Thigh Lift Fort Worth
A thigh lift, also called thighplasty, is a body contouring procedure that lifts, slims and shapes the inner and/or outer thighs. A thigh lift can create a more proportional and contoured appearance to the thighs and lower body, and reduce chafing and skin irritation between the thighs. Many patients who undergo thighplasty have experienced pregnancy or major weight loss.
How is a thigh lift performed?
A thigh lift is performed using surgical excision and often liposuction to remove excess soft tissues in the thighs. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emily J. Kirby performs thigh lift surgery in her state-of-the-art, Quad A-accredited City Surgery Center.
Female Plastic Surgeon Fort Worth
- Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
- Over 12 years of experience in private practice
- Founder and Medical Director of Kirby Plastic Surgery, Kalos Medical Spa, and City Surgery Center—a Quad A-accredited, state-of-the-art facility located onsite
- Specialist in breast surgery and body contouring, including postpartum
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2019
- First female Chief of Plastic Surgery, Texas Health Resources Harris Methodist Hospital
Will I have scars after my thigh lift?
Thigh lift incisions are typically placed in the groin, extending toward the crease of the buttocks, allowing scars to be easily hidden in most clothing. For patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, a vertical incision may be placed along the inner thigh.
Incisions are closed using dissolving sutures, meaning you will not have to have your sutures removed after surgery. Dr. Kirby will review your scar care plan and options to help ensure that your scars heal as beautifully as possible.
Real patient images from Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emily Kirby
*Individual results may vary.
What other procedures can enhance a thigh lift?
If you struggle with excess fat and soft tissues, one or more of the following body contouring procedures may enhance your surgery:
- A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles. A combination of abdominoplasty and liposuction of the “flanks” can help to tighten the lateral thighs.
- A circumferential body lift removes excess skin and fat circumferentially 360-degrees, from the abdomen, flanks, and back. This is commonly performed in patients who have lost a great deal of weight but lack adequate skin elasticity.
- An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, removes excess skin and fat in the area between the underarm and the elbow. The arm is reshaped, resulting in smoother skin and a more toned, proportionate appearance.
- A buttock lift removes and tightens loose tissues in the buttocks to achieve a firmer, younger-looking rear.
What kind of anesthesia will I have?
A thigh lift is performed under general anesthesia. You will be sleeping for the duration of your procedure.
“She was not only professional, reassuring, and confident, but also friendly.”
Benefits of a thigh lift
A thigh lift provides Fort Worth patients with a number of benefits, including:
- Slims and contours the thighs
- Reduces chafing between the thighs
- Reduces cellulite dimpling on the thighs
- Makes wearing clothing more comfortable and enjoyable
- Many scars can be hidden in your lower body’s natural creases
Am I a good candidate for a thigh lift?
Men and women who meet the following criteria may be good candidates for a thigh lift:
- Have excess skin and/or fat on your thighs due to pregnancy or major weight loss
- Are capable of maintaining a stable weight
- Are in relatively good health and are committed to leading a healthy lifestyle
- Do not have any serious medical conditions
- Are a non-smoker
- Have realistic goals of what your procedure may accomplish
Dr. Kirby regularly sees patients who achieved significant weight loss with the help of GLP-1 weight loss medications such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Rybelsus®, or Mounjaro®. If you are currently taking a semaglutide or tirzepatide-based medication for weight loss, Dr. Kirby recommends waiting until you have reached your goal weight before scheduling your thigh lift in Fort Worth. Additional weight loss may thin out the thigh region post-surgery and weaken the initial results.
Dr. Emily Kirby ensures that every plastic surgery patient receives Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) care to optimize recovery time and minimize pain. Dr. Kirby uses innovative pain reduction techniques, such as numbing anesthetics and small doses of different types of medications, to reduce discomfort from many angles.
“Dr. Kirby has created the most amazing experience. She is thorough and intuitive, sincerely cares about the work she does and perfectly marries listening to what you want and what science says.”
—Actual patient
Thigh lift recovery & results
After your thigh lift surgery, you should expect to have some swelling, bruising, and temporary changes in sensation in your thighs, buttocks, and groin for the first several weeks. During this initial recovery period, you should refrain from performing any excessive movements or lifting more than 5 pounds.
Dr. Kirby may apply compression garments for you to wear for the first 6 weeks following your surgery. You may also need to wear surgical drains for the first several days. Most people are able to return to sedentary work within 7 to 10 days, and light activity within 3 weeks. It typically takes thigh lift patients 6 weeks to fully recover from surgery.
References »
Losco L, Roxo AC, Roxo CW, de Sire A, Bolletta A, Cuomo R, Grimaldi L, Cigna E, Roxo CDP. Helix Thigh Lift. A Novel Approach to Severe Deformities in Massive Weight Loss Patients. Journal of Investigative Surgery. 2022 Mar;35(3):620-626. doi: 10.1080/08941939.2021.1912220.
Capella JF. The vertical medial thigh lift. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2014 Oct;41(4):727-43. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2014.06.005.
Sisti A, Cuomo R, Zerini I, Tassinari J, Brandi C, Grimaldi L, D’Aniello C, Nisi G. Complications Associated With Medial Thigh Lift: A Comprehensive Literature Review. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2015 Oct-Dec;8(4):191-7. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.172189.
Bell D, Winters R. Thighplasty. 2023 Jul 17. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–.
Mocquard C, Pluvy I, Chaput B, Hoogbergen MM, Watier E, Gandolfi S, Bertheuil N. Medial Thighplasty Improves Patient’s Quality of Life After Massive Weight Loss: a Prospective Multicentric Study. Obesity Surgery. 2021 Nov;31(11):4985-4992. doi: 10.1007/s11695-021-05654-w.
Michaels J. Vertical Medial Thigh Contouring. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2019 Jan;46(1):91-103. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2018.08.014.
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Tightens lax skin in the thighs
- Creates a tighter, more contoured thigh in proportion with the rest of your body
- Reduces skin irritation and chafing
- Bilateral Thigh Lift: A type of thigh lift that targets the front and outside of the thighs, improving the contour of these areas through incisions made at the top of the thigh, near the groin area.
- Circumferential Thigh Lift: A more extensive thigh lift procedure that addresses the entire thigh circumference, removing excess skin and fat from the front, back, inner, and outer thighs.
- Compression Garments: Specialized clothing that applies even pressure to the surgical area, worn after a thigh lift to reduce swelling, support the healing tissues, and help the skin conform to its new contour.
- General Anesthesia: Medication administered to induce sleep and relaxation during surgery.
- Inner (Medial) Thigh Lift: Focuses on correcting sagging skin and excess fat on the inner thigh, usually through an incision made in the groin area that may extend down to the knee along the inside.
- Liposuction: A procedure that removes fat from specific areas of the body using a suction technique, often performed in conjunction with a thigh lift to achieve optimal contouring results.
- Local Anesthesia: Medication administered to prevent pain during surgery by numbing a small area; it may be used in combination with sedation to minimize discomfort if preferable over general anesthesia.
- Lymphedema: A condition characterized by swelling due to a blockage in the lymphatic system, which can be a risk factor or consideration in the recovery process after thigh lift surgery.
- Recovery Time: The period after thigh lift surgery during which the patient heals. This includes time for swelling and bruising to subside, and for the patient to gradually return to normal activities, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks. Recovery can be streamlined, but not rushed.
- Scar Management: Techniques and treatments used to minimize the appearance of scars following surgery, including silicone sheets, gels, and corticosteroid injections, which are particularly relevant for thigh lift patients due to the length and visibility of the incisions.
- Seroma: A condition where fluid accumulates under the skin following surgery, a potential complication of thigh lift surgery that may require drainage for resolution.
- Skin Elasticity: The ability of the skin to stretch and return to its original state, a key factor in determining the outcome of a thigh lift, as better skin elasticity typically leads to smoother results.
- Sutures: Stitches used by surgeons to close incisions.
- Vertical Thigh Lift: A variation of the thigh lift that involves an incision that starts at the groin and extends to the knee, allowing for the removal of excess skin along the entire length of the thigh, primarily focusing on the inner thigh.
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily J. Kirby — Updated on Dec 18, 2024