Skip to content Procedure Summary
A thigh lift, or thigh plasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the thighs by reducing excess skin and fat.
Average Cost
$15,000
Time Duration
2-3 hours
Alternate Names
Thighplasty, Thigh Contouring Surgery
These before and after images are from actual patients of Dr. James Lacey. They help you understand your options and set realistic goals for your surgery.
A thigh lift is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the appearance of the thighs by removing excess skin and fat. Over time it is unfortunately not uncommon for the thigh to develop a saggy or uneven appearance. While there can be many causes for these changes, they are usually due to weight changes, gravity, or genetics. Fortunately, thigh lift surgery is capable of safely removing excess skin and fat to provide a smooth, youthful appearance.
A thigh lift can be performed on the inner, outer, or both areas of the thighs, depending on the patient’s needs.
A thigh lift can enhance your body contour and boost your confidence. Here’s what you can expect:
Thigh lifts can dramatically improve your body contour. To be a good candidate, you should:
The primary difference between the thigh lift techniques lies in where the incision is made.
An inner thigh lift targets the inner thighs to improve the contour and reduce sagging in this specific area. This procedure is ideal if you’ve lost weight or have loose skin due to aging. During this procedure, Dr. Lacey will make incisions in the groin area, remove the excess tissue and tighten the remaining skin which results in a smoother, more toned appearance.
An outer thigh lift, also known as a lateral thigh lift focuses on the outer thighs and buttocks. This procedure removes excess skin and fat to create a smoother, more contoured appearance. This procedure is particularly beneficial if you have sagging skin on the outer thighs due to weight loss or aging. The incisions are typically made at the top of the thigh or along the bikini line. This allows Dr. Lacey to lift and recontour the outer thigh and buttocks area effectively for a more defined and toned silhouette.
A vertical thigh lift involves a longer incision along the inner thigh to remove a larger amount of skin and fat. This procedure is ideal if you have considerable skin laxity and need more extensive reshaping. The incision runs vertically from the groin down to the inner knee, which enables Dr. Lacey to remove a substantial amount of excess skin and provide a dramatic improvement in thigh contour and firmness.
A mini thigh lift is a less invasive option that involves shorter incisions, making it suitable for people with mild to moderate skin laxity. The incisions are typically made in the groin area, and the procedure focuses on tightening the upper part of the thigh. This approach results in minimal scarring and a quicker recovery time compared to more extensive thigh lift procedures.
A medial thigh lift targets the inner thighs, similar to an inner thigh lift, but may involve different incision placements and techniques depending on your individual needs. The procedure tightens and reshapes the inner thigh by removing excess skin and fat. As a result, there is a firmer and more aesthetically pleasing contour.
A circumferential thigh lift, also known as a 360 thigh lift, addresses the entire thigh circumference. This comprehensive procedure involves incisions that extend around the thigh, which allows Dr. Lacey to remove excess skin and fat from the inner, outer, and posterior thigh areas. The result is a significantly improved thigh contour and a more balanced body shape. And if you’re wondering, the ideal candidates for this procedure have significant skin laxity and sagging on both the inner and outer thighs.
Before your thigh lift consultation, prepare to discuss your medical history, current medications, and cosmetic goals. During your appointment, Dr. James Lacey will examine your thigh structure and skin quality to determine the best surgical approach for achieving your desired results.
To prepare for the days leading up to your surgery, Dr. Lacey may advise you to stop smoking and undergo blood tests or adjust your medications. It’s crucial to avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood thinners as directed.
To schedule your consultation, simply call our Cosmetic
Patient Coordinators at 613-591-1099 or complete the
contact form below. We are here to support you through
your journey and look forward to assisting you!
The thigh lift procedure consists of several steps. Here’s what to expect:
To ensure your comfort and safety, you'll receive general anesthesia during the procedure. This means you'll be asleep throughout the surgery.
Dr. James Lacey will make incisions in strategic locations, such as the inner thigh, outer thigh, or groin area. The exact placement will depend on the type of thigh lift you're having. Excess skin and fat will be removed, and the remaining tissue will be tightened and repositioned. After which sutures will be applied. In some cases, if you have excess fat, liposuction may be used further.
After surgery, a light dressing will be applied and you'll be taken to a recovery area to monitor your condition. You can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the treated areas. Wearing a compression garment will help reduce swelling and support your healing process. This garment will be worn for several weeks. Most thigh lift procedures are performed on a same-day surgery basis. This means you can typically go home on the same day as your surgery
Recovering from a thigh lift takes time and patience. After the surgery, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24-48 hours.
Immediately after the surgery, you may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications. You may also feel dizzy, disoriented, and nauseous. These sensations should pass within a few hours.
Depending on the extent of your thigh lift, you may have tubes in your incision to drain away fluid. Dr. Lacey will ask you to empty the drains a few times a day and keep track of how much fluid comes out. Drains are usually removed from three to fourteen days after your surgery, depending on how much fluid is coming out. He will also provide you with detailed instructions for managing your drains, changing your bandages, and showering during recovery.
The first few days after surgery, you should rest and avoid strenuous activities. Do not take aspirin or certain anti-inflammatory medications, and avoid smoking and alcohol for at least five days after surgery or while taking pain medication. Watch for any signs of infection and contact Dr. Lacey if you have concerns.
You may need to wear a compression garment for the first month to optimize thigh contouring and control swelling. Swelling should subside in three to five weeks. You may resume driving and walking for exercise after the first two to three weeks when these activities do not cause pain. Avoid heavy lifting and jogging for six to eight weeks.
All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Some of the potential complications of all surgeries are: Scarring, Infection and bleeding, Hematoma, Nerve Injury, Reaction to Anesthesia, Asymmetry, Seroma (fluid accumulation) Choosing an experienced and board-certified surgeon like Dr. James Lacey and following all pre- and post-operative instructions can help minimize risks.
After several months, you can start evaluating the aesthetic outcome of your thigh lift surgery. Fading and flattening of scars typically take three months to two years. With proper care, the results of a thigh lift can last for many years, especially if you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle.
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During a thigh lift surgery, extra skin and fat is directly removed from the upper aspect of the inner thigh. The skin and fat below this area is then lifted and supported to improve the contour of the thigh. The resulting scar is hidden in the natural groin crease for camouflage. Occasionally liposuction is added to the operation to further optimize the result. The surgery generally takes 2-3 hours and surgical drains may be used.
Patients who inquire about thigh lift surgery often complain of sagging, extra skin and fat on the thighs and seek an smooth, uniform contour. If you are interested in thigh lift surgery, the best place to start is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lacey at Kanata Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery. At your appointment the surgeons will listen to your concerns and determine if you would benefit from thigh lift surgery. You will have opportunities to ask questions with the surgeons and can review before and after photos from past patients.
All surgery happens on-site at Kanata Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery. We are the only private plastic surgery operating facility in Ottawa and are entirely dedicated to providing the best possible experience for our cosmetic surgery patients. Our location allows you to avoid travelling out of town for your surgery and provides a private, relaxing environment for you to recover. Our facility meets and exceeds all national and provincial safety guidelines, and is staffed with well-trained, experienced health care professionals to give you the best possible surgical experience. Scientific research has demonstrated that cosmetic surgery performed in such dedicated facilities have lower complication rates compared to similar procedures done in hospitals. Our facility has been operating for more than ten years with thousands of cosmetic surgeries having been performed on patients from all over Canada.
Thigh lift surgery is performed on an out-patient basis and patients are able to go home the same day as their procedure. Surgical dressings are left on until the first follow-up visit one week after surgery. Patients usually take 1-2 weeks off of work after surgery, although heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are restricted for 1 month post-operatively.
The first step in to schedule an appointment to see Dr. Lacey. This initial consultation is free of charge. Please call (613) 591-1099 to speak to our office staff or contact us by email at kpcs@kanataplasticsurgery.com. Our surgeons and staff would be happy to meet you and discuss whether or not a thigh lift would be right for you.
