Thigh Lift (Thighplasty) in NYC: Reshape & Sculpt Your Thighs
What Is a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift, also known as thighplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes loose, sagging skin and stubborn fat from the inner and outer thighs, creating firmer, toned, and sculpted legs. Whether due to aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or genetics, excess skin and fat in the thighs can make it difficult to achieve a smooth, contoured look.
For individuals struggling with thigh chafing, sagging skin, or a lack of definition, thigh lift surgery is the most effective procedure for restoring firm, youthful thighs. This body contouring surgery is often combined with liposuction to enhance results by removing localized fat deposits.
Table of Contents
Thigh Lift: Before & After
Why Patients Trust Dr. Wiser
NYC & Israeli Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Chief of Plastic Surgery at Mount Sinai Elmhurst
Advanced techniques for natural-looking results
Thousands of successful
procedures
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Thigh Lift?
You may be an ideal candidate for thigh lift surgery if you:
- Have loose skin due to weight loss, aging, or genetics.
- Have excess fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise.
- Experience thigh chafing or discomfort due to sagging skin.
- Are in good overall health and at a stable weight.
- Have realistic expectations about the procedure
This procedure is not a weight-loss surgery—instead, it is designed to remove loose skin and refine the contours of the thighs.
Why Choose a Thigh Lift?
A thighplasty procedure provides significant benefits to patients who are looking to achieve a sculpted thigh contour. Some key advantages include:
- Eliminating loose, sagging skin from the inner and outer thighs.
- Tightening and reshaping the thighs for a firm, toned look.
- Reducing thigh chafing and irritation from excess skin folds.
- Improving overall body proportions after significant weight loss.
- Enhancing self-confidence when wearing shorts, skirts, and swimsuits.
- Long-lasting results when paired with a healthy lifestyle
If you have good skin elasticity but struggle with excess fat, liposuction alone may be an alternative to a thigh lift procedure.
Types of Thigh Lift Surgery
There are several types of thighplasty procedures, each tailored to address specific concerns.
An inner thigh lift focuses on removing excess skin and fat from the inner thighs to reduce sagging and improve thigh definition. The incision is typically placed along the groin crease, making it discreet and easily hidden by clothing.
Best for:
- Patients with skin laxity in the inner thighs.
- Those who have lost significant weight.
- Individuals looking for better thigh definition
An outer thigh lift removes excess fat and skin from the outer thighs and hips, helping to tighten and contour the lower body. This procedure is often combined with a buttock lift or a full body lift for dramatic results.
Best for:
- Patients with loose skin extending from the thighs to the hips.
- Individuals looking for dramatic lower body contouring
A mini thigh lift is a less invasive procedure ideal for patients with mild skin laxity in the upper thighs. The incision is made in the groin area, resulting in minimal scarring and a faster recovery.
Best for:
- Individuals with moderate skin sagging.
- Those looking for a quick recovery and minimal scarring
A vertical thighplasty is recommended for patients with moderate to severe skin laxity. The incision extends from the groin down to the knee, allowing for significant skin removal and reshaping.
Best for:
- Patients with significant weight loss.
- Those with excess skin along the entire length of the thigh
For patients with excess fat deposits, liposuction can be combined with a thigh lift to enhance the final contour of the thighs.
- Liposuction alone is best for individuals with good skin elasticity.
- Thigh lift with liposuction is ideal for removing stubborn fat and loose skin
How Is a Thigh Lift Performed?
A thighplasty procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 2-4 hours, depending on the extent of correction.
Thigh Lift Procedure Steps:
- An incision is made in the groin, inner thigh, or outer thigh, depending on the type of thigh lift surgery.
- Excess skin and fat are removed, and the underlying tissues are tightened.
- If needed, liposuction is performed to further contour the thighs.
- The incisions are carefully closed with sutures, and bandages or compression garments are applied to support healing.
Patients can typically return home the same day, as this is an outpatient procedure.
Thigh Lift Recovery Timeline
Week 1
Week 2
Week 4-6
3-6 months
Thigh Lift Results – What to Expect
Immediate improvement in thigh contour after surgery.
- Smoother, firmer, and toned upper legs.
- Final results appear in 3-6 months, once swelling subsides.
- Scars will fade over time and are strategically placed for minimal visibility.
- Long-lasting results when maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
Is Thigh Lift Painful?
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort in the first few days following surgery, but this is easily managed with prescribed pain medication.
To further minimize post-operative pain, Dr. Itay Wiser utilizes an advanced nerve block technique during surgery. This temporarily numbs the surgical area, significantly reducing discomfort for the first 24-48 hours after the procedure. Patients who receive a nerve block often report a smoother, more comfortable recovery with less reliance on pain medication.
📌 Dr. Wiser’s focus on patient comfort ensures that you experience the easiest and most pain-free recovery possible.
Thigh Lift FAQs
How long do thigh lift results last?
Thigh lift results are long-lasting, especially when maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Will I have scars after a thigh lift?
Yes, but incisions are strategically placed in discreet areas and will fade over time.
Can a thigh lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes! Many patients combine a thigh lift with liposuction, a tummy tuck, or a lower body lift for enhanced results.
How soon can I return to work after thigh lift surgery?
Most patients return to light work within 1-2 weeks, but strenuous activities should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.
Is a thigh lift covered by insurance?
Thigh lifts are typically cosmetic procedures, but in cases where excess skin causes medical issues (such as rashes or infections), insurance coverage may be possible.