A thigh lift, also known as thighplasty, is a procedure that reshapes the thighs by addressing excess skin and laxity.
For many people, this is an issue that shows up after weight changes, with age, or simply due to genetics. But no matter the cause, loose skin in this area can be difficult to manage and uncomfortable to live with.
Thighplasty is designed to address these concerns by removing extra skin and improving the overall contour of the legs. Depending on where the looseness is most noticeable, the surgical approach can look very different from one patient to the next.
At his clinic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. Mark Bosbous uses a range of techniques to tailor the procedure to each person’s anatomy and goals, with two of the most common approaches being the inner thigh lift and the outer thigh lift. Here’s how they differ.
Inner Thigh Lift
An inner thigh lift focuses on tightening and reshaping the skin along the inside of the thighs. It’s often a good option for people who have sagging skin or pockets of stubborn fat in this area that don’t respond to diet or exercise. This is especially common after weight loss or with natural changes that come with aging.
Many patients consider an inner thigh lift because they want the upper legs to feel firmer and look more balanced. Beyond appearance, the procedure can also make everyday movement more comfortable. You can reduce chafing, hygiene becomes easier to manage, and clothing tends to fit better overall.
One of the advantages of an inner thigh lift is that the incisions are usually placed in areas that can be easily hidden. When healing is complete, the results are noticeable in how the thighs sit and move, without drawing attention to the surgery itself.
Outer Thigh Lift
An outer thigh lift involves a larger incision, which does mean more extensive scarring compared to an inner thigh lift. The incision typically starts near the groin and extends up and around the hip.
While the scars are more significant, they are strategically placed so they can be hidden under most clothing and swimsuits. Still, they may still be more visible than inner thigh lift scars.
This type of thigh lift targets sagging skin and excess fat along the outer thighs, hips, and sometimes the buttocks as well. It’s often recommended for patients who notice drooping along the sides of the thighs and want to improve hip contour and overall balance in the lower body.
The main benefits of an outer thigh lift include a smoother outer thigh and hip area, a more balanced silhouette from top to bottom, and, in some cases, a reduction in the appearance of cellulite. For patients with more widespread skin laxity in this area, it can make a noticeable difference in both the shape and fit of clothing.
Who is a good candidate for thighplasty?
Good candidates are people who have excess skin or soft tissue along the inner or outer thighs that doesn’t improve with weight loss or exercise. This often shows up after significant weight changes, pregnancy, or with natural aging.
Being at a stable weight is also important, since large fluctuations after surgery can affect results. Candidates should also be nonsmokers or willing to stop smoking before and after the procedure, as smoking can interfere with healing.
Additionally, people with good overall health and realistic expectations about scarring and recovery tend to be the most satisfied with their results.
Recovery and results
After surgery, patients are advised to wear a compression garment to help support the area, and encourage proper healing.
Most people are able to return to work and light daily activity within about 7 to 10 days. During this time, movement is encouraged, but you should avoid anything more strenuous.
You can resume more intense activity, such as exercise and heavy lifting, around 3 to 4 weeks after surgery, once you’ve been cleared by your surgeon.
As healing continues, the thighs begin to look firmer and more contoured. While some swelling can take longer to fully resolve, most patients start noticing their results fairly early, with continued improvement in the weeks and months that follow.
Final Thoughts
A thigh lift can make a noticeable difference for people dealing with loose skin or excessive fat in the lower body, especially when those issues don’t respond to weight loss or exercise.
Where that laxity sits, along the inner thighs, outer thighs, or both, plays a big role in determining which surgical approach makes sense and how much tightening is needed.
At our clinic, Dr. Mark Bosbous works closely with patients to assess anatomy, talk through concerns, and set realistic expectations for results. If you’re exploring your options, a consultation is the first step to understanding which thighplasty approach is the right fit for you.