What is a Thigh Lift?

A thigh lift, also known as thighplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that contours the thigh area by addressing skin laxity caused by the aging process, pregnancy, or significant weight loss.1 To achieve optimal results, Dr. Esmailian often combines thigh lift procedures with liposuction to remove excess fat.

Thigh Lift Benefits

A thigh lift in Orange County offers specific benefits for our patients, including:

  • Lifts the skin, creating an athletic, lean shape
  • Tightens the underlying contours of the thighs
  • Eliminates the appearance of saggy skin

Thigh Lift Options

There are several techniques that can be used in a thigh lift. Each is designed to handle a different problem area. They may be used in combination, or some cases only require that a single one is used.

  • Inner thigh lift, which addresses the inner portion of the thighs by using an incision at the upper portion of the inner thigh.
  • Bilateral thigh lift, which addresses excess skin on the outer edge of the thighs.
  • Medial thigh lift, which addresses the upper part of the inner thigh with an incision running horizontally from the groin to just below the buttocks.

Who is a Candidate For a Thigh Lift?

Men and women who have loose skin on their thighs and would like to have a firmer, smoother thigh contour may be candidates for a thigh lift in Orange County. Ideal candidates meet the following requirements:2

  • Are at a stable weight that can be maintained
  • Would like to address sagging, loose, and dimpled skin on the thighs
  • Are generally in good health
  • Do not smoke
  • Have realistic goals for thigh lift surgery
  • Are committed to a healthy, fit lifestyle

Thigh Lift Procedure

In most cases, especially when performed on its own, a thigh lift is an outpatient procedure that allows patients to go home the same day. It is performed under general anesthesia to maximize patient comfort.

Once the initial incision is made, Dr. Esmailian uses precise techniques to remove excess tissue underneath the skin and tighten the underlying structures. This gives a good general shape to the thighs. Once this is done, the skin is re-draped over, allowing Dr. Esmailian to remove the correct amount. Once the excess skin is removed, the incision is closed with techniques that create minimal scarring.

As a premier cosmetic surgeon in Orange County, Dr. Esmailian promises to deliver among the best results with thigh lifts. He understands that there can be no compromise when it comes to cosmetic surgery, and he treats each patient as a separate person with separate needs from any other patient. Call us today to find out more about thigh lifts in Orange County.

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Recovery After Thigh Lift

Your recovery time varies depending on which thigh lift procedure you have. In general, there will be bruising and swelling, which will slowly fade over about a month. You will need 1-2 weeks off of work to heal and recover. During this time, it’s important to rest as much as possible and keep your legs elevated. Don’t do any heavy lifting or exercise until 4-6 weeks after your procedure.

Scars are typically inconspicuous and not easily noticeable, ensuring your results are as attractive as possible.

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Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Esmailian

Dr. Farbod Esmailian is a dedicated, experienced, double board-certified cosmetic surgeon who is known as a top plastic surgeon in Orange County. His passion for helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals and improve their quality of life is reflected in their satisfaction with the results of their procedures. Dr. Esmailian focuses on natural-looking outcomes that enhance and highlight the naturally attractive qualities his patients possess, allowing them to achieve authentically beautiful results. To learn more about thigh lift surgery, contact us today to schedule your consultation.

FAQs About Thigh Lift Surgery

Am I a good candidate for a thigh lift?

What types of thigh lifts are available?

How long is the recovery time?

Will there be visible scars?

Can a thigh lift be combined with other procedures?

Am I a good candidate for a thigh lift?

Good candidates are those with decreased skin elasticity or loose skin, especially following massive weight loss or aging. Thigh lift candidates should have a stable weight and be in overall good health, committed to maintaining results through a healthy lifestyle.

What areas of the body can a body lift target?

Dr. Esmailian offers multiple types of thigh lift procedures, including outer thigh lift, inner thigh lift, and medial thigh lift. Each addresses different concerns, from outer thigh contours to issues in the groin area and groin crease.

How long is the recovery time?

The initial recovery typically takes about 1-2 weeks, during which compression garments help support the healing tissues. Full recovery, allowing for more intense activities, can take 4-6 weeks. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor progress.

Will there be visible scars?

Incisions are carefully placed and closed with sutures to minimize scarring. While some scarring is inevitable, Dr. Esmailian employs advanced techniques to make scars as inconspicuous as possible, often hidden in natural creases.

Can a thigh lift be combined with other procedures?/h2>

Yes, a thigh lift can be combined with other body contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck, arm lift, or lower body lift after a significant amount of weight loss, or as part of a Mommy Makeover. Combining procedures can provide comprehensive results.

1 Cleveland Clinic. Thigh Lift (Thighplasty). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25012-thigh-lift-thighplasty. Accessed October 30, 2024.
2 ASPS. Thigh Lift Candidates. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/thigh-lift/candidates. Accessed October 30, 2024.

Page updated: November 08, 2024

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