Procedures
Thigh Lift
Thigh lift surgery, or thighplasty, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at improving the appearance of the thighs by reducing excess skin and fat, resulting in smoother skin and more proportionate contours. This surgical intervention is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, leading to sagging thigh skin that cannot be corrected through exercise alone, or for those who are troubled by the natural loss of skin elasticity due to ageing. Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna, a reputable plastic surgeon in the UK, expertly performs thigh lift surgery, tailoring each procedure to your unique anatomical features and aesthetic goals. Her approach is meticulous, ensuring not just the removal of excess skin and fat for a tighter appearance, but also focusing on minimising scarring and achieving a natural, harmonious look that enhances the overall body silhouette.
At a glance
2-3 hours
General anaesthetic
Overnight
7-10 days off work
6 weeks
Table of Contents
Who Needs Thigh Lift Surgery
Thigh lift surgery is particularly suited for individuals who are unhappy with the appearance of their thighs due to excess skin and fat. Ideal candidates for this procedure include:
- Individuals with Significant Weight Loss: Those who have lost a large amount of weight and are left with loose, excess skin on their thighs that cannot be remedied through diet and exercise.
- Ageing Individuals: Age-related loss of skin elasticity can lead to sagging skin on the thighs. A thigh lift can help restore a firmer, more youthful appearance.
- People with a Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals may naturally accumulate excess fat or have less skin elasticity in the thigh area. Thigh lift surgery can address these concerns, improving the thigh contour and symmetry.
- Patients Seeking Improved Body Contour: People who desire a more toned and contoured appearance of their thighs, especially if they feel that the size or shape of their thighs is out of balance with the rest of their body, may find thigh lift surgery beneficial.
- Those Committed to a Stable Weight: It’s important for candidates to have maintained a stable weight for a significant period. Fluctuations in weight can affect the results of the surgery, so ideal candidates are those who are at or near their target weight and committed to maintaining it.
Candidates should also be non-smokers, or willing to quit prior to surgery and throughout the recovery process, as smoking can significantly impair healing and increase the risk of complications. Anca conducts a comprehensive evaluation during the consultation to ensure that thigh lift surgery is suitable for you, discussing your health history, aesthetic goals, and realistic expectations of the outcomes.
Benefits of Thigh Lift Surgery
Thigh lift surgery offers many benefits, enhancing not only the physical appearance of the thighs but also improving the overall quality of life for many patients. Anca, leveraging her vast experience in plastic surgery, ensures that patients receive personalised care designed to maximise these benefits:
- Improved Thigh Contour and Shape: The primary advantage of thigh lift surgery is the significant improvement in the shape and contour of the thighs. By removing excess skin and fat, Anca helps patients achieve firmer, more toned thighs that better match their body’s proportions and their aesthetic goals.
- Increased Comfort and Mobility: Excess skin on the thighs can lead to discomfort, chafing, and irritation, particularly during physical activities. Post-surgery, patients often report a dramatic reduction in these issues, leading to improved comfort during daily activities and enhanced mobility.
- Enhanced Self-Confidence: The psychological benefits of thigh lift surgery are profound. Many patients experience a boost in self-esteem and confidence as a result of their improved body image. This newfound confidence can translate into various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavours.
- Expanded Clothing Options: With a slimmer thigh profile, patients find a wider array of clothing options available to them, including styles and fits that may have been uncomfortable or unflattering prior to surgery. This can lead to a more enjoyable and diverse wardrobe.
- Long-Lasting Results: While no cosmetic procedure can stop the ageing process, the results of a thigh lift are long-lasting, especially when accompanied by a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. You can expect to enjoy their new thigh contour for many years to come.
- Reduction in Skin-Related Issues: By removing overlapping areas of skin, the risk of skin infections and irritations commonly associated with excess skin folds is significantly reduced, leading to improved skin health and comfort.
Procedures
Before & After
See the difference Thigh Lift
has made for our clients
Inner (Medial) Thigh Lift
Targeting the inner thigh, this procedure is ideal for those with excess skin and fat in the area. An incision is typically made at the junction where the thigh meets the pubic area, allowing for the removal of skin and fat to create a more toned and tightened appearance. This technique is popular among patients looking to improve the inner thigh contour and reduce skin friction.
Outer (Lateral) Thigh Lift
This technique focuses on lifting and reshaping the outer thigh. It is often more extensive than an inner thigh lift and may involve incisions that extend from the groin around the hip. An outer thigh lift is suitable for patients seeking improvement in the outer thigh and hip area, offering significant contour enhancements.
Bilateral Thigh Lift
Addressing both the front and outside of the thigh, the bilateral thigh lift involves an incision at the top of the leg where the lower edge of a bikini bottom might lie. This allows for the tightening of skin on both the front and outer thigh simultaneously, suitable for patients with moderate to significant skin excess who desire a more comprehensive thigh reshaping.
Spiral Thigh Lift
A more advanced and comprehensive procedure, the spiral thigh lift targets the front, back, inner, and outer thigh by making an incision that wraps around the thigh. This option is best for patients with significant skin laxity all around the thigh, often after massive weight loss.
How Is the Procedure Performed
The specific technique Anca uses during a thigh lift will depend on the chosen type of thigh lift and the extent of the area being treated. However, the general steps of the procedure are as follows:
- Anaesthesia: Thigh lift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
- Incision: Depending on the type of thigh lift, Anca makes a carefully planned incision in the designated area. For an inner thigh lift, the incision is usually made in the groin area, extending downward and wrapping around the back of the thigh if necessary. For outer and bilateral thigh lifts, the incision may be more extensive to allow for greater skin and fat removal and lifting.
- Removing Excess Skin and Fat: Through these incisions, Anca removes excess fat (using liposuction if necessary) and trims away the excess skin. The underlying tissues are then reshaped and tightened with internal sutures.
- Closing the Incisions: The skin is smoothly redraped over the newly shaped contours, and the incisions are closed with sutures. In some cases, surgical adhesive tapes or skin adhesives may be used.
Anca customises the thigh lift procedure for each patient, taking into account their body shape, the amount of correction desired, and ensuring the scars are as inconspicuous as possible. Her goal is to achieve a natural-looking thigh contour that harmonises with the patient’s overall body proportions.
Thigh lift surgery can be categorised into several types, each designed to address specific areas of concern around the thighs. Anca offers the following thigh lift variations, selecting the most appropriate technique based on your individual needs and the extent of correction required: Inner (Medial) Thigh Lift, Outer (Lateral) Thigh Lift, Bilateral Thigh Lift, and Spiral Thigh Lift.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from thigh lift surgery is an important component of the journey, with Anca providing guidance and support to ensure a smooth healing process. The following outlines the typical recovery and aftercare steps:
- Initial Recovery: Immediately following the surgery, you may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated areas. Compression garments are often recommended to support the healing tissues and reduce swelling.
- Pain Management: Anca will prescribe medication to manage any post-surgery pain, ensuring you remain as comfortable as possible during the initial recovery phase.
- Activity Restrictions: Patients are generally advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks post-surgery. Anca provides tailored advice on when it’s safe to resume different types of activities based on your healing progress.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups with Anca are crucial to monitor the healing process, remove sutures if necessary, and address any concerns that may arise. These appointments are an opportunity to ensure everything is progressing as expected.
- Long-Term Care: To maintain the results of the surgery, you are encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a stable weight, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity. Proper skincare can also play a role in enhancing the longevity of the results.
Adhering to Anca’s aftercare instructions is key to achieving the best possible outcome and minimising the risk of complications.
How Much Is Thigh Lift Surgery in the UK
The cost of thigh lift surgery in the UK can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the extent of the procedure, the specific technique used, the experience of the surgeon, and the geographical location of the clinic. Anca is committed to providing transparent and comprehensive pricing information to all her patients, ensuring they have a clear understanding of the financial aspects of their surgical journey.
On average, thigh lift surgery in the UK can range from £5,000 to £8,000. This price can include the surgeon’s fee, anaesthesia costs, hospital or facility fees, and post-operative care. However, the final cost may vary based on individual patient needs, such as the combination of thigh lift surgery with other procedures like liposuction for enhanced contouring effects.
During the initial consultation, Anca provides a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with thigh lift surgery, including any potential additional expenses, so you can make an informed decision without any hidden surprises.
Medical References
- Thigh Lift (Thighplasty): Types, Surgery, Recovery & Scars – Cleveland Clinic
- Thigh Lift Before and After Photos – American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Thighplasty – StatPearls
- Medial Thighplasty: Horizontal and Vertical Procedures after Massive Weight Loss
- Medial Thigh Contouring in Massive Weight Loss: A Liposuction-Assisted Medial Thigh Lift
Procedure
Frequently asked questions
Am I suitable for this treatment?
If you have sagging skin on the inner thighs as a result of ageing or weight loss and you want to improve the shape of your legs, thighplasty might be the recommended treatment for you. This procedure is not intended as an alternative to weight management, and a healthy weight and BMI are criteria that must be met before undergoing surgery.
Is it painful?
This surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. After the surgery, you can expect to experience a certain level of pain and discomfort, but these can be easily managed with analgesic medication.
Ms Anca Breahna, PhD, MSc, FEBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast) is a highly regarded Consultant Plastic Surgeon specialising in the field of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. Anca performs a range of breast, body and face surgery and minor skin procedures.
