Surgery that removes loose, sagging skin from the inner or outer thigh, most often after major weight loss, restoring a firm contour. An inner thigh lift hides its incision in the groin crease; a more extensive lift extends down the inner thigh. The only fix for thigh skin that hangs.
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Thigh skin that hangs after major weight loss is among the most uncomfortable problems in body contouring, because it chafes, limits clothing, and does not respond to any device. A thigh lift removes it. It is a significant operation with a real scar and a careful recovery, and for the right patient it changes daily life more than most cosmetic surgery.
What the surgery does
An inner thigh lift removes excess skin from the upper inner thigh through an incision in the groin crease, sometimes extending down the inner thigh when laxity reaches toward the knee. An outer thigh lift addresses sagging on the outer thigh and is usually part of a lower body lift, with the incision around the hip. Liposuction is often added to refine the contour. The procedure takes two to four hours under general anesthesia, and after large weight loss it is commonly staged with other contouring procedures.
The scar and the recovery
The groin-crease incision hides under underwear; the extended inner thigh incision shows in shorts and fades over one to two years. Because the inner thigh moves and stays warm, wound care matters more here than in most procedures and surgeons are specific about walking limits in the first days. A compression garment is worn for several weeks, desk work resumes at about two weeks, and exercise at six to eight. Swelling settles over a few months. The removed skin does not return.
Who it suits
People with significant loose skin on the thighs, most often after losing a large amount of weight, who have been at a stable weight for six months or more and who accept the scar for the contour. It is not for a fat pocket on firm skin; that is liposuction or fat freezing territory, and a surgeon will say so.
What it costs
Typically $6,000 to $12,000 including surgeon, anesthesia, and facility, more when combined with a body lift or liposuction. Not covered by insurance for cosmetic reasons, though skin removal that causes documented rashes or infections is occasionally reviewed.
Choosing a surgeon
Ask how many thigh lifts the surgeon does and to see results at one year, including the scars. Ask how they place the incision and manage wound care. If your laxity follows weight loss, ask about their experience with post-weight-loss contouring and how they stage a full plan.
Browse the surgeons below and compare thigh lift providers and pricing by city.
Why people choose Thigh Lift
Removes hanging thigh skin that chafes and shows in clothing
Firmer, smoother thighs in one procedure
Groin-crease incision for milder cases is well hidden
Often combined with liposuction or a lower body lift
Are you a good candidate?
People with significant loose skin on the inner or outer thighs, usually after large weight loss, at a stable weight, who accept a scar in the groin crease or along the inner thigh
By location
Find Thigh Lift near you
1,147 practices across 301 cities list Thigh Lift on ClinicCompass. 831 of them (72%) say on their own websites that they offer financing or payment plans;
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Liposuction removes fat; it does not remove skin, and on a thigh with loose skin it can make the sag worse. If your thigh skin is loose and hangs, especially after weight loss, a lift is the treatment, sometimes with liposuction added for contour. If the problem is a fat pocket on skin that is still firm, liposuction or fat freezing may be all you need.
Where is the scar?
For a mild lift, the incision sits in the groin crease and is hidden by underwear. For more extensive laxity, it extends down the inner thigh toward the knee, where it is visible in shorts and fades over one to two years. An outer thigh lift is usually part of a lower body lift with its incision around the hip. The surgeon will show you which pattern your thigh needs.
What is the recovery?
Walking is limited for the first days to protect the incision, then gradually increased. A compression garment is worn for several weeks. Desk work at about two weeks, exercise at six to eight, swelling settling over a few months. The inner thigh incision needs careful wound care because the area moves and stays warm.
What does it cost?
Typically $6,000 to $12,000 including surgeon, anesthesia, and facility, higher when combined with liposuction or a body lift. Not covered by insurance for cosmetic reasons.
