Inner (Medial) Thigh Lift

The inner (medial) thigh lift technique can reduce laxity and removes excess skin in the upper area of the inner thigh. The incision is placed in the groin and extends toward the buttock crease, typically resulting in a firmer, more sculpted inner thigh shape.

From the moment you enter our facility, you will be cared for by Dr. Mills’ compassionate surgical team. You should allow approximately three to four hours for the entire process. General anesthesia is typically administered, and the procedure usually requires an overnight stay. In many cases, liposuction is employed to reduce unwanted fat along with excess skin.

What Should I Expect From Thigh Lift Recovery?

On the the morning following your surgery, you will need to have a responsible adult pick you up
and stay with you for up to two days. Once home, we encourage you to get up and move around the house at frequent intervals to keep the blood circulating, a process that should become easier with time and practice. Dr. Mills will also likely recommend the use of a drain and
oxygen tank for the first week following your surgery; he has seen faster healing and reduced scarring with the use of oxygen.

Within several weeks after your surgery (i.e., after your final sutures have been either removed or dissolved), you will likely be cleared to increase your activity level. Recovery time varies, with some patients returning to work in 10 days and others in about three weeks. Dr. Mills recommends starting mild exercise after two weeks to support healing, reduce swelling, prevent blood clots, and tone muscles; however, vigorous exercise should be avoided for about three to four weeks, or until Dr. Mills approves.

You should plan to visit our office postoperatively at two days, five or seven days, two weeks, and one month; we also recommend annual follow-up visits.

Does Thigh Lift Surgery Cause Scarring?

Scars are, unfortunately, one aspect of thigh lift surgery that patients must weigh against the benefits of eliminating excess fat and skin tissue. That said, Dr. Mills does his best to place incisions so that the scars can be concealed by clothing, including most bathing suits and low-rise jeans.

The incision site may appear to become more red in the first three to six months as it heals; this is normal and should fade with time. While the scars will never disappear completely, you can expect them to flatten out and lighten in color after about nine months to a year.

How Much Does a Thigh Lift Cost?

The cost of a thigh lift can depend on the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s expertise, and your individual needs. During your consultation, Dr. Dan Mills will provide a personalized estimate tailored to your treatment plan.

At Aesthetic Plastic Surgical Institute, we aim to make the payment process simple and stress-free. In keeping with this goal, we offer qualified patients the chance to finance their procedure through PatientFi™, which offers low monthly payment plans. To learn more about our plastic surgery financing options, please feel free to contact our office.

For more information, or to learn about other body-contouring procedures like traditional liposuction, please contact Dr. Mills to schedule a complimentary consultation.