As we age, many of us experience a loss of skin elasticity in the thigh. This can be compounded for those who have undergone significant weight loss. Massive weight loss patients are often left with bulky, hanging skin that causes numerous physical problems.
Body contouring procedures that remove excess skin, such as thigh lifts, can help people achieve a dramatically improved appearance and enjoy increased comfort when engaging in physical activity. At our Concord practice, Dr. Eric Mariotti performs thigh lift surgery for patients who want to give their lower body a boost, whether for aesthetic or practical reasons. Dr. Mariotti brings surgical precision and a deep understanding of aesthetic balance to every procedure he performs.
Anesthesia: General
Procedure Length: Varies, depending on the extent of surgery
Time Off Work: 1 to 2 weeks
Final Results: 6-12 months
Related Procedures: Arm Lift, Butt Lift, Liposuction, Post Weight Loss Surgery
A thigh lift tightens and reshapes the upper legs by removing excess skin and, in some cases, areas of stubborn fat. This procedure can refine the contour of the inner thighs, outer thighs or both, depending on your specific goals. Lifting and securing the remaining tissue creates smoother transitions between the thighs, buttocks and lower body. The result is a firmer, more proportionate appearance that better reflects the effort you’ve put into your health and weight.
An inner thigh lift focuses on the loose skin that develops along the upper inner thighs, particularly in the upper portion near the groin.
This technique targets more extensive skin laxity that runs down the length of the inner thigh. It involves a vertical incision from the groin toward the knee, placed as inconspicuous as possible, to remove a larger section of excess skin and improve overall thigh shape.
This lift addresses skin laxity on the outer thighs and hips. It can help smooth the transition between the thighs and buttocks, often as part of a more comprehensive lower body contouring plan.
A spiral thigh lift combines elements of inner, outer and posterior thigh lifts to improve contour around the thigh. It is often used in cases of massive weight loss where skin laxity extends circumferentially around the upper legs.
For patients with both excess skin and localized fat, combining liposuction with a thigh lift procedure can help enhance definition.
“I am absolutely elated with Dr. Mariotti and his staff. Dr. Mariotti’s skill as a plastic surgeon, his bedside manner and his attention to detail are second to none. After having 5+ unsuccessful surgeries with two different (well known) plastic surgeons, I was ready to give up, but a trusted MD highly recommended I see Dr. Marriotti. Best decision I could have made! He not only was able to correct the previous imperfections that the other surgeons were unable to fix, but he was able to provide me with an aesthetically phenomenal outcome that I didn’t even think was still possible!”
Preparing for your thigh lift begins with a detailed consultation where we’ll review your health history and surgical goals. You may need to stop smoking, adjust certain medications or complete lab work before surgery to help minimize risks and support a smoother recovery. We’ll also provide specific instructions for the day of your procedure, including guidance on fasting and arranging a ride home. Setting up a comfortable recovery space in advance, with loose clothing and essentials within reach, can make a meaningful difference. If you have questions at any point, we’re here to walk you through the process.
A thigh lift is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes two to three hours, depending on the complexity of the case. The skin of the thigh is gently lifted and stretched, and the excess is removed to create a smoother, more contoured shape. In many cases, the incision is hidden within the natural crease of the groin. For patients with significant skin laxity, especially after massive weight loss, a vertical incision along the inner thigh may be necessary to achieve the best result. Dr. Mariotti often incorporates liposuction to reduce excess fat and refine the surrounding contours. Once excess tissue has been removed, sutures are placed to support healing and minimize visible scarring.
For the first week following surgery, you should engage in only light activity with no bending or lifting. While each case is individual, thigh lifts usually require a one to two-week recovery period before you can return to work. During this recovery period, you will experience some swelling and bruising. You can expect to resume vigorous exercise in approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
After a surgical thigh lift, it’s important to give your body time to rest and heal. You’ll need to limit activity for the first couple of weeks, keeping your legs elevated when possible to reduce swelling. Wearing a compression garment as instructed can help support the tissues and improve your overall contour. Most patients return to light activity within two weeks, although it may take several weeks before you’re cleared for more strenuous movement. Stay consistent with your post-op care and follow our instructions closely so you can have the most comfortable recovery and the best results.
If you avoid shorts or skirts because of loose thigh skin, or if your thighs chafe and rub together painfully when you walk, a thigh lift might be right for you.
You may be a good candidate if:
Dr. Mariotti will help you determine if a thigh lift alone is enough or if you’d benefit from combining it with other procedures, such as liposuction or a lower body lift.
Book Your Personalized PlanThe average cost of a thigh lift will depend on many factors. There is your surgeon’s fee, the cost of anesthesia, operating room fees, and other associated costs. If you combine body lift procedures, the total cost will be less than if you were to have each procedure performed individually.
We are happy to discuss financing options with you during your consultation to help make your procedure as affordable as possible.
Start with online research to find Board-certified plastic surgeons in your area who offer thigh lifts and who have ample experience with them. Look at before and after photos available online, read customer reviews, and ask around friends and family who may know of this plastic surgeon. Once your preliminary research is done, schedule a consultation with one or two of your top picks to get a better feel for how well this plastic surgeon may match your needs and preferences.
Yes, many people choose to combine one or more body lift treatments into a single procedure. However, this will depend on the types of procedures you’d like to include, your goals, and your expected recovery.
Thigh lifts are typically performed under general anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure itself. Afterward, it is not uncommon to experience side effects such as tenderness, swelling, and bruising. These can be managed with pain medication and following proper aftercare guidelines, which Dr. Mariotti will provide and discuss with you.
You should be able to notice an immediate improvement in your body shape following a thigh lift. However, swelling and bruising during the initial stages of recovery can camouflage these results, so you can expect to see a gradual improvement over the coming weeks and months as your body continues to heal.
“Dr. Mariotti is not only a remarkably gifted surgeon and physician, he’s also super nice! I have had two surgeries with Dr. M, and from start to finish, the experience was amazing. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat and I highly recommend Dr. Mariotti and his staff to everyone I know.”
If you are considering a thigh lift to address loose or excess skin on your upper legs, we are here to help. Take the first step toward your dream look and contact us online or call our Concord office at 925-685-4533 to request a consultation.
