Thigh Lift Procedures

Whether you want to remove unsightly cellulite or continue the success seen with your full body lift, a thighplasty reduces excess skin and fat in the thigh and knee area. It also helps tighten the skin and define the muscles to create a more proportionate silhouette.

At Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Centers of El Paso, our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Mark Jabor, Dr. Dale Reynolds and Dr. Jaime Aburto perform thigh lift surgery for patients across El Paso, Las Cruces and the surrounding region. Every patient is seen directly by their surgeon from consultation through recovery to make the process as seamless as possible. If excess skin on your thighs is causing discomfort or holding you back after major weight loss, a thighplasty may be the right next step.

What Is a Thigh Lift?

A thigh lift is a body contouring surgery that removes loose skin and underlying fat from the upper legs. During the surgery, we tighten and reposition tissue to reshape the leg from the groin to the knee. It can be used after significant weight loss, when skin fails to shrink to match the new contours, or after aging has caused skin laxity affecting the thighs. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Thigh Lift? 

Thigh lift procedures are ideal for those who have already undergone a full body lift (with Dr. Reynolds’s or Dr. Jabor’s recommendation), have lost a significant amount of weight following bariatric surgery, or want to tone their upper and inner thighs.

We also consider additional factors such as weight stability and good overall health. We look for patients who are nonsmokers or willing to quit. Dr. Reynolds, Dr. Jabor or Dr. Aburto will evaluate your skin quality and medical history to recommend the procedure or treatment that will most benefit you. 

What Benefits Does a Thigh Lift Offer?

• Reduced Chafing and Irritation: Excess thigh skin can cause rubbing and irritation when walking or exercising, along with an uncomfortable rash. Removing excess skin resolves this problem and makes movement easier. 
• Improved Clothing Fit: It can be difficult to find the right fit for clothing when you have lost weight but still have excess skin in the thigh area. A thighplasty can make it easier to find more comfortable clothing. 
• Long-Lasting Results: Surgery on the thigh permanently removes loose skin for results that are more comprehensive and longer lasting than nonsurgical options. 

Thighplasty Options & Consultation

The thighplasty can be done several different ways, depending on what’s best for your particular situation.

• The most popular option, the inner, or medial thigh lift, involves incisions in the folds of the groin, which is best for those with a large amount of fat and sagging skin in this area.
• A vertical thighplasty is carried out with a vertical incision starting at the groin and extending to the inner knee. Those with a significant amount of fat in this area may opt for this procedure.
• Finally, an outer thigh lift involves an incision running from the groin to around the hip area.

These thigh lift procedures can often be used in combination with each other to achieve the results you desire.

How the Thigh Lift Procedure Works

Thigh lift surgery is an outpatient procedure done under general anesthesia. It usually takes two to three hours to perform, though a longer surgery may be needed for certain patients.

After your anesthesia is administered, your surgeon will make the incisions that you agreed upon during your consultation and remove excess skin and fat. They will tighten the remaining skin while making sure the shape of the thigh looks natural. Then your surgeon will suture the incisions and place a drain if necessary. 

Preparing for Your Thigh Lift

We make sure that each person gets personalized preparation instructions. Your surgeon will take into consideration your health and medical history when making these recommendations. In general, patients are advised to stop taking blood-thinning and anti-inflammatory medications or herbal supplements that can increase bleeding during the surgery. Smokers will be asked to stop several weeks ahead of time. 

Make sure you arrange a ride for after your surgery, and have someone stay with you the first night if you don’t have family at home. Prepare plenty of loose, comfortable clothing and cook a few meals ahead of time to store in the freezer for an easier recovery.

Thigh Lift Recovery and Aftercare

Most patients can expect to return to a desk job about two weeks after a thighplasty, and light exercise is usually possible four to six weeks into the healing process. Keep in mind that these are general timelines and recovery can vary, so always check with your surgeon before adding an activity back in. Compression garments are worn for at least six weeks to help your body manage swelling and encourage your thighs to settle into their new shape. We will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your incisions, remove drains, check your progress and recommend scar care options once everything has closed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thigh Lift Procedures

What financing options are available for thigh lift surgery?

Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Centers of El Paso accepts Cherry Financing, CareCredit®, ALPAHEON® Credit and Prosper™ Healthcare Lending. These financing plans allow you to break the cost into manageable monthly payments. We also offer discounts to all military and uniformed personnel, in gratitude for their service. 

Will there be visible scarring after a thigh lift?

Yes, you will have scars in your incision locations after a thigh lift. In most cases, incisions are hidden along the groin crease, where they are less noticeable. A vertical thighplasty will involve incisions that are more visible on the inner thigh, but we make them as discreet as possible. 

We will also help you with scar treatment options. Standard care for scars once the incision heals includes scar creams or silicone sheets. The more closely you follow your surgeon’s instructions for scar care, the better your scars will heal, but some scarring will still remain even with close adherence.  

How much does a thigh lift cost?

Cost is calculated based on the extent of the surgery, time spent under anesthesia, surgeon experience and whether additional procedures are being combined with your thighplasty. The best way to get an accurate quote for this surgery is to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons.  

Can a thigh lift be combined with other procedures? 

A thigh lift is often combined with liposuction when there is a larger amount of excess fat. It may also be performed alongside a tummy tuck or as part of a mommy makeover or a full body lift. In many situations, multiple surgeries can be performed during the same procedure. Sometimes, surgical procedures need to be staged into two sessions to give your body enough time to heal in between. We will let you know which method makes the most sense in your situation based on desired treatment areas, safety, technique and healing time.  

About Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center of El Paso

We have served the local El Paso and Las Cruces community for many years. Dr. Mark Jabor has double board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. Dr. Dale Reynolds is also board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Jaime Aburto is board-certified and fellowship-trained with a passion for plastic surgery. 

We offer a full range of body contouring, breast and facial procedures. At the heart of every procedure we perform is a dedicated focus on high standards of excellence, honesty and integrity. Every interaction we have with a patient is another opportunity to give them the care they deserve. 

Schedule Your First Thighplasty Appointment in El Paso, TX

Our office, conveniently located in downtown El Paso, Texas, is a leading plastic surgery center. To learn more about the thighplasty procedure, we invite you to visit us for a consultation and meet with our nationally recognized plastic surgeons, Dr. Reynolds, Dr. Aburto and Dr. Jabor.

During your consultation,  your surgeon will sit down with you to address your concerns and create a plan of action using state-of-the-art simulation. To schedule an appointment, please call 915-543-5600 or contact Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center of El Paso online for additional information on potential thigh lift procedures.