Thigh Lift in Sacramento, Granite Bay & Coeur d’Alene

There are several versions of a thigh lift. An inner thigh lift or a medial thigh lift typically involves an excision just in the groin crease. This procedure is good for patients who have a small degree of excess skin in the upper, inner thigh that can be resected in a crescent shape and then closed to have the incision fall just within the groin crease itself. Oftentimes, liposuction is performed on the rest of the thigh to improve contour. Many patients, however, need an extended medial thigh lift. This procedure is best for patients with excess skin and laxity that is not only in the upper thigh but also proceeds further down the thigh. This incision is a longitudinal incision that runs on the inner surface of the thigh proceeding from the groin crease down to the knee. This allows an evenly distributed removal of excess skin that ultimately tightens and firms the thigh from the hip to the knee in a 360-degree manner. At the same time, liposuction would also be performed in other areas of the thigh to smooth the contour and reduce fullness. Liposuction is also performed throughout the hips to provide shape and contour the entire region.

What Type of Anesthesia is Used?

General anesthesia is essentially always used for a thigh lift procedure. It provides the patient with the most comfort and allows Dr. Coscia to position the patient in multiple ways to work on the thighs and hips circumferentially.

Thigh Lift Surgery Recovery

The surgery itself takes about three to four hours. You will then spend some time in our recovery room and then be discharged home. You will have drains in place to aid in removal of any excess fluid. You will also be placed into a compression garment that will help to decrease your swelling, improve contour, and aid in a quicker healing process. Most patients take two to three weeks off from work after this.

How to Prepare for Thigh Lift Surgery

During your consultation, Dr. Coscia will discuss the procedure details, your medical history, and your thigh lift candidacy. He will examine your thighs and other body areas of concern, go over possible outcomes and side effects, and share before-and-after images of previous patients.

Complete the necessary lab tests and medical evaluation and discuss your medications and supplements with Dr. Coscia. Certain medications, such as blood thinners, NSAIDs, and herbal supplements, can increase the risk of bleeding and other complications. You may need to discontinue or adjust some medicines.

Arrange for a friend or family member to accompany you on the day of your thighplasty. You can prepare your home and family for recovery by creating a comfortable area to rest with easy access to a bathroom, nutritious snacks, water, device chargers, and TV remotes. Many patients find it beneficial to make and freeze meals so they can focus on healing for the first one to two weeks after thigh lift.

Tips to Maximize Your Thighplasty Results

Thigh lift provides long-lasting results, and with a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy a smoother thigh contour for many years. Follow Dr. Coscia’s post-operative instructions for optimal healing and outcomes. Adhering to your board-certified plastic surgeon’s guidelines ensures better results.

Maintaining a stable weight helps to maximize the longevity of your thighplasty outcome. Additional weight gain and/or loss can lead to more loose skin, so it’s best to avoid weight fluctuations that stretch and damage the skin. Focus on regular exercise and good nutrition with well-balanced meals to prevent the scale from moving up or down, especially during recovery.

Don’t smoke or drink excessively because these habits affect your skin quality. Protect your skin from UV exposure with sunscreen to prevent harmful sun rays from damaging your skin tissues.

Candidates for Thigh Lift Surgery

Thigh lifts lead to better results when the patient is at a stable weight, and it’s ideal for them to maintain a stable weight for at least six months before considering rhinoplasty. Generally, healthy adults with loose skin and excess soft tissue on their outer or inner thighs may qualify for this body contouring procedure.

You should not smoke or vape nicotine or be willing to quit for several weeks before and after your thigh lift because nicotine impairs the body’s ability to heal properly. It’s best to have a positive outlook for your results and a demonstrated commitment to a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition and regular exercise.

Combine Your Thigh Lift with Another Procedure

Men and women with loose skin on their thighs often have other areas with lax tissues or stubborn fat after weight loss or pregnancy. Dr. Coscia may recommend combining thighplasty with one or more procedures to address multiple cosmetic concerns in a single procedure. Breast and body plastic surgeries are often combined with thigh lift, including Brazilian butt lift, tummy tuck, arm lift, breast augmentation, and gynecomastia surgery. Women may choose to include several procedures for a mommy makeover combination procedure.

Thigh Lift FAQs

What are the benefits of a thigh lift?

A thigh lift offers several benefits, including improved contours of the thighs and lower body, reduced skin irritation and chafing caused by excess skin, better-fitting clothes, and increased confidence in one’s appearance. It also helps to maintain the results of significant weight loss. This procedure is particularly beneficial for those who have experienced sagging skin due to aging, weight loss, or genetic factors.

What are some common misconceptions about thigh lift surgery?

Many people believe that thigh lift surgery is primarily for removing excess fat, but it’s more focused on removing excess skin and improving the contour of the thighs. Another misconception is that it’s a substitute for weight loss. In reality, the best candidates are those who are relatively close to their ideal weight but want to address loose, sagging skin that doesn’t respond to exercise.

How much does a thigh lift cost?

The cost of a thigh lift can vary widely based on factors such as the complexity of the procedure and the amount of skin and other tissue that is being removed. Since it is a highly personalized surgery, providing an exact cost without a consultation is not feasible. However, our office offers various financing options through CareCredit and M-Lend Financial Services to help make the procedure more accessible to those who need it. We encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Coscia to discuss your specific needs and to receive a detailed cost breakdown.

What is the difference between an inner and an outer thigh lift?

An inner thigh lift targets the inner thigh, helping to reduce sagging skin and create a more toned appearance. It’s ideal for patients who are troubled by skin irritation from excess skin rubbing together. An outer thigh lift, on the other hand, focuses on the outer thigh and is often combined with a buttock lift for a more comprehensive improvement in body contour. The choice between an inner and an outer thigh lift depends on the patient’s specific body shape and aesthetic goals.

What are the surgical techniques used in thigh lift surgery?

Thigh lift surgery can involve several techniques, depending on the amount and location of excess skin and fat. These techniques include the medial thigh lift, which targets the inner thigh; the lateral or bilateral thigh lift, which adjusts the front and outside of the thigh; and the spiral thigh lift, which addresses the entire thigh circumference. Dr. Coscia will determine the most appropriate technique based on your body structure and cosmetic goals during your consultation.

How long after a thigh lift will I see the final results?

While you will notice a change in the contour of your thighs immediately after surgery, the final results will become apparent once the swelling and bruising subside. This process can take several months. The incision lines may also take up to a year or more to refine and fade. Following Dr. Coscia’s post-operative care instructions is crucial for achieving the best results.