Have you been consistently dieting and exercising in order to improve your lower body, only to experience minimal results? At Tarola Plastic Surgery, we understand that some areas of the body do not respond as well as others to exercise alone, and our thigh lift procedure will get rid of the stubborn fat to help you on your way to achieving cosmetic success.
Contact us today at our Murfreesboro location to set up a consultation with Dr. Nicholas Tarola, a board-certified plastic surgeon who will discuss your cosmetic goals and determine if a thigh lift is the best option for you to build a better body.
What Is a Thigh Lift?
By reducing excess skin and sometimes fat in the thighs and lower body, a thigh lift tightens the appearance of skin while also improving the shape and contours of treated areas. Incision patterns and areas differ based on the individual and the type of technique used, but once incisions are made, the underlying tissue is tightened and reshaped while excess skin is removed. The remaining skin will then be redraped and sutured, resulting in improved shape and texture.
What Does a Thigh Lift Treat?
Excess, Sagging Skin
During the aging process, skin gradually loses its elasticity. Sometimes, there are other factors causing this to happen faster, such as sun exposure and weight fluctuations. When thigh skin stretches beyond its ability to snap back, it hangs loosely and cannot be removed or restored with methods other than surgery.
Stubborn Fat
Some people are more predisposed to collecting fat in the upper legs, either in the outer thighs or inner thighs. This type of fat is more resistant to weight loss efforts. When a thigh lift is combined with liposuction, which is often is, this stubborn fat can be removed along with the tightening of the skin.
Chafing and Irritation Caused by Excess Skin
When there is excess skin between the thighs, it can rub together during everyday activities and cause chafing and skin irritation. This can be especially uncomfortable during the summer months when shorts and excess sweat are also a factor. Removing redundant tissue can reduce this friction and make physical movement more comfortable.
Disproportionate Lower Body Contour
Even after you reach a healthy weight, sometimes excess volume and skin in the thighs can make the lower body disproportionate compared to the rest of the body. Some patients choose a thigh lift to help reshape the upper legs and give their body more symmetry and better proportions.
What Are the Benefits of Thigh Surgery?
Long-Lasting Outcomes Compared to Nonsurgical Alternatives
Nonsurgical alternatives can offer skin-tightening benefits, but these will not be as noticeable as the results of surgery. Nonsurgical skin tightening also will not last as long as surgery. A thigh lift physically removes loose tissue rather than just encouraging more collagen so that the results can last for years, especially with proper skin maintenance.
Can be Customized or Combined
When a patient walks into our office, we start from the very beginning to make sure we are addressing the individual’s unique concerns before developing a treatment plan. We customize the entire procedure from beginning to end to make sure each patient gets the service they are looking for. Some patients also wish to address other areas at the same time. In this case, we may recommend adding additional procedures in addition to the thigh lift.
Types of Thigh Lift Surgery
Inner (Medial) Thigh Lift
We use an inner thigh lift to address excess skin on the inside of the upper leg, from the groin toward the knee. This is the most common type of thigh lift performed and is suitable for those who have loose, hanging skin on the inner thigh.
Outer (Lateral) Thigh Lift
Sometimes, the excess skin is located along the outer thigh. In this case, we can use an outer thigh lift. This approach is more common among patients who have lost weight and have excess skin wrapping around the outer leg. Outer thigh lifts are sometimes performed as part of a lower body lift.
Common Thigh Lift Techniques
Groin Crease Incisions
This technique places the incision in the natural fold where the thigh meets the groin. This is the best place for patients with moderate excess skin in the upper inner thigh. This type of incision is less visible once healed. For an outer thigh lift, the incision will be extended around to the hip.
Vertical/Inner Seam Lift
Where there is more excess skin that extends further down the inner thigh, we may choose a vertical incision instead. This incision goes from the groin vertically down the inside of the thigh, sometimes reaching all the way to the inner knee. While this results in a longer and more visible scar, it also allows for more skin removal and an increased ability to reshape the entire inner thigh.
Am I a Good Candidate for Thigh Lift Surgery?
During your consultation, Dr. Tarola will determine if thigh lift surgery is right for you and your cosmetic goals, but typically, patients who fit into these criteria are deemed appropriate for this procedure:
- Those who have the right amount of excess skin or tissue along the inner and/or outer thigh
- Individuals who maintain a relatively stable body weight.
- Adults with no medical complications that may impair surgery or healing.
- Patients who have realistic expectations of cosmetic surgery and know what it will and will not do.
- Those who are willing to adopt a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain results.
Your Consultation With Dr. Tarola
Your thigh lift consultation will be a one-on-one meeting with Dr. Tarola, where he will spend time listening to you and explaining what this surgery can be expected to accomplish based on your concerns. This surgery is a collaboration between you and your surgeon, so be prepared to tell Dr. Tarola your full medical history and any medications you are taking, and let him know what results you are hoping to see.
During your consultation, Dr. Tarola will also cover the recovery process and any risks you should know about beforehand. He will also determine which type of thigh lift will provide the best results and walk you through the steps you will need to take to prepare for your surgery.
Pre-Surgery Preparation Tips
Dr. Tarola will provide detailed pre-operative instructions that pertain to your surgery, but here are some general guidelines:
- If you smoke, stop well in advance of surgery. Smoking restricts blood flow and slows healing, increasing the risk of complications.
- Pause certain medications and supplements that thin the blood, such as aspirin and fish oil. Dr. Tarola will provide a complete list of what to avoid and talk to you about specific medications you may be taking.
- Line up someone who can drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
- Prepare your home by placing needed items within easy reach, setting up a resting area and stocking up on groceries and medications.
- Plan to take time off work so you can rest during initial recovery.
What to Expect During Your Thigh Lift Procedure
A thigh lift is performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep and will not feel anything during surgery. The length of time you will be in surgery depends on the extent of your thigh lift and whether other procedures, like liposuction, will be done at the same time. Most thigh lifts take two to four hours.
During this time, Dr. Tarola will make incisions, remove excess skin, tighten underlying tissue and reshape the area. If liposuction is included, fat is suctioned out through a thin tube called a cannula before the skin is redraped and closed in layers.
What Is Recovery Like?
Some bruising and soreness after surgery is common, and patients may wear a compression garment along with their bandages to support the new contours of their thighs and control swelling. You may also have small, thin tubes underneath your skin in order to prevent excess fluids and blood from building up.
Although results can be visible almost immediately after surgery, it may take some time for the reformed tissues to settle into their new forms. The skin in the treated areas should be improved in appearance as well as feeling. As long as body weight and fitness are maintained, the results of a thigh lift procedure are long-lasting.
Prior to surgery, you will be advised of all the risks and possible side effects. Doctor Tarola will also inform you of any aftercare you will have to perform on your incision sites in order to reduce the risks of infection and complications.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
During the first week, rest is the top priority. Keep your legs slightly elevated when sitting or lying down to reduce swelling. You may also be asked to:
- Walk short distances around your home starting the day after surgery. This gentle movement will get your blood flowing and reduce post-surgical blood clots.
- Avoid bending and lifting
- Wear your compression garment for as long as Dr. Tarola recommends. It supports healing tissue and helps the skin conform to its new shape. Most patients wear it for several weeks.
- Follow all incision care instructions carefully, keeping the area clean and watching for signs of infection such as increased redness, warmth or discharge.
- Take time off of work. Most patients return to desk jobs within two to three weeks. Physically demanding jobs will require more time.
- Rest from strenuous exercise. Exercise can resume after about six weeks, starting with light activity and building back to full intensity as soon as Dr. Tarola says it’s okay.
What to Expect From Your Results
You can expect two different stages in your results. The first stage is immediately after surgery, when you will notice that the loose skin is gone and the thigh area is smoother and tighter. However, you will have swelling, and your incisions will need to heal. The second stage of your results is several months after the surgery, when all of the swelling will have gone away, and your incisions will have healed to lighter and less noticeable scars. Your final results will depend on your skin type and genetics and how well you follow post-procedure instructions.
Once you have your full results, they will be long-lasting. Remember that your skin can still age, and tissue can still stretch with weight fluctuations. We recommend keeping a stable body weight and staying healthy and active so you can enjoy your results for as long as possible.
Information for Out-of-Town Thigh Lift Patients
We are happy to welcome patients from out of town, and we have made special arrangements just for these situations. Our out-of-town program starts with a virtual consultation by phone or video call. Before your virtual appointment, we will have you fill out new patient forms and submit photographs of the areas you would like us to treat. If you and your surgeon decide that surgery is the right fit for you, our team will help you coordinate your travel timeline, including hotel recommendations and post-operative care accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be visible scarring, and where?
Yes, all surgical procedures involve some scarring. In the case of a thigh lift, the scar will either be in the groin crease or vertically down the inner thigh. While they never completely disappear, scars can fade and be much less noticeable. Dr. Tarola may recommend scar treatments to help it heal more effectively, like creams or silicone sheets, and he places incisions where they can be covered by clothing whenever possible.
Can a thigh lift be combined with other procedures?
A thigh lift is frequently combined with liposuction to address both excess skin and fat. It can also be performed alongside a tummy tuck, body lift or arm lift for more comprehensive contouring. Sometimes these can be done on the same day, or they may need to be staged into two surgeries. Dr. Tarola will discuss whether combining procedures is appropriate during your consultation.
Is a thigh lift painful?
You will not feel pain during the surgery because of the general anesthesia. Afterward, soreness, tightness, numbness and discomfort are normal for the first several days. You can use prescribed pain medication to make this discomfort tolerable, and the pain should steadily decrease over the first week. If you are more uncomfortable than expected, be sure to reach out to Dr. Tarola.
How much does a thigh lift cost?
The cost varies depending on the type of lift and whether liposuction is included. Anesthesia fees and facility costs will also be included. We won’t be able to give you a personalized quote until we know all of the details of your particular surgery. You will receive this information during your consultation.
Are there financing options for thigh lift surgery?
Yes, financing options are available, and we accept cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. We have partnered with financing companies such as Cherry, Alphaeon Credit and CareCredit, which offer monthly payment plans for elective procedures. You can apply for financing directly through any of these providers or ask about your options during your consultation.
Will insurance cover a thigh lift?
In most cases, a thigh lift is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance. There can be exceptions for patients with medical issues like chronic skin infections caused by excess skin after major weight loss. We can discuss whether your situation may qualify, and we recommend speaking with your insurance.
Why Choose Tarola Plastic Surgery
Dr. Nicholas Tarola is a board-certified plastic surgeon who completed his surgical training at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and his plastic surgery fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. His background includes cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, and he loves offering body contouring for patients who are reshaping their figure after weight loss or life changes.
At Tarola Plastic Surgery, the approach starts with listening. Dr. Tarola takes the time to understand each patient’s goals and provides honest feedback about what surgery can and cannot do. His team is known for making patients feel comfortable from the first phone call through every follow-up visit. If you have been considering a thigh lift, this is a practice built on genuine care and patient education.
Schedule Your Thigh Lift Consultation in Murfreesboro, TN
A thigh lift can reshape your lower body in ways that diet, exercise and nonsurgical treatments cannot. If excess skin or stubborn fat on your thighs has been holding you back, Dr. Tarola can find a solution for you. Contact Tarola Plastic Surgery in Murfreesboro today to schedule a consultation and get on track to achieving lasting results.
