Thigh lift

What is a thigh lift?

A thigh lift (also called thighplasty) is a surgical procedure that helps shape and contours the thighs by removing extra skin and fat. This procedure is meant to strengthen, smooth out and firm the appearance of the upper legs, especially when these legs have become flabby due to weight loss or aging.

The Different Kinds of Thigh Lifts:

Inner (medial) thigh lift

• Targets the muscles around your inner thigh.
• The surgeon cuts in the groin region to remove any extra skin and fat.

Outer (lateral) thigh lift

• Works mainly on the muscles in the outer thighs and hips.
• May need to make longer cuts which can stretch from the groin to the hip area.

Vertical thigh lift

• Sometimes necessary for a bigger area of skin to be removed.
• Made as a vertical cut along the inside of the thigh from the groin to the knee.

Mini Thigh Lift 

• Less invasive.
• Made in the upper thigh, similar to liposuction and with a much smaller cut.

Thigh lift Surgery Cost

The cost of thigh lift surgery is $3,500.

Inner Thigh Lift Before and After 

Sometimes referred to as a medial thigh lift, this cosmetic surgery helps to shape the upper leg’s inner area by taking away additional skin and fat which often happens from age, weight loss or loss of the skin’s elasticity. Let me tell you what you should expect before and after having the procedure:

Before Surgery

Consultation & Review

• The surgeon looks at how your skin is, how your fat is spread and your overall well-being.
• Your surgeon will want to learn about your goals, whether you are on any medications and what your medical history is.
• The scene can be recorded on camera before repair to act as a reference point.

Preparation

• Sometimes, you need lab checking, should quit smoking and hold off on certain drugs (like blood thinners).
• Patients should be advised to have healthy meals and drink water regularly.
• The surgeon talks about the type of incision (usually in the groin crease) and what the person should expect from the surgery.

After Surgery

Right after Surgery

It is possible that you will feel:

• Inflammation, visible bruising and discomfort may occur.
• Tubes put in to temporarily remove fluid.
• Discomfort or a feeling of tightness in the thigh.

Appearance

• Before: Extra folding skin; scratchiness or annoying tightness when walking; trouble fitting clothes properly.
• After: Patients notice that their inner thighs are slimmer, toned and have a better shape; their figure looks better; and they feel more confident and comfortable when they wear anything.

Thigh lift Recovery Time

The time it takes to recover after a thigh lift (inner, outer or full) is about 6 to 8 weeks, but this may differ depending on your condition, the kind of surgery and how well you take care of yourself after the operation.

Recovery Timeline after a Thigh Lift

First Week

• Typical signs are swelling, bruising, soreness, tightness and a feeling of discomfort.
• The doctor may place drains to help remove extra fluid.
• To decrease swelling and help healing, the patient wears compression garments all day and night.
• Moving around to prevent blood clots, you should walk a little, however, don’t climb stairs or bend.

Weeks 2–3

• Several days after treatment, swelling and bruising decrease.
• There is a major decrease in pain.
• You might begin to do simple activities as you feel better.
• The stitches that will not dissolve by them may be taken out by a doctor.

Weeks 4–6

• There is less swelling.
• People are often able to return to their regular jobs, especially if they do not have to be physically active.
• Avoid doing any tough activity, heavy lifting or exercises that use your legs.

After Week 6

• In most cases, people get back to regular activities and doing light exercises.
• You should still be taking care of your scars while they are healing (use silicone sheets or gels, plus sunscreen).
• The swelling may not go right away and might look worse during the second week.

3–6 Months

• It’s possible to tell what the results are while the tissue settles down.
• Bandages are removed and scars tend to fade and become softer.
• Skin is smoother and less irritating compared to open skin.

Non-surgical Thigh lift Options

Options that do not require surgery help firm the thighs, bringing you better results without surgery and recovery. Although they do not have the same effects as surgery such procedures can tighten skin, remove fat and improve shape—especially for those who have only mild or moderate sagging.

Non-Surgical Ways to Lift the Thighs

Radiofrequency (RF) methods to firm the skin

• The process: RF energy creates heat that increases production of collagen and elastin.
• Thermage, Exilis and Venus Legacy are some of the brand names used.
• Effects: The skin is tightened and lifted gently.
• Each person usually attends 3–6 sessions, with a break of several weeks after every session.
• Downtime: None.

Treatment using High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

• Action: Moves ultrasound energy into the skin to help tighten and lift sagging skin.
• Both Ultherapy and Liposonix are brands.
• When to use: Early to mid-stages of sagging skin and trouble with excess fat.
• Outcome: Better outcomes gradually over a period of 2–3 months.

Laser skin-tightening 

• Explanation: Infrared or fractional lasers treat the skin by heating it which leads to skin regeneration.
• Fotona, Titan and Fraxel are three examples of brands.
• Concern: Skin and its flexibility (elasticity).
• Aftercare: A bit of redness for a short period and no time off needed.

Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting)

• The process: Cooling and killing fat cells in the thigh area.
• Result: As much as 25% less fat can be present in the specific treated area.
• Be aware: This treatment does not tighten skin; best when combined with RF or laser.

EMSCULPT Neo

• It uses radiofrequency and HIFEM (muscle stimulation) together to develop muscle and burn fat.
• Makes the thighs smaller and firms the skin.
• The changes became obvious after attending 4 therapy sessions.

Microneedling with RF (such as Morpheus8 and Vivace)

• What happens: RF energy and small needles are used to restore elasticity in the deep layers of skin.
• It’s great for: Moderate or minor sagging and crepey skin.
• Downtime: Minimal.

Thigh lift Scars Healing

Scars on your thighs are to be expected after surgery and can fade a lot if you follow good care instructions. The way scars look and how they heal will vary with the thigh lift type, your skin and how well they are post-surgery.

What Areas Have the Scars in Your Body?

• The scar for an inner (medial) thigh lift is usually placed in the groin crease and could go all the way down the thigh.
• A vertical scar on the inner thigh, stretching from the groin to below the knee, is done during vertical thigh lift.
• A full thigh lift can result in scars that go around the hip or buttock area.

The Expected Time for Thigh Lift Scar Healing

• In the first 0–2 weeks, the rash is pink or red, raised and may be itchy. Scars are still developing.
• During 2-6 weeks, the scar shrinks and fades a little; the healing process continues under the skin.
• For 2–3 months, the redness goes from bright to lighter shades and scar tissue softens.
• After about 6 months to one year, scars are much less visible and may even match the skin tone.
• Within a year, scars are usually flat, light in color and not very visible to most people.

How to Heal Scar After Surgery?

Follow the care plan given by your surgeon so that you avoid infection and have less scarring.

Observe a closed wound and apply scar treatments (once closure is achieved):

• Silicone-based sheets or gels (for example, those from ScarAway, Mederma or Dermatix).
• After the skin has healed, try vitamin E oil (it might cause irritation if applied earlier).

Gently rub the scar (at least 3–4 weeks after the surgery) to make it softer and boost blood circulation.

Shield scars from being exposed to the sun:

• Put on sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day to help stop darkening (hyperpigmentation).
• Try to keep your scars hidden with clothing for the first 6 months after surgery.

Keep well-hydrated and include protein in your food to assist skin healing.

Avoid smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages after surgery, as they can slow down wound recovery.

Thigh lift for Weight Loss Patients

After losing a lot of weight (via surgery or exercises), a thigh lift can help patients by removing the loose skin that is left behind. Losing weight can minimize fat, but it isn’t able to tighten the skin and this leads to sagging in the thigh area.

What are the reasons for having a thigh lift after weight loss?

• Because of losing 50 pounds or more, the skin often becomes looser and cannot return to normal texture.

Patients experience:

• Large amounts of loose skin on the thighs.
• Discomfort such as rubbing or rashes, in your feet when you walk.
• Not being able to wear clothing comfortably and properly.
• Experiencing stress or other feelings even after losing weight successfully.

Thigh lift Side Effects

Like most surgical procedures, a thigh lift may lead to temporary or (very rarely) lasting problems. Learning about them allows you to recover better and recognize when it’s time to consult a doctor.

Common and Expected Side Effects (Temporary):

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Pain or Discomfort
• Numbness or Tingling
• Scarring

Possible Complications and Risks:

• Infection
• Wound Separation
• Seroma or Hematoma
• Poor Scarring
• Blood Clots (DVT)
• Skin Necrosis
• Asymmetry
• Changes in Sensation

Thigh lift Procedure Steps

Pre-Operative Preparation

• All labs and health assessments are done before surgery.
• Incision Lines: Surgeon marks the places where your leg incisions will go with a pen.
• The common anaesthetic is general (sleeping), although some patients get local anaesthesia along with sedation.

Incision

How much excess skin you have and where it is found helps determine the type and length of your procedure:

• With an inner thigh lift, the incision starts in the groin and sometimes goes down the inner thigh.
• Thigh lift done vertically means an incision from the groin to the knee on the inner thigh.
• Thigh lift starting from incisions around the hip or buttock region is known as an outer/spiral thigh lift.

Skin and Fat Elimination

• The surgeon takes out any extra skin and possible fat from the repair area.
• Liposuction can be used if there is an area where fat needs sculpting.

Skin tightening and Closure 

• Any remaining skin is smoothed and pulled to tighten the surgery area.
• The sutures that reach deep within the skin hold up any new shapes you get.
• Stitches, skin glue or surgical tape are used to close the skin at the end of surgery.
• Drains are optional tools to keep fluid from accumulating.

Dressing and Recovery

• Bleeding wounds are covered by bandages.
• You get a compression garment placed to offer support to the area and help lessen swelling.
• After surgery, you'll need a few hours of recovery and can go home (or stay overnight for combined surgeries).

Top Hospital for Thigh lift Treatment in Delhi

• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
• Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
• Max Hospital, Saket
• Apollo Hospital, Delhi

Best thigh lift Surgeons

• Dr. Vipul Nanda
• Dr. Pradeep Kumar Singh
• Dr. Rakesh K khazanchi
• Dr. Sunil Choudhary
• Dr. Kuldeep Singh

Why Choose GetWellGo for Thigh lift treatment?

GetWellGo is regarded as a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our foreign clients choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.

We offer:

• Complete transparency
• Fair costs.
• 24 hour availability.
• Medical E-visas
• Online consultation from recognized Indian experts.
• Assistance in selecting India's top hospitals for thigh lift treatment.
• Best plastic surgeons with a strong track record of success
• Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
• Language Support
• Travel and Accommodation Services
• Case manager assigned to every patient to provide seamless support in and out of the hospital like appointment booking
• Local SIM Cards
• Currency Exchange
• Arranging Patient’s local food