Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery
973 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: (585) 244-1000
Fax: (585) 271-4786
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thigh Lift
Benefits of Undergoing Thigh Lift Surgery
For the right patients, thigh lift surgery has much to offer. The thigh lift procedure can be used to tone and trim away excess fat and skin from thighs. Patients may feel more fit and confident and appear more youthful. If they have recently lost a significant amount of weight, thigh lift patients can use this surgery to regain more contoured legs. Some patients gain the confidence to wear skirts and shorts again after thigh lift surgery.
Dr. Ashley N. Amalfi is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic surgery of the breast and body. With her experience and innate attention to detail, Dr. Amalfi achieves personalized surgical outcomes that help patients look and feel their best.
Dr. Peter Krasniak is a board-eligible plastic surgeon who completed a 6-year integrated plastic surgery residency and published research in patient-centered care. A specialist in breast and body surgery, Dr. Krasniak finds it gratifying to enhance his patients’ appearances while prioritizing their safety and physical comfort.
Thigh Lift Consultation
Before your thigh lift surgery can take place, our doctors will evaluate your eligibility for the procedure. Typically, this includes a conversation about your previous medical history, any current medical conditions you may have that might delay healing, previous surgeries, and current medications and supplements you are taking. Our surgeons will also assess the degree of skin laxity and the amount of fatty tissue around the thighs to help them customize the best approach to suit your individual needs.
As part of the consultation process, your doctor will discuss your expected surgical results. Some thigh lift patients decide to maximize their results by adding other body contouring surgeries, however your doctor will discuss your personal surgical options with you during your thigh lift consultation to see if this is possible.
The Ideal Candidates for Thigh Lift Surgery
To be considered a good candidate for thigh lift surgery, you should be in good overall health, not smoke, and have realistic expectations for your personal results. To be an ideal thigh lift patient, you should also be experiencing sagging, excess tissue around your thighs. If you have thicker thighs without lost elasticity from the skin, you may be a better candidate for liposuction alone. Discuss your options with one of our doctors to get their professional opinions and to decide if you would be a good candidate for a thigh lift surgery. If you also have lax skin on your upper arms, it may be addressed with an arm lift.
The Thigh Lift Procedure
Thigh lift surgery is typically performed under general or sedation anesthesia. On average, our doctors will complete thigh lift surgeries between two and three hours, however this depends on each patient’s situation. To begin, they will make an incision slightly below the bikini line, through which fat and skin can be removed. Liposuction may be used to remove moderate amounts of fatty tissue based on the patient’s physicality. Once this is completed, the skin will be tightened and the incisions will be sutured closed. For many patients, drainage tubes will be used to help alleviate the build-up of excess fluids in the early hours and days of healing.
Thigh Lift Recovery
Following thigh lift surgery, patients may return home with drainage tubes in place. They will likely be removed at a follow-up visit with your doctor about two to three days after surgery. Swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness are common side effects of the thigh lift procedure, all of which will subside on their own and can be managed with prescribed pain medication. Patients will also be asked to wear a compression garment on each thigh during the healing process. Typically, thigh lift patients are able to get up and start moving around one week after surgery. It may take two weeks or more before patients can return to work and often up to six weeks before other activities can be resumed. Discuss your personal healing time frame with your doctor for clarification.
Our plastic surgeons review a variety of factors to ensure plastic surgery is a safe choice for you.
Thigh Lift FAQ
How long does thigh lift surgery last?
Most thigh lift surgeries take two to 3 hours for our doctors to perform.
When will I be able to go back to work after thigh lift surgery?
Most patients are advised to expect to be off from work for about two weeks before they are able to return. However, patients with physical jobs that require movement, athleticism, or long periods of standing may be asked to stay out of work for longer to ensure full and proper healing.
As a destination practice offering world-class care, the Quatela Center attracts patients from around the globe. Our virtual consultations and support program take the effort out of travelling for surgery.
Where do our doctors perform thigh lift surgeries?
Our doctors perform many outpatient surgeries at the Lindsay House Surgery Center, a fully licensed multi-specialty ambulatory surgery center located at the Quatela Center in Rochester, New York.
Will there be a scar following thigh lift surgery?
Every surgery can leave behind a scar. With thigh lift surgery, the scars tend to be well hidden in the natural creases of the groin but some patients require a scar down the inside of the leg for best results. Scarring can take up to 12 months to fully heal, however our surgeons offer Silagen® scar gel and silicone strips to reduce the appearance and aid in the healing of scars from surgical procedures.
What is removed during thigh lift surgery?
In order to tone and trim the thigh area, our surgeons will remove excess loose skin and sometimes built up fat cells. Liposuction may be added to the procedure to help smooth away unwanted fat cells.
How much is a thigh lift?
The cost of a thigh lift varies, depending on your specific needs and goals. All prices quoted from the Quatela Center are all-inclusive and include pre and postoperative appointments, surgeon’s fees, surgery center fees, and anesthesia costs. For more information, see our page on Plastic Surgery Costs.
People who live in Buffalo, Syracuse, and other areas of New York travel to the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery for thigh lift surgery and other body contouring procedures. Request your consultation using the online form to meet personally with one of our body contouring plastic surgeons or give our office a call at (585) 244-1000 to schedule an appointment.
