Thigh Lift

A thigh lift removes sagging skin from the inner thighs, often together with liposuction, for firmer and more proportionate legs. Younger patients with elastic skin are usually helped by liposuction alone.

Fat or Loose Skin?

The skin of the inner thigh is thin, so it is one of the first places to sag after weight loss or with age, while the outer thigh is more often a matter of localized fat. For fat alone, liposuction is usually enough. When loose skin is the problem, typically after major weight loss, a groin lift or thigh lift removes the excess, and liposuction is often added because it reduces how much skin has to be removed.

Who It Suits

It suits healthy adults with a stable weight who have fat that does not respond to exercise or loose skin on the thighs. People with marked inner-thigh sagging after major weight loss benefit most from a lift; for superficial dimpling, non-surgical cellulite treatments may suit better. Surgery is not recommended while weight is changing, or with uncontrolled heart or vascular disease, diabetes, a history of blood clots, or advanced varicose veins and circulation problems in the legs.

How the Operation Is Done

The operation is performed under general anesthesia or sedation in hospital and takes about two to three hours, followed by one night in hospital. In a groin lift the incision lies in the groin crease and the upper inner thigh skin is lifted; when sagging extends toward the knee, the incision continues down the inner thigh. Plastic surgeon Op. Dr. Toygar Ünveren assesses the sagging and the future scar with you both standing and lying down.

Recovery

Swelling, bruising and tightness are normal at first, and a compression garment for the legs is worn for several weeks. Walking soon after surgery is important to lower the risk of blood clots, while spreading the legs wide and movements that strain the incision should be avoided early on. Most people return to desk work within a week after liposuction and somewhat later after a lift.

Risks to Discuss

Bleeding, fluid collection, infection, separation of the wound edges, widening or downward movement of the scar and small differences between the legs can occur. Because the groin is moist and mobile, wound care needs extra attention. Blood clots in the leg veins are rare but important, so one-sided leg swelling and pain, shortness of breath, a high fever or foul-smelling discharge need urgent care.

Planning Your Trip to Istanbul

If you are traveling from abroad, the first consultation can be held remotely before you book your trip, so you arrive with a clear plan. Discuss long-haul travel with your surgeon in advance, since staying mobile and preventing clots matter after leg surgery.

Book a Consultation

Interested in Thigh Lift? Contact us to schedule a personalised consultation with our specialists.