Thigh lift surgery can address a variety of concerns with our patients’ overall aesthetic by slimming the inner and outer thigh, and the areas around the hips and knees. Our patients typically desire a thigh lift because the skin around the legs has lost its elasticity due to the natural aging process, or fat deposits have been left behind following dramatic weight loss.

When to consider a Thigh Lift
If you’ve got flab, stretch marks or excess skin in your thighs that does not improve with diet or exercise. If the shape of your thighs has been affected by pregnancy or massive weight loss. If you feel that your thighs are unattractive. If your self-confidence is marred by your thighs contour.

What are the risks?

Thigh reduction is relatively straightforward surgery. However, there are risks involved as with any surgery, and it should be performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. All surgery involves a degree of bleeding. In the vast majority of cases, this is minimal and easily controlled during the procedure itself. In a small percentage of patients, there may be a more significant collection of blood that may even require a return to the operating theatre to remove it.

Meticulous steps are taken before, during and after the surgery to ensure that the risk of infection is minimal. However, the risk of infection can never be completely eradicated. In a few cases, the incision can become red and inflamed. This usually settles down with simple antibiotics.

All surgery involves the formation of scars. The incision scars will be raised and pink for the first few months, but will usually settle into fine white lines after several months. In some cases the scars can remain raised and pink. The aim of the surgery is to hide the scars within the groin crease. In some cases, however, the scar can slip lower than expected and may become visible beneath the underwear.

There will be some change in sensation to the inner thigh. In most cases it will feel somewhat numb, but may even be overly sensitive. This usually settles down after a few months. In very few, however, the change can be permanent

Since the surgery involves the groin area, it can be difficult to keep it clean and dry and so there can be delayed healing in some areas. This is usually not a problem and settles down with simple dressings.

The surgery is close to the lymph nodes that drain the leg. The fluid that these lymphatics produces can gather in the thigh (seroma) and may need drainage in the outpatient department. It is possible, although extremely rare, that damage to these lymphatics can cause swelling in the leg (lymphoedema). In the unlikely event that this occurs, it usually settles on its own. In a very few cases, it can be permanent.

Frequently Asked Questions