If you’re struggling with excess skin or fat in your thighs that can’t be addressed through diet or exercise, you might be considering a thigh lift, also known as thighplasty.
Many things can contribute to excess skin and fat, such as age, genetics, and, most commonly, significant weight gain or weight loss. While weight loss can lead to loose skin that makes it harder to move freely, weight gain can cause similar issues, including chafing and discomfort in the thigh area.
In this piece, we’ll discuss exactly how a thigh lift can change your body, who is considered a good candidate for it, the results you can expect from the procedure, and more.
Who’s a good candidate for a thigh lift?
A thigh lift is a major procedure, so it’s not something to rush into. It’s a personal choice, and like any cosmetic surgery, it should be done for the right reasons — mainly, your own comfort and confidence.
Having said that, the ideal candidate is someone who’s close to their goal weight but still dealing with excess skin or stubborn fat in the thighs.
Usually, this comes after significant weight loss, where the skin hasn’t quite snapped back, or just due to genetics and aging.
Being in good health overall is important, and so is not smoking, since that can interfere with healing.
Patients who do best tend to have realistic expectations, live an active lifestyle, and can commit to taking about a week or so off work to recover properly.
What happens during the procedure?
A thigh lift is usually done under general anesthesia and takes about two to three hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.
During the procedure, a surgeon removes excess skin and fat from the thighs and reshapes the area to create a smoother, more contoured look.
In some cases, the inner thighs are the main focus, but may be accompanied by procedures in other areas of the body, such as abdominoplasty, arm lift, or liposuction, depending on the patient’s needs and goals.
Most patients go home the same day, but they’ll need to take it easy for seven to ten days as the body heals, and they can go back to more vigorous activity after about a month.
What changes after a thigh lift — beyond just appearance
One of the biggest changes people notice after a thigh lift is how their legs look — smoother, more toned, and more proportional to the rest of their body.
The surgery removes loose skin and excess fat, which can make the thighs look firmer and give the whole lower body a more youthful shape.
It’s not just about appearances, though. Without the extra skin or bulk, movement becomes easier. Walking, exercising, and even just sitting down can feel more comfortable, especially if chafing or skin irritation were issues before.
And for many, it also changes how they feel in their own bodies and clothes. Wearing shorts, skirts, or swimwear doesn’t come with the same hesitation, which brings more ease, both physically and mentally.
What results should you expect?
Initially, compression garments are usually part of the recovery process and help minimize swelling while supporting the healing tissue.
While results aren’t instant, most people start noticing a real difference in just a few weeks, with full results settling in over the next few months.
Once these results have settled in, patients can expect a more sculpted, lifted appearance in the thighs — with smoother skin and little to no remaining looseness. Clothes tend to fit better, movement becomes easier, and the legs look more toned overall.
Conclusion
A thigh lift can create a noticeable difference in both appearance and comfort.
By removing excess skin and fat, the procedure gives the thighs a tighter, more lifted look with smoother contours and no loose skin left behind.
At our Milwaukee, Wisconsin clinic, Dr. Mark Bosbous offers a personalized approach to each thigh lift procedure, making sure your experience is positive while helping you achieve your goals.
With years of experience in body contouring, he guides patients through every step from consultation to recovery.
If you’re curious about whether a thigh lift is right for you, get in touch to schedule a consultation.