Thigh Lift

Loose skin and stubborn excess fat in the thigh area are common problems for men and women wanting to firm up and tone their bodies. While a healthy diet and exercise can help you burn unwanted fat, loose skin after weight loss and/or aging is not as easily addressed at the gym. If you’re looking to achieve firmer more proportionate thighs and hips, a surgical thigh lift may be right for you.

A thigh lift, or thighplasty, can reshape your lower body contours by removing excess skin and fat from the upper, inner thighs. The results are smoother skin, better-defined contours and less irritation and chafing due to the excess skin rubbing together.

Our board-certified plastic surgeons use a customized approach to produce the best possible results for each of our Sacramento patients. They are highly skilled in body contouring surgery, including thigh lift surgery.

If you’re looking to complete your physical transformation after significant weight loss or just want to revitalize your appearance, let the plastic surgeons at The Natural Result / Center for Aesthetic Artistry help you achieve your body contouring goals.

Why Choose Us

The Natural Result / Center for Aesthetic Artistry has an established reputation in the Sacramento area as post-weight loss body contouring specialists. We perform a high volume of thigh lifts every year, and hold patient satisfaction as a top priority.
Expertise matters across all aspects of plastic surgery. We’re proud to say that the majority of our staff has been with us for several years, and we’ve been working with the same group of anesthesiologists almost as long as we’ve been in practice.
We have the right combination of technical skill and emotional sensitivity to appreciate the big picture of post-weight loss body contouring. Our patients know that we value long-term relationships, and return to us again and again.

Benefits of a Thigh Lift

A thigh lift can be particularly beneficial after significant weight loss or as part of a comprehensive body contouring plan. Key benefits include:

Slimmer, firmer thighs and improved body proportions
Enhanced comfort and mobility
Smoother skin texture
Better fit in clothing
Boosted confidence and body image

Good Candidates for Thigh Lift Surgery

The best candidates for thigh lifts are men and women who lead relatively healthy lifestyles, but whose inner thighs retain fat despite diet and exercise. Many men and women who have lost a significant amount of weight are good candidates for a post-weight loss thigh lift, while other patients choose thigh lift surgery to counteract some of the evidence of the natural aging process, including cellulite and sagging, loose skin.

Ideal candidates for this procedure:

Are at a healthy, stable weight.
Are in good overall health.
Do not smoke or are willing to quit before surgery.
Have realistic expectations about their results.

Request Your Consult

Your Consult

If you’re considering a thigh lift, scheduling a consultation at The Natural Result / Center for Aesthetic Artistry is the first step. During this time, you can ask any questions you have and talk to a plastic surgeon about your personal goals and hopes for surgery to make sure a thigh lift is the right solution for you. For example, if your appearance concerns are related more to excess fatty tissue rather than loose skin, you may see good results from liposuction rather than a full thigh lift. Your surgeon will talk more about your options, as well as give you detailed pre- and post-op instructions.

By the end of this visit, you should feel equipped with everything you need to make informed decisions about your customized surgical plan.

The Thigh Lift Procedure

Thigh lifts are typically performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis, meaning you can expect to return home the same day after a short recovery period at our surgical center. Depending on the extent of the lift and whether additional procedures such as liposuction are performed, surgery generally takes 2 to 3 hours to complete.

Your plastic surgeon will carefully plan incisions to minimize visible scarring. In most cases, the surgeon makes an incision in the groin crease, which allows the scar to be concealed by underwear or swimwear. If more extensive skin removal is needed, an incision may continue along the inner thigh to achieve a more complete lift. Through these incisions, excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining tissue is gently lifted, tightened and secured in a higher position.

Immediately after your procedure, you will be moved to recovery, where our team will monitor you until you are cleared to return home. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

Thigh Lift FAQs

How much does a thigh lift cost in Sacramento?

Many factors go into the price of a thigh lift. Costs increase over time and will vary depending on what a particular patient needs. We encourage you to contact us for the latest pricing information. We are committed to providing competitive pricing on all plastic surgery procedures. If the cost of a thigh lift presents a challenge for you, please discuss financing and payment options during your consultation to help make your procedure as affordable as possible.
Is a thigh lift covered by insurance?

Not usually, since a thigh lift is typically considered a cosmetic procedure. However, if this procedure is deemed medically necessary for you due to things like limited mobility or skin rashes or chafing, some insurance providers may offer partial or full coverage.
How do I choose a thigh lift plastic surgeon near me?

Choose a plastic surgeon in your area who has ample experience with body contouring and post-weight loss procedures, including thigh lifts. Narrow your search by looking at before and after photos on the practice’s website, reading online reviews and asking for word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family near you. Finally, schedule an in-person consultation to meet with your plastic surgeon and make your final decision.
Is a thigh lift the best procedure for me?

A thigh lift could be the best body contouring solution for you if exercise-resistant fat and loose skin in your upper thighs are keeping you from looking and feeling your best. Liposuction alone can help to remove isolated areas of stubborn fat, but it will not address excess skin due to massive weight loss, genetics, aging or other factors.
Will a thigh lift get rid of cellulite?

A thigh lift can help to improve the appearance of cellulite, as this procedure tightens and removes loose skin. However, a thigh lift will not necessarily get rid of all cellulite in the treated area. If cellulite is of big concern, a lower body lift, which aims to tighten and remove loose skin from areas such as the hips, abdomen, buttocks and thighs, may be worth considering down the road.
Does a thigh lift hurt?

A thigh lift is performed under general anesthesia, so you should not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure itself. After getting a thigh lift, it is common to experience some tenderness, swelling and bruising, which are typically easy to manage with the use of prescription or over-the-counter pain medication, ice packs and getting enough rest as your body heals.
Will there be visible scars?

Yes, but our surgeons take great care to ensure they are well hidden in natural creases such as the groin or inner thigh. Scars will fade over time with proper care.
How long do thigh lift results last?

With a stable weight and active lifestyle, results can last for many years.
How long does it take to recover from a thigh lift?

Plan to take 1 to 2 weeks off work and other daily activities as you recover after your thigh lift. Expect to avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous physical activity for around 6 to 8 weeks after getting a thigh lift. Wearing a compression garment during recovery as directed by your plastic surgeon can help your body to heal more effectively and comfortably.
When will I see results from a thigh lift?

You may notice an immediate improvement in the contours and smoothness of your thighs directly following your thigh lift. However, swelling and bruising can hide initial results, which will gradually develop over the coming weeks and months. It can take six months or more to see your final results from your thigh lift.

Thigh Lift Recovery & Results

Plan to take 1 to 2 weeks off work and daily routines after your thigh lift to allow your body time to rest and heal. During this time, you may experience some swelling, bruising and mild discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medication and proper care. Your surgeon will likely recommend keeping your legs elevated when resting to help minimize swelling and promote circulation.

It’s important to avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for 6 to 8 weeks or until cleared by your surgeon. Gentle walking, however, is encouraged soon after the procedure to help reduce the risk of blood clots and support overall recovery.

Your surgeon will provide you with detailed post-op instructions, including how to care for your incisions and when to return for follow-up appointments. Wearing a compression garment as directed helps to reduce swelling, support your new contours and make the healing process more comfortable.

During this period, you’ll gradually notice improvements in how your thighs feel and move, with swelling slowly subsiding as your body continues to heal.

As your body heals, swelling will gradually subside and the tissues will settle into their new position. Over the next several weeks and months, your results will continue to improve. While some changes are visible within the first few weeks, it can take 6 to 12 months for final thigh lift results to fully develop.

Most patients find that their improved thigh shape allows for greater comfort and confidence in clothing and daily movement. With a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, your results can be very long-lasting.