Body Contouring > Thigh Lift

What is a thigh lift?

Who is a good candidate for a thigh lift?

What is the initial consultation like for a thigh lift?

What is the procedure for a thigh lift?

How will I feel after the procedure?

What should I do or not do after my surgery?

What is Thigh Lift?

Back to Top

A thigh lift or leg lift is a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the shape of your inner thigh. It consists of a lift in which the excess skin is removed from the inside of the leg. The scar is then hidden in the inner thigh fold, between the pubic area and the thigh. The result is a smoother, tighter looking inner tight.

In many cases, patients have experienced a large weight loss, resulting in a saggy appearance to the skin. A thigh lift can help patients achieve more smoother and firmer look. A surgical thigh lift removes skin that has lost its elasticity, improving the overall appearance of the thigh area, although focusing specifically on the inner thigh.

A thigh lift can be usually combined with other procedures, such as tummy tucks and liposuction.

Who Is a Good Candidate For Thigh Lift?

Back to Top

If your are considering a thigh lift, you will make a good candidate if you:

• have realistic expectation about what the thigh lift can do for you and you fully understand that the thigh lift won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal
• are in good health, emotionally stable and don’t have any pre-existing medical conditions
• feel your inner thighs are too saggy, and feel self-conscious wearing shorts and/or swimsuits
• have lost a significant amount of weight due to a bariatric surgery or a traditional weight loss method such us diet and/or exercise

Initial Consultation for Thigh Lift

Back to Top

A personal consultation at Park Cities Plastic Surgery Center is the very first step if you are considering thigh lift.

During the consultation at Park Cities Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. David Liland will assess your physical and emotional health, discuss your expectations about thigh lift and examine your skin for firmness and elasticity.

You will also be able to point out the areas where you would like to see improvement and talk about incisions and risks involve with thigh lift.

At Park Cities Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. David Liland will be showing several pre and post op pictures of thigh lift.

Thigh Lift: The Procedure

Back to Top

Depending on your physician and the method of breast surgery that has been chosen, your thigh lift procedure can be performed as an inpatient (requiring an overnight stay in the hospital) or as an outpatient (no overnight stay required).

The thigh lift procedure is performed at Park Cities Plastic Surgery Center. Dr. David Liland’s office is conveniently located on Lemmon Avenue near downtown Dallas. Fully equipped with two AAAASF certified operating rooms, it stands out to be one of the most private and select plastic surgery offices in the Dallas area.

The incision used to perform a thigh lift is placed in the groin area beneath the bikini line. A crescent of skin is removed from the groin, then the tissues below the incision are loosened and the "thigh lift" takes place as the skin is pulled up and the incision sutured shut. Deep stitches are used in the thigh lift to secure the skin to ligament and bone, preventing sagging as the incisions heal.

General anesthesia is used to perform thigh lift. A Board Certified Anesthesiologist administers the anesthesia.

After Thigh Lift

Back to Top

You will probably feel tired and sore for several days after the thigh lift operation. However within one or two days you should be up and around. Avoid bending and heavy lifting. You do not want place unnecessary pressure on the stitches.

You will probably be able to return to work in a couple of weeks and exercise more rigorously in about four to six weeks after the thigh lift

After the thigh lift you can expect an immediate improvement in the contour of your thighs, and your contour will continue to improve as the swelling subsides over the months. The sagging, hanging folds of skin will be gone and your thighs will appear tighter and possibly smoother. However, the final contour and appearance will not be fully realized for many months after the operation.

The scars are permanent and may appear worsen after a few months, but will fade with time.

Pre & Post-Op Tips for Thigh Lift

Back to Top

1. Do no take any medication that contains aspirin, vitamin E, weight loss medication or any Chinese herbs for 2 weeks before the surgery. A complete drug list will be provided on your pre-op appointment date.
2. Arrange for an adult to drive you to and from your surgery. You CAN NOT take a taxi home. You must also arrange for an adult to stay with you for 24 hours after thigh lift.
3. Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks prior to the surgery.
4. After the first dressing change, wear your compression garment continuously day and night to support and position the skin.
5. Driving is permitted after a few days, if not taking pain medications.
6. Avoid heavy lifting, exercise or excessive movement of your arms for 2 weeks.
7. You may resume all normal activities after 3 weeks of thigh lift.

More specific recommendations will be made when you come to Park Cities Plastic Surgery Center in Dallas.

If you would like to know more about thigh lift, you can contact us by phone, email or schedule an appointment at Dr. Liland's office:

Open weekdays: 8am - 5pm
Saturday: 10am - 12pm
Sunday: Closed