Thigh Lift
Thigh surgery to reduce excess skin and improve selected inner or outer thigh contours.
Consult with Dr. Henry Huson at Queen City Plastic Surgery in West Chester, Ohio, serving the Cincinnati area.
- Setting
- Surgical facility; monitoring needs vary
- Anesthesia
- General
- Procedure time
- Individual estimate at consultation
- Recovery
- Several weeks, depending on the extent
- Results
- Develop over months; results vary
General planning information. Your procedure, anesthesia, recovery, and results depend on your health and treatment plan. Returning to work does not mean full healing.
About the procedure
A thigh lift removes loose skin, sometimes with liposuction of nearby fat. A groin incision may be sufficient for a limited correction; more extensive skin excess can require a vertical scar down the inner thigh.
Thigh incisions are exposed to movement, moisture, and tension during everyday activity. Wound care, clothing, walking, and exercise restrictions need planning. A body lift may address the outer thighs differently from an inner thigh lift. Combining operations is considered only after assessing recovery demands and risk.
Good candidates
- Loose inner or outer thigh skin
- Chafing or discomfort from excess skin
- A stable weight after weight loss
- Non-smokers in good health
Candidacy is confirmed at your consultation. Dr. Huson will tell you honestly if a different approach would serve you better.
Before & after
Coming soon
Before and after photos for thigh lift will be added here.
What to expect
Your consultation
The consultation reviews your goals, medical history, medications, nicotine use, and examination findings. Discuss alternatives, the proposed setting and anesthesia, realistic changes, costs, and the support you will need during recovery.
The procedure
Depending on the pattern of excess, the incision runs along the groin crease, down the inner thigh, or both. Excess skin is removed and the thigh tightened with deep supporting sutures.
Recovery
Follow the plan for gentle walking, wound care, garments, and movement restrictions. Incision separation can prolong healing. Further scar treatment should be considered only after assessment.
Risks and limitations
- Wound separation, infection, prolonged swelling, and fluid collections can complicate healing.
- Clots, numbness, prominent scars, and recurrent laxity can occur.
This is not a complete list. Your clinician should explain the risks of the specific procedure and anesthesia, including bleeding, infection, healing problems, and any medical factors that change your risk.
Other options
Liposuction may address fat when skin quality is suitable. A lower body lift treats a different pattern of outer thigh laxity. Supportive clothing or no surgery remain options.
Planning your consultation
Bring your medication list and relevant medical history. Ask about the facility, anesthesia team, follow-up, time away from work, and help at home. Request an itemized estimate covering the procedure, anesthesia, facility, and any additional care; confirm coverage directly if insurance may apply.
Common questions
Bring the rest to your consultation. There is no such thing as too many.
Where are the scars?
They may follow the groin crease, extend down the inner thigh, or both. Visibility depends on the pattern and clothing.
Can a thigh lift be combined with other surgery?
Sometimes, but recovery demands and operating time may favor separate stages.
Can skin loosen again?
Yes. Weight changes and aging can alter the contour despite surgery.
Related procedures
View all 13Sources and further reading
Patient education from Queen City Plastic Surgery. Updated . General information does not replace a personal medical assessment. Sources explain general procedures and do not establish the services or protocols of this practice. Contact the practice with questions or to request a correction.
Ready to talk about Thigh Lift?
Consultations are free, unhurried, and educational. Bring your questions and your goals; leave with an honest plan.