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- What Is A Thigh Lift?
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Chafing, cellulite, and sagging skin on the thighs are common concerns for many people. A thigh lift at Surgery Associates can help you address all these concerns and achieve more toned, leaner thighs that boost physical comfort and self-confidence.
Recovery:
1-2 weeks
Cost:
Starts at $11.5K
Results:
3 months
What is a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift is a specialized cosmetic surgery designed to remove excess skin and unwanted fat from the thighs. This procedure focuses on reshaping and tightening the inner and or outer thigh areas to create a more toned and youthful silhouette. Whether you want to address sagging skin that results from weight loss or aging, a thigh lift delivers impressive body contouring improvements.
Good Candidates for a Thigh Lift
Ideal candidates for a thigh lift are healthy adults who have achieved a stable weight but continue to experience loose skin or excess fat in the thigh region. Many patients have recently undergone significant weight loss and notice lingering sagging or drooping skin that does not improve with exercise. Others may have loose skin and stubborn fat as a result of pregnancy.
Good candidates are nonsmokers, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and have realistic expectations about what can be achieved with a thigh lift. The procedure and expected results will be discussed in detail at your consultation.
Thigh Lift Technique
Thigh lifts at Cosmetic Surgery Associates are customized to each patient’s unique needs and anatomy. This body contouring surgery addresses excess skin and fat on the inner and/or outer thighs. Liposuction may be utilized to address stubborn fat deposits. During the procedure, incisions are made to remove loose skin, and the remaining skin is tightened and secured to create a firmer and smoother thigh contour.
Inner Thigh Lift
An inner thigh lift or medial thigh lift targets loose skin, fat, and tissue along the inner part of the thighs. The procedure usually involves an incision along the groin crease that may extend around the waist, below the buttocks, or in a vertical incision down to the back of the knees, depending on the amount of saggy skin being removed. This approach is ideal for patients struggling with chafing, skin laxity, and unwanted fullness in the upper leg near the groin.
Outer Thigh Lift
Outer thigh lift surgery focuses on the outer edges of the thighs, helping to smooth bulges, wrinkles, or loose skin that can affect the hips and lateral thigh area. Stretch marks can also be addressed. This technique is typically performed with an incision made across the groin line and extended around the hips. The outer thigh lift procedure is often recommended for patients who notice sagging skin extending from the hip down the thigh’s outer portion, sometimes after massive weight loss. Removing excess skin and fat from the outer thigh lift creates a firmer, lifted contour and can dramatically enhance lower body proportions for a more balanced look.
Consultation
A personalized consultation at Cosmetic Surgery Associates is the first step in your thigh lift procedure. During this visit, Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, or Dr. Magge will thoroughly assess your goals, medical history, and the specific concerns you have about your thighs. This is an ideal time to discuss the procedure in detail, review before and after photos, and ask any questions you may have so that you feel confident about your cosmetic procedure.
Preparation
Proper preparation is key to a smooth surgical procedure and recovery. At your consultation, you will receive detailed instructions, which may include getting medical clearances, stopping certain medications like blood thinners, and arranging for assistance during your recovery. Maintaining a consistent weight and healthy lifestyle before and after surgery helps ensure the best possible outcome and promotes optimal healing.
Thigh Lift Procedure
The thigh lift procedure is performed under general anesthesia in a fully accredited surgical facility. Surgery begins with precise incision placement tailored to your treatment plan. Excess skin and fat are carefully removed, and the skin is repositioned and tightened to reveal a more sculpted and toned appearance. The procedure typically takes several hours, and most patients can return home the same day after a short period of initial monitoring by our expert surgical staff.
Thigh Lift Recovery
Recovery from a thigh lift requires patience and attentive aftercare. Moderate swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the surgical site are expected, but these symptoms will improve significantly within the first two weeks. During this time, prescription pain medication or over-the-counter medication can be used to alleviate discomfort. Patients should wear compression garments at all times, except when showering, for six weeks to minimize swelling and promote healthy blood flow. While most patients can return to work and resume light activities in 1-2 weeks, more strenuous activities should be avoided for 4-6 weeks. Your surgeon will guide you through every stage of your recovery, offering support, follow-up visits, and detailed instructions for the best possible healing and results.
Results from a Thigh Lift
Results of your thigh lift will become increasingly visible as swelling subsides and your body heals. You will enjoy firmer, slimmer, and more contoured thighs that look and feel natural. Incisions will be carefully placed to minimize visible scarring, which will gradually fade over time. Patients often experience a renewed sense of confidence, improved clothing fit, and greater mobility after a thigh lift. By following all post-operative instructions and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, these results can last a lifetime.
Schedule a Thigh Lift Consultation
At Cosmetic Surgery Associates, patients rely on our team of board-certified plastic surgeons to deliver exceptional results in a welcoming environment. If you are considering a thigh lift in Bethesda, MD, schedule a consultation today by calling or filling out an online contact form. Our office is located only 2 miles from North Bethesda and 5 miles away from Potomac & Rockville.
Keshav Magge, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Honored as a Top Doctor by Bethesda Magazine and Washingtonian in both 2024 and 2025, Dr. Magge is recognized for his exceptional surgical skill, artistic precision, and patient-centered approach. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, he completed a fellowship in Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he gained advanced expertise in facial rejuvenation and aesthetic surgery innovations.
Meet Dr. Magge
A. Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Jabs is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon recognized nationally for his expertise in creating natural-looking results and his warm, compassionate approach to patient care. Trained in NY at Columbia University, he served in the US Army and has special expertise in facial rejuvenation. He has over 35 years of experience and has consistently been voted a top plastic surgeon by Washingtonian and Bethesda magazine.
Meet Dr. Jabs
Franklin D. Richards, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richards has been recognized as a Top Doctor by several prestigious organizations, including Castle Connolly, Consumers’ Research Council of America, and Washingtonian magazine. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, Dr. Richards is the past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital. His expertise is in achieving natural results in facelift and eyelid surgery, with additional interests in cosmetic surgery of the breast and abdomen.
Meet Dr. Richards
Complementary Procedures
Body Lift
Thigh lift techniques are often incorporated with a lower body lift, which is a great option for patients who concerned with multiple areas of loose skin and excess fat. The lower body lift is a more comprehensive procedure that requires a longer recovery but offers long-lasting results and a life-changing transformation.
Arm Lift
The arm lift and thigh lift use similar techniques to address loose skin and excess fat on different areas of the body. By combining these procedures, patients can achieve full-body rejuvenation and a leaner physique.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) addresses excess stomach fat and loose skin that sometimes drapes over the thighs. Combining a thigh lift with a tummy tuck allows for a seamless transition between the stomach and thighs, creating a more toned and slimmer body contour.
The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way.
Get it DONE! The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way. My results are amazing, and I conquered the biggest hurdle in this journey - picking the correct Doctor and team. No regrets. Thank you, CSA.
– verified patient
I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it’s always such a nice visit.
I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it's always such a nice visit. Super professional, and I always feel taken care of.
– verified patient
I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES.
I had such an amazing overall experience at Cosmetic Surgery Associates. The staff is very pleasant. I had my first invasive cosmetic procedure done back in September, and the final results are amazing. I LOVE IT. I'm so much happier with my body now. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Prior to my surgery, I had been thinking about this for a while, and I'm so happy I made the decision to go through with it. I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
– verified patient
Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb.
This practice is truly outstanding! Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb. The staff is extremely friendly, kind, and professional; they make you feel comfortable as soon as you walk in the door.
– verified patient
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office.
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office. The day of my surgery, the staff took amazing care of me and went above and beyond to calm my nerves, talk me through it, and made it such a great experience. I highly recommend this office. I can't thank them enough for all that they did for me!
– verified patient
My experience there was beyond 5 stars.
My experience there was beyond 5 stars. From taking the appointment to post surgery. Even now after 10 months, the follow ups are outstanding. The whole staff took great care of me and the results are what I expected. Thank you for everything. Don't think twice and use this clinic if you want best in class service and the best result.
– verified patient
All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff.
Literally every staff member I interacted with from the front desk down to the surgical team gave stellar customer service and truly made me feel comfortable. My sister even felt the warm energy from the staff after meeting them the morning of surgery. All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff. I would highly recommend Cosmetic Surgery Associates to anyone seeking a cosmetic procedure!
– verified patient
I can’t stress enough how great this whole experience has been.
I can't stress enough how great this whole experience has been. Not only did he make me feel comfortable in my body, but 10x more confident. His work is truly beautiful. 100% recommend!!
– verified patient
I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes.
The staff are professional, caring, and pay attention to detail. Almost 10 months post op. The results exceeded my expectations. I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes. I'm so grateful. I highly recommend this practice.
– verified patient
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable!
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable! The facility was very clean and one of the staff members helped me work the coffee machine for a fresh cup of coffee!
– verified patient
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