Will there be a scar?

Yes. The incision is placed in the groin crease, and when laxity is more significant it may extend down the inner thigh. Scars fade over time and are placed as discreetly as the correction allows.

How is this different from a mini-thigh lift?

A mini-thigh lift treats mild to moderate laxity confined to the upper inner thigh through a groin-crease incision only. A full thigh lift addresses a larger area and may require an incision extending down the inner thigh.

Can liposuction be combined with a thigh lift?

Often, yes. Liposuction can refine shape alongside skin removal. Whether the two are combined is decided during your consultation.

Is this a good option after major weight loss?

It is a common reason patients ask about thigh lift surgery. A stable weight is recommended before surgery so the planned contour holds.

How long do results last?

Results are long lasting with a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle, though skin continues to change naturally with age.

Thigh Lift (Thighplasty) in North Denver

Q: How long is recovery?

Most patients return to desk work in about 2 weeks, with strenuous activity and exercise paused for roughly 4 to 6 weeks. A compression garment is typically worn for about 10 weeks in total, around the clock for the first 6 weeks and then at night for 4 more. Swelling settles gradually over the following months.

Woman in mustard running shorts, legs shown in a three-quarter view against a plain off-white wall

This is not a real patient photo. This is an example, and results may vary.

The short answer

Thigh Lift (Thighplasty) removes excess thigh skin and some fat to smooth the thigh contour. It may suit patients with loose inner-thigh skin who accept the incision the correction requires. In Northglenn, Dr. John Samas reviews your anatomy, your health history and your goals before recommending a plan.

Front view of the thighs before a thigh lift, with loose skin along the inner thighs, in charcoal briefs — This is not a real patient photo. This is an example, and results may vary.

Overview

What is Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)?

A thigh lift, or thighplasty, removes excess skin and some fat from the thighs to create a smoother, firmer contour. Most commonly it addresses the inner thigh, with an incision placed in the groin crease that may extend down the inner thigh when laxity is more significant.

Patients often consider a thigh lift after major weight loss, with aging, or following pregnancy, when diet and exercise no longer change loose skin. Liposuction may be combined to refine shape. The anesthesia approach is discussed at consultation, along with what the procedure can and cannot change.

Key Benefits

What does Thigh Lift (Thighplasty) do?

A thigh lift targets loose, sagging skin that exercise cannot change, leaving the thigh smoother and firmer. Many patients notice less chafing and irritation and a better fit in clothing and swimwear. Liposuction can be combined to refine shape when appropriate. Results are individual, and Dr. Samas reviews what is realistic for your anatomy at consultation.

Smoother, firmer thigh contour
Removes loose, sagging skin that exercise cannot change
Reduces chafing and irritation from excess skin
Improves how clothing and swimwear fit
Can be combined with liposuction for refined shape

Front view of the thighs after a thigh lift, with smoother inner thighs, in lavender briefs — This is not a real patient photo. This is an example, and results may vary.

Recovery

What is recovery like?

Swelling, bruising and tightness are expected early. Drains may be used for the first several days, and a compression garment is typically worn for about 10 weeks in total: around the clock for the first 6 weeks, then at night for 4 more. Walking is encouraged early while strenuous activity is paused. Written instructions from Dr. Samas take priority over any general timeline.

Drains may be used for the first several days
Compression garment for about 10 weeks: around the clock for 6 weeks, then at night for 4 weeks
Walking encouraged early, strenuous activity paused about 4 to 6 weeks
Most patients return to desk work in about 2 weeks
Avoid sitting or bending that strains the incisions early on
Final contour visible over several months as swelling settles

FAQ