Waterfront Private Hospital

Thigh Lift

Remove excess skin and fat from the inner or outer thighs to create a smoother, more proportionate leg contour. Dramatically improve comfort and confidence after significant weight loss.

Quick Facts

Type

Surgical (GA)

Duration

2-3 hours

Hospital

1 night stay

Time Off

2-3 weeks

Exercise

6 weeks

Final Results

3-6 months

Cost

On consultation

Consultation

Required

Overview

Thigh lift surgery removes excess skin and fat from the inner or outer thighs, creating a smoother, more proportionate leg contour. Often performed after significant weight loss when exercise alone cannot address loose, hanging skin. The procedure can dramatically improve comfort and confidence.

Our surgeons offer both inner and outer thigh lift options, or a combination approach. The procedure is customised based on the areas of concern and your aesthetic goals, helping you achieve the leg contour you desire.

Important: Thigh lift typically requires an overnight hospital stay due to the extent of the procedure. A compression garment is not required from our perspective but can be helpful in reducing swelling — discuss this with your surgeon during consultation.

Who Is This Procedure For?

  • •Excess inner or outer thigh skin after weight loss
  • •Skin laxity causing chafing or discomfort
  • •Inability to achieve desired thigh shape through exercise
  • •Those seeking improved leg proportions
  • •Self-consciousness affecting clothing choices

What Does the Procedure Involve?

Inner Thigh Lift

An incision is made in the groin crease, extending downward along the inner thigh. Excess skin and fat are removed and tissues are tightened. This approach minimises visible scarring by placing the scar in natural crease lines.

Outer Thigh Lift

The incision extends from the groin area around the hip and buttock area. This addresses excess skin and fat on the lateral thigh and outer hip region. The scar is positioned to be as concealed as possible by clothing.

Tissue Tightening and Liposuction

Underlying tissues are tightened to provide optimal contour. Liposuction may be combined with skin excision to refine the thigh shape further and achieve natural-looking results.

Post-Operative Compression

A compression garment is not required from our perspective but some patients find it helpful in reducing swelling and optimising contour. Discuss this with your surgeon during your consultation.

Risks & Considerations

  • ⚠Scarring: Permanent scars on inner thigh or hip area, typically concealed by clothing
  • ⚠Bleeding: Uncommon but can occur requiring further management
  • ⚠Infection: Rare, managed with antibiotics if it occurs
  • ⚠Asymmetry: Slight imbalance between sides may occur
  • ⚠Wound Dehiscence: Scar opening or separating during healing
  • ⚠Numbness: Temporary or permanent numbness in skin area
  • ⚠Lymphoedema: Rare complication involving fluid collection and swelling
  • ⚠Seroma: Fluid collection may require aspiration
  • ⚠Revision: May be needed to address contour irregularities

Recovery Overview

Days 1-3

Bed rest with pain managed with medication. Keep legs elevated when possible.

Week 1

Gentle mobilisation, dressings checked. Light walking encouraged.

Weeks 2-3

Increasing activity, return to desk work. Avoid strenuous activity.

4-6 weeks

Gentle exercise permitted. Gradually increase leg activity.

6 weeks

Resume most normal activities.

3-6 months

Final thigh contour visible. Scars mature and fade.

Patient Information Leaflets

Download our comprehensive patient information to learn more about the procedure, what to expect, and how to prepare.

BAPRAS Guide to Body Contouring After Major Weight Loss

Additional patient information leaflets for thigh lift surgery are available upon request. Please contact us to receive detailed pre-operative and post-operative guidance.

Thigh Lift Aftercare Guide

Already had your procedure? Visit our detailed online aftercare guide with recovery timelines, activity guidelines, and when to contact us.

Aftercare Guide

Questions? Get in Touch

Our team is here to answer your questions about thigh lift surgery and help you determine if this procedure is right for you.

Call Us

0131 376 3785

Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm