Thighplasty (Thigh Lift)

Why do patient seek thigh lift surgery?

Thighplasty, or thigh lift, is performed for those patients with excess skin on their inner or outer thighs.

For some patients, nonsurgical RF energy will tighten the skin and melt unwanted fat. For others, liposuction alone will treat the unwanted thigh fat. However, when there is significant excess skin, dimpling, or stretch marks, remove of the skin through a thigh lift can dramatically improve this area.

Typically, the inner thigh lift is more popular. The incision is hidden in the groin area. The outer thigh or inner thigh lift can be combined with the tummy tuck procedure or liposuction of the thighs. The liposuction improves unwanted fat and the the thigh lift tightens the excess skin. Dr. Mandell-Brown will help you decide which procedure is best for you during your consultation.

Some plastic surgeons recommend a vertical incision down the inner aspect of the thigh to further tighten the skin. Dr Mandell-Brown however, prefers to keep the incision in the groin/buttock area. “Having a scar down your leg often to your knee will be unsightly and often can make the patient self-conscious, stated Dr. Mandell-Brown. “I inform our patients that even if we remove less skin, they can wear shorts and have an improved appearance without worrying about hiding the vertical scar that some doctors make.”

Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown

Dr. Mandell Brown is a nationally recognized, triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing facial, breast, and body procedures. Known for his Natural Look™ cosmetic surgery results, Dr. Mandell-Brown has the credentials and aesthetic eye to precisely tailor your procedure and safely achieve the results you desire.

Meet Dr. Mandell-Brown
American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
Achieved Accreditation by AAAHC
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery

Post Operative Care

The patient may or may not have drains after the procedure. If drains are placed, they are typically removed on the third to fifth post operative day. Patients wear compression hose to decrease risks of leg blood clots. The compression socks are worn for the first week following surgery. The hose also help decrease leg swelling. In bed, the patient is positioned with a pillow under the knees to bend the lower legs. Walking after surgery is encouraged to help with leg circulation and decrease risks of clots. The incisions are cleaned with peroxide and antibiotic ointment after the incision tapes are removed. Most patients return to work in 7 to 10 days.

Complications

All procedures have risks of complications. Dr Mandell-Brown feels his patients should be well informed and will review these during the consultation. Most patients doing superbly well. However, all procedures even in the best hands can have the following:

Bleeding, Infection, Numbness, Nerve Injury, Skin Incision Separation or Delayed Wound Healing, Revision Surgery, Blood Clot, Pulmonary Embolism

Thigh Lift Case Study 1

Preop full tummy tuck, this patient will also need a medial thigh lift, belt lift, and liposuction. Dr Mark Mandell-Brown prefers to perform this in two stages for patient safety and help decrease healing time. Six months after the tummy tuck she will have stage two with a belt lift liposuction of flanks and back, and medial thigh lift.
After the full tummy tuck, the patient returns for stage two with areas to be treated marked by Dr Mandell-Brown.
The patient has completed stage 2 with a belt lift, liposuction of flanks and back and inner thigh lift after the stage one full tummy tuck.
Same patient from back view, pre-op (before surgery).
Same patient with back view postop after Dr Mandell-Brown’s liposuction and belt lift along with her thigh lift.

Thigh Lift Case Study 2

This patient desired improved upper leg contour.
The red markings are for liposuction. The blue area indicates the area of the inner thigh lift with the green line for the incision.
Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio plastic surgeon, Dr Mandell-Brown’s patient after the medial thigh lift and liposuction.
Related Procedures

Areas Served

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown — Updated on Sep 9, 2024