# Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)

> A **thighplasty** or thigh lift procedure helps to reshape the patient's thighs by reducing the excess fat and skin in designated areas.

- Canonical page: https://doctormaresky.co.za/procedure/thigh-lift-surgery
- Category: [Body Contouring](https://doctormaresky.co.za/procedure-category/body-contouring)
- Procedure directory: https://doctormaresky.co.za/procedures.md
- Medical disclaimer: https://doctormaresky.co.za/medical-disclaimer


## Overview

A **thighplasty** or thigh lift procedure helps to reshape the patient's thighs by reducing the excess fat and skin in designated areas. Thigh Lift Surgery creates a beautifully contoured and smooth shape.

## The procedure

During a thigh lift the surgeon may also perform liposuction. There are four types of Thighplasty procedures: **Medial Thighplasty (Inner Thigh Lift)**, **Outer Thighplasty**, **Vertical Thighplasty**, and **Spiral Thighplasty**.

## Preparation

- **Timeline:** **2-4 weeks** before surgery

### Medical tests

- **Complete blood count (CBC)**
- **ECG if over 40 years old**
- **Chest X-ray if indicated**
- **COVID-19 test if required**

### Medications

#### Medications to discuss stopping

- **Stop** aspirin and blood thinners **2 weeks** prior
- **Stop** NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) **1 week** prior
- **Stop** herbal supplements (ginkgo, garlic, ginseng) **2 weeks** prior
- **Stop** vitamin E supplements **1 week** prior

#### Medications to continue

- **Continue** essential medications as advised by **Dr Maresky**
- **Inform Dr Maresky** of all current medications during consultation

### Lifestyle

- **Smoking:** **Quit** smoking at least **4 weeks** before surgery to promote proper healing and reduce complications

- **Alcohol:** **Avoid** alcohol **48 hours** before surgery

- **Fasting:** No food or drink after midnight the night before surgery (**NPO after midnight**)

### Arrangements

- **Arrange** transportation home after surgery - you cannot drive
- **Arrange** for a responsible adult to stay with you for the first **24-48 hours**
- **Prepare** recovery space at home with comfortable clothing and easy access to essentials
- **Stock** up on prescribed medications and recommended supplies
- **Arrange** time off work (**1-2 weeks** recommended, varies by procedure)
- **Plan** for help with childcare and household tasks during recovery

## Recovery and aftercare

It can take anything from **3 to 5 weeks** to recover from a thighplasty, drains are places for the first few weeks and left in until the amount of drainage reduces.

## Expected results

Thigh lifts are recommended for patients who have experienced weight gain, where liposuction alone would not be sufficient.

## Procedure types

- Medial Thighplasty (Inner Thigh Lift)
- Outer Thighplasty
- Vertical Thighplasty
- Spiral Thighplasty

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is an ideal candidate for thigh lift surgery?

Someone with a stable weight, patients with excess soft tissue along the inner thigh and/or the outer thigh, healthy individuals without any surgical risks, and those with realistic expectations.

### What are the normal side effects?

During the first few days after surgery, tightness, swelling, and pain are completely normal and vary across patients.

### What are potential complications?

Complications can include fat necrosis (dead and dying fat cells), skin discoloration, numbness, blood clots, and high fever.

### What types of thigh lift procedures are available?

Inner thigh lift addresses loose skin on the inner thighs via incisions in the groin crease. Outer thigh lift treats outer and front thighs, often part of a lower body lift. **Dr Maresky** will recommend the best approach based on your concerns and anatomy.

### How long does thigh lift surgery take?

A thigh lift typically takes **2-4 hours** depending on the extent of the procedure and whether it's combined with other surgeries. It's usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure or with overnight observation.

### What is recovery like after thigh lift surgery?

Expect **2-3 weeks** before returning to desk work and **4-6 weeks** before resuming exercise. Compression garments are worn for **6-8 weeks**. Swelling and bruising peak at **3-5 days** and gradually improve. Avoid sitting or walking extensively for the first week.

### Will I have visible scars from thigh lift surgery?

Yes, thigh lift does create scars. Inner thigh lift scars are placed in the groin crease where they're well-hidden. Scars typically extend along the crease and may continue down the inner thigh for extensive lifts. Scars fade significantly over **12-18 months**.

### Can thigh lift be combined with other procedures?

Yes, thigh lift is frequently combined with tummy tuck, body lift, arm lift, or liposuction for comprehensive body contouring after massive weight loss. Combining procedures can be more efficient but requires longer surgery and recovery time.

## Indicative pricing

- Estimate: R85,000 to R100,000 ZAR
- Cost factor: Inner vs outer thigh
- Cost factor: Extent of excess skin
- Cost factor: Combined with liposuction
- Detailed cost page: https://doctormaresky.co.za/cost/thigh-lift-surgery
- Final pricing is confirmed after an individual consultation.

## Consultation and contact

- Consultation: https://doctormaresky.co.za/procedure/general-consultation
- Contact: https://doctormaresky.co.za/contact