Thigh Lift
Removes excess skin and fat from the inner and outer thighs to create a smoother, firmer leg contour — commonly performed after significant weight loss.
A thigh lift removes excess skin and fat from the inner or outer thighs to create smoother, firmer, better-proportioned contours. It is most often chosen after significant or GLP-1 weight loss, when loose skin remains despite reaching a healthy weight. Liposuction is frequently combined with the lift to refine the shape before the excess skin is removed and tightened.
Good candidates are near a stable goal weight with loose inner- or outer-thigh skin, and understand the trade-off of a well-placed scar for a smoother, firmer contour. Recovery typically involves one to two weeks off work and a compression garment worn for several weeks while swelling resolves and the result settles.
Thigh Lift — Inner & Outer
A thigh lift removes excess skin and fat from the thighs to create a smoother, firmer, more proportionate leg contour. Like the arm lift, this procedure is most commonly sought by patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with skin that hangs, chafes, and cannot be addressed through exercise.
There are two primary types. An inner (medial) thigh lift addresses the inner thigh, with an incision placed in the groin crease that is typically well-hidden. An outer thigh lift targets the outer thigh and hip area, with a longer incision that extends toward the hip. Dr. Levesque will recommend the appropriate approach — or a combination — based on where your excess skin is and what your goals are.
Liposuction is frequently combined with thigh lift to remove fat in areas the skin tightening alone cannot address. Dr. Levesque performs thigh lift at Levesque Plastic Surgery in Austin, TX, most commonly for post-weight-loss patients — including those who have completed a GLP-1 medication program.
Inner: Incision in groin crease, well-hidden. Addresses inner thigh laxity and skin rubbing.
Outer: Incision extends along hip/flank. Better for outer thigh and buttock drooping. Longer scar but more comprehensive correction.
Walking is encouraged early. Avoid strenuous leg activity for 4–6 weeks. Compression garment worn for several weeks. Lymphatic massage can help with swelling and is recommended.
What to Expect
✓ Medically reviewed by Dr. Andre Y. Levesque, MD · Board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS) · Last reviewed April 9, 2026
A thigh lift restores firmer, smoother thighs when skin has lost its elasticity. Here is what to expect through the process.
Dr. Levesque assesses skin laxity on the inner and/or outer thigh, maps incision placement to keep scars discreet, and determines whether liposuction should be combined for the best contour.
An outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, generally two to three hours. Excess skin is removed and the thigh is re-draped; incisions are usually hidden in the groin crease or along the inner thigh.
You return home the same day. Compression garments support healing; most patients take about two weeks off work and avoid strenuous lower-body activity for six weeks.
Am I a Candidate?
A thigh lift addresses loose skin that exercise cannot fix. Good candidates typically:
- Have significant inner- or outer-thigh skin laxity, often after major or GLP-1 weight loss
- Are at a stable weight and in good overall health
- Are non-smokers, or willing to stop before and after surgery
- Understand the trade-off of a scar for a firmer, smoother thigh contour
If your concern is stubborn fat with good skin tone, liposuction alone may achieve your goal with no lift required. If loose skin is the issue, only a thigh lift can remove it. Dr. Levesque will tell you honestly which applies.
Recovery Timeline
- First week: Rest with legs supported; swelling and tightness are managed with medication. Short, frequent walks help circulation.
- Week 2: Many patients return to desk work and light activity; compression continues.
- Weeks 3–6: Swelling settles steadily; avoid strenuous exercise and prolonged standing as directed.
- 6 weeks and beyond: Gradual return to full activity and exercise; scars fade over 12–18 months with proper care.
Cost & Financing
Thigh lift is priced as one surgical fee covering surgeon, anesthesia, and facility. Combining it with liposuction or another body-contouring procedure changes the total, finalized at your consultation.
Levesque Plastic Surgery offers financing through CareCredit, Alphaeon, Cherry, and PatientFi, with monthly-payment plans that can be pre-qualified in minutes without affecting your credit. See our financing options or the full menu of services & pricing.
Frequently asked questions
What is a thigh lift?
A thigh lift (thighplasty) removes excess skin and fat from the inner or outer thighs for a more toned, contoured look. It's commonly what patients want after significant weight loss or when the skin has lost elasticity with age.
Who is a candidate for a thigh lift?
You're a good candidate if you're at or near your goal weight with significant excess thigh skin that hasn't responded to diet and exercise, and ideally a non-smoker in good health. I recommend waiting until your weight has been stable for at least 6 months before surgery.
Will a thigh lift leave visible scars?
I place thigh lift scars as discreetly as possible — usually in the groin crease for inner thigh lifts, where most underwear and swimwear conceal them. My closure techniques and scar-care recommendations help them fade and flatten over 12–18 months.
How long is thigh lift recovery?
Most patients take 1–2 weeks off work and wear a compression garment for 4–6 weeks. I'll have you avoid activities that stretch or stress the groin for 4–6 weeks while the incisions heal. Most patients are comfortable within 2 weeks and see the benefit as swelling resolves over the following months.
Can liposuction replace a thigh lift?
Liposuction removes fat but can't tighten loose skin. If your main concern is excess fat with good skin elasticity, lipo alone may do the job. If you have significant loose or hanging skin, you need a thigh lift — and I often combine liposuction with a thigh lift for the best contour.
Where are thigh lift scars located?
Depending on the pattern needed, scars sit in the groin crease (for an inner thigh lift) or run down the inner thigh. Dr. Levesque places them as discreetly as the anatomy allows and reviews exact placement with you beforehand.
When can I exercise after a thigh lift?
Light walking begins right away. Strenuous lower-body exercise is typically restricted for about six weeks to protect the incisions while they heal.
Is a thigh lift often combined with other lifts?
Yes — patients after significant weight loss frequently pair a thigh lift with an arm lift or tummy tuck to address multiple areas in one recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
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