If you have lost a lot of weight or gravity has caused the skin of your thighs to sag, you may be embarrassed to wear shorts or a swimming suit in public. If this sounds like you, a thigh lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that can remove excess thigh skin that’s lost its elasticity. The procedure, which is often combined with liposuction , results in more youthful, tighter-looking thighs.

“The thighs are one of the biggest problem areas for many of my patients,” explains Dr. Mandraccia, a prominent plastic surgeon in Bonita Spring, Florida. “Cellulite commonly forms on the thighs and the skin tends to sag with age or extreme weight loss. Thigh lifts can help eliminate sagging skin and then smooth the surface area of the skin that has been tightened.”

The incisions necessary for a thigh lift will depend on the specific location of the lift. If there is excess skin and fat is on the inner thighs, the incision will start on the inner thigh and continue up into the bikini area. For the outer thighs and buttocks, the incision can extend up through the groin area and onto the back.

“Some surgeons believe that the thigh lift procedure is less effective for the inside and back of the thighs,” explains Dr. Mandraccia. “But, this can depend on the goals and physical characteristics of each individual patient and the skill level of the surgeon.”

Once the incision is made, your cosmetic surgeon will separate the skin from the fatty tissue underneath. The excess tissue will then be removed (usually in a crescent-shaped pattern) before the remaining skin is gently lifted into its new positioning and sutured back together. A small drainage tube may also be inserted to help drain excess fluid following the surgery.

Thigh lifts usually last several hours and can be performed as an outpatient procedure, or require a short hospital stay. As with any surgical procedure, thigh lift surgery has some risks, which include swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection and contour abnormalities. Although there are noticeable scars associated with this procedure, the incisions are made so that most scars can be covered while wearing a bathing suit.

The recovery period for a thigh lift is generally one to two weeks. Post-operative pain during this time can be controlled using prescription medications. Most patients are able to return to work and non-strenuous activities within two weeks of surgery and make a full recovery within one month. To help you maximize the results of your surgery, you should follow a sensible diet and exercise program.