About Thigh Lift
Weight loss is an impressive accomplishment for anyone. In some cases, people who make it to their ideal weight occasionally require cosmetic surgery to finalize their appearance. Based on the amount of time you had extra weight and how much of that weight you lost, excess skin can be an added difficulty if the skin wasn't able to mold to the smaller shape and size of the body. The thighs are often areas of trouble for a lot of people. Dallas, TX board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Phillip Dauwe offers surgical thigh lifts (also called thighplasty) at Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery, which trims loose skin on the outer or inner thighs to reveal a firmer, more contoured look. Thighplasty surgery has increased in popularity since it can give natural-looking results for anyone who doesn't want hanging skin on the thighs. Call our Dallas, TX office to learn more.
Thigh Lift Reviews
Is A Thigh Lift For You?
A thigh lift is a skin tightening and removal treatment that improves the appearance of excess skin. Thighplasty is typically a post weight loss treatment. Thigh lift surgery is commonly used on people who have lost large amounts of weight. It's also helpful for older people who are concerned about excess skin caused by natural aging, as well as women whose body shape changed from pregnancy and childbirth. If you have loose, wrinkly, or hanging skin on your upper thighs (whether it's the outer or inner thighs or both), thigh lift surgery can be a good option. Please remember that if cellulite is the bigger problem, Dr. Dauwe can recommend different treatments that are designed to help decrease the look of cellulite.
Thigh Lift Surgical Technique
For thigh lift surgery, general anesthesia is commonly administered. A surgical incision is placed close to the top portion of the leg in the natural fold in your groin. The incision typically continues along to the midsection of the thigh. This is often performed with surgical liposuction (if necessary) to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat and to smooth the areas of the top and front of the thigh. The skin will be stretched upward so it is tight and secured with sutures. In specific patients, an additional incision may be made underneath the butt or in the outer thigh area, based on the quantity of skin and tissue being addressed. Thigh lift surgery at Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery corrects the complete thigh area for a tighter, more contoured look.
What to Expect for a Thigh Lift Procedure
Thigh lift surgery takes an average of 2 – 3 hours to perform. After the procedure is finished, you will be monitored and assessed before you are allowed to go home to begin your recovery. There is typically swelling, discomfort, and bruising during the first few days of recovery. On the first day, you will be able to get up and slowly walk, which is recommended for improved blood circulation and speedier healing. The full recovery time usually lasts around 6 – 8 weeks. Wound care instructions given by Dr. Dauwe will help you care for your healing incision. Although patients will have some scarring, the improved contour and shape of your legs can help you raise your self-esteem, and you can enjoy the more youthful shape of your thighs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Thigh Lifts
How much does thigh lift surgery cost?
Your cost for a thigh lift will be based on facility fees, tests, anesthesia, and other costs. As soon as Dr. Dauwe has developed your custom thigh lift plan, he can then estimate your costs. Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery will help you obtain no-interest financing, which can help make your thighplasty more affordable so you are able to concentrate on working with an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Dauwe.
Will a thigh lift remove cellulite or stretch marks?
Thigh lift surgery is a great way to slim the contour and improve the appearance of your legs. Since a thigh lift includes tightening the skin and correcting stubborn fat pockets, it can improve the visibility of cellulite and stretch marks on your thighs. If you're interested in addressing stretch marks or cellulite, let Dr. Dauwe know in your consultation so he can adjust your treatment plan to fit all of your goals.
How long will my results last?
After your surgery, if you stay healthy with regular exercise and a balanced diet, you should maintain your thigh lift results for many years. Dr. Dauwe recommends you be at or near a healthy weight prior to thigh lift surgery so it's easy to keep your results. Significant weight changes or pregnancy following your thigh lift can alter your appearance. In your consultation, Dr. Dauwe will discuss what will make your surgical results last.
Can I combine a thigh lift with other surgeries?
You may consider combining a thigh lift with a butt lift or tummy tuck. Thighplasties are also a common part of after weight loss surgery or a mommy makeover. In your initial consultation, talk to Dr. Dauwe about your wants and goals so he can develop a comprehensive surgical plan that gives you the best results.
What about a nonsurgical thigh lift?
Although there are nonsurgical options to tone your skin and reduce fat, these can help with mild improvements. A thighplasty is the best way to correct significant amounts of excess skin and stubborn fat on your thighs. If you're considering nonsurgical procedures, ask Dr. Dauwe to give you more information in your initial consultation. He will discuss the pros and cons of surgical and nonsurgical thigh treatment options, plus his opinion on which would be the best fit for your needs.

Plan Your Procedure
- Recovery Time
- 3 – 6 Weeks
- Average Procedure Time
- 3 Hours
- Post-op Follow-up
- Week 2 & 6, Month 3, 6, & 12
- Procedure Recovery Location
- Overnight Stay
Get Tighter, Toned Thighs
When you notice excess skin on your inner or outer thighs that creates embarrassment or anxiety, we encourage you to contact Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery in Dallas, TX to find out more about thighplasty. It's typical for patients to combine a thigh lift surgery with one or more contouring surgeries, particularly surgeries that correct nearby areas including stomach surgery or a lift for the lower body, based on your individual needs. Schedule your appointment with plastic surgeon Dr. Dauwe to get the slimmer look you want.