The thigh lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to help tighten the skin of the thigh to reduce sagging in the inner or outer thigh. Many surgeons perform this procedure on its own or in combination with other body procedures, except when liposuction is performed. Most surgeons use this as a rule of thumb.

Patients, whose inner thighs are not in proportion with their body with excess fatty deposits, may use liposuction as the first course of action to be rid of the tissue. After a specified amount of time, a reevaluation will determine if a thigh lift will be beneficial for the look you are seeking to achieve.

When the skin of the inner thigh sag, the thigh lift will be tighten up the skin, smoothing out the contours of the thigh. Patients who have undergone gastric bypass and have lost a lot of weight are ideal candidates, usually this is done in combination with a full body lift.

Performed as an outpatient procedure with general anesthesia, the surgery can be done in combination with a butt lift. Many surgeons plan for the surgery so that the final scar is hidden within the groin crease. The excess skin and fat are removed while the remaining thigh skin is elevated and tightened. After surgery it is suggested that rest be taken, so not to alter the healing process. Thigh lift surgery will usually take 1-2 weeks for recovery. Patients should plan to take 7-10 days off from work.