Thigh Lift
in Grand Rapids, MI
A healthy diet and exercise do not always promote the shape that we desire. Thighs can be a particularly difficult part of the body to slim and tone, especially after a significant weight loss. A thigh lift, or thighplasty, is a surgical procedure that is intended to contour, shape, and create more proportionate looking thighs by surgically removing excess skin and fat. Think of it as a thigh reduction surgery.
Why Consider a Thigh Lift?
Sometimes diet and exercise just are not enough. Hanging skin and stubborn pockets of fat can be incredibly difficult to address, even if the underlying muscles are toned and strong—especially if you are a person who has gained and lost a significant amount of weight. A thigh lift could help to reduce excess skin and fat around the inner (medial) and outer (lateral) thigh areas that have been resistant to healthy efforts.
What to Expect with a Thigh Lift
The first step will be to discover if a thigh lift is the right procedure for you. You will complete an initial consultation with your board-certified plastic surgeon, where you will learn more about the thigh lift, ask questions, view before and after photos, and be examined. It is important to have realistic expectations and understand that some surgeries, including a thigh lift, may need to be completed in stages.
On the day of surgery, you and your caretaker will be welcomed to our on-site surgical facility. One of our board-certified anesthesiologists will make you comfortable with anesthesia. The incisions that the surgeon makes may vary slightly depending on your specific needs and many patients will require liposuction as a part of the procedure. Your incisions will be closed and you will be placed in a surgical garment.
Recovering from a Thigh Lift
Initially, you will be quite sleepy from the anesthesia and your movement will be limited. You will need a responsible caretaker to help you for at least the first few days following your thigh lift. It’s likely that the doctor will prescribe medication to help manage your comfort. Most patients describe moderate discomfort in the first week with improvement over time.
Wearing your garment as instructed by your surgeon is a very important part of your recovery. It reduces your risk of developing complications and promotes proper healing for a great result. Most patients wear the compression garment for the first six weeks. The results of your thigh lift will be immediately noticeable, but your end result will develop over time. Many patients find that they are happy with the results after one procedure, but depending on your anatomy you may decide to undergo a second thigh lift.
The Ideal Candidate for a Thigh Lift
The best candidates for a thigh lift are healthy, non-smoking adults who are maintaining a healthy weight. These candidates are realistic about the potential outcome of a thigh lift, and understand what this procedure can accomplish. They are dedicated to following the surgeon’s recommendations and continuing to sustain their healthy lifestyle.
How Much Does a Thigh Lift Cost?
The total cost for a thigh lift at the Centre for Plastic Surgery may vary depending on your individual needs. It will depend on the extent of surgery needed, and the number of procedures necessary to achieve your desired outcome. The best way to learn about cost is to call the office and schedule a consultation where we can learn more about you! However, you can use our price estimator now to find out what an average patient pays for a thigh lift.
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Arm Lift Surgery
What is a thigh lift?
A thigh lift (thighplasty) removes loose, sagging skin and excess fat from your thighs to create a smoother, firmer and more proportionate shape. It’s ideal when your thighs haven’t responded to diet and exercise, especially after significant weight loss, even if the muscles underneath are toned. At the Centre for Plastic Surgery in Grand Rapids, our board-certified plastic surgeons tailor each thigh lift to your body and goals.
Am I a good candidate for a thigh lift?
You’re likely a great candidate if you’re a healthy, non-smoking adult at a stable, healthy weight with loose skin or stubborn fat on your thighs. The best candidates have realistic expectations, follow their surgeon’s recommendations closely and are committed to a healthy lifestyle after surgery. We’ll talk through your goals and examine your thighs at your consultation.
Can I get a thigh lift after major weight loss?
Yes, and it’s one of the most common reasons patients choose a thigh lift. After major weight loss, including after bariatric surgery, thigh skin often can’t shrink back on its own. Once your weight is stable, a thigh lift can remove that excess skin, and it’s often paired with a tummy tuck or arm lift. Depending on how much skin you have, your surgeon may recommend doing your thigh lift in stages or a second procedure later for the best result.
Do I need a thigh lift or liposuction?
It depends on your skin. If your main concern is extra fat and your skin is still firm and elastic, liposuction alone may be enough. If you have loose or sagging skin, a thigh lift is the only way to remove it. Many of our thigh lift patients get the best result with a thigh lift plus liposuction, and your surgeon will recommend the right approach for you.
How much does a thigh lift cost in Grand Rapids?
Your cost depends on how extensive your surgery is and whether you combine your thigh lift with liposuction or other procedures. To see what a typical patient at the Centre for Plastic Surgery pays, try our quick online cost estimate, or call us to discuss pricing at your consultation. We also offer financing through trusted medical lenders, so you can spread payments over time.
Is a thigh lift safe?
Yes. A thigh lift is a safe, well-established procedure for healthy patients when it’s performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Like any surgery, it carries some risk. At the Centre for Plastic Surgery, your surgery takes place in our onsite surgical facility, and your anesthesia is provided by a board-certified anesthesiologist.
What are the risks of a thigh lift?
Most patients heal well, but it’s important to know the possible risks. The main ones are asymmetry, swelling, unfavorable scarring, some remaining loose skin and complications related to anesthesia. Wearing your compression garment as directed helps lower your risk. Our team reviews every risk in detail and explains how we minimize each one.
Is a thigh lift painful?
Most patients describe it as moderate discomfort rather than sharp pain, mostly in the first week. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to keep you comfortable, and following your post-op instructions and taking it easy make a big difference. Discomfort steadily improves after the first week.
What is thigh lift recovery like?
Expect to feel sleepy and move slowly at first, with steady improvement over the following weeks. Here’s what to expect:
- First few days: A responsible caretaker should stay with you and help you get around.
- First week: Moderate discomfort is typical, and prescribed medication helps keep you comfortable.
- First few weeks: Move slowly and gently while your incisions heal.
- About 6 weeks: Wear your compression garment to reduce swelling, lower complication risk and support healing.
- Weeks 3 to 4: Most patients start returning to more normal movement.
We’ll see you for follow-up visits to make sure you’re healing well.
Will I be able to walk after a thigh lift?
Yes, but slowly at first. You’ll need help walking for at least the first few days, and you should expect to move carefully for a few weeks. Short, gentle walks help your circulation, and most patients return to more normal movement around weeks 3 to 4.
When can I go back to work and exercise after a thigh lift?
Many people with desk jobs return to work in about 2 weeks, while jobs that involve standing, lifting or a lot of walking need more time. Gentle walking starts right away. Hold off on strenuous exercise, especially leg workouts, for about 6 weeks, until your surgeon clears you.
Will I have a scar after a thigh lift?
Yes, every thigh lift leaves a scar. Inner thigh lift scars usually sit near the groin crease, and outer thigh lift scars usually fall near the hip or bikini line, so most underwear and swimsuits cover them. Scars soften and fade over the first year or so, and we’ll share scar-care tips to help yours heal well.
How long do thigh lift results last?
The skin removed during a thigh lift is gone for good, so your results can last for many years. How long they look their best depends on your lifestyle and natural aging. Keeping a stable weight, staying active and caring for your skin are the best ways to protect your results.
Will a thigh lift help me lose weight?
No. A thigh lift is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss procedure, so it won’t change the number on the scale much. Its goal is to improve the shape and proportion of your thighs by removing excess skin and fat. It works best once you’ve reached a stable weight you’re happy with.
How do I choose the right thigh lift surgeon in Grand Rapids?
Look for a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who performs body contouring often and can show you before-and-after photos of thigh lift patients like you. At the Centre for Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons have decades of experience and operate in our QuadA-accredited onsite surgical facility on Paris Avenue SE in Grand Rapids. Browse our before-and-after photos, then call us at (616) 454-1256 to schedule your consultation.