Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)
Mr Olivier Amar - Leading Plastic Surgeon in Chelsea, London
Thigh lift surgery (Thighplasty): Reshaping and contouring of the thigh area for a more toned, youthful appearance
What is Thigh Lift (Thighplasty) surgery?
Thigh lift surgery, also known as thighplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper legs while reshaping and contouring the thigh area for a more toned, youthful appearance. A thigh lift addresses sagging skin, stubborn fat deposits and cellulite in the thigh region that cannot be improved through diet and exercise alone.
This body contouring surgery is particularly beneficial for patients who have experienced significant weight loss or natural ageing effects that have left their thighs with loose, hanging skin. When fat cells, cellulite and excess skin accumulate on the thighs, it can make the upper legs appear heavier and less toned than they are. While there are multiple techniques available to achieve a desired result, every patient is different. The procedure can be limited to a single localised area of the thigh or can be extended to include the whole area. The thigh lift procedure can target different areas of the thigh, including:
- Inner Thigh Lift focuses on removing excess skin and fat from the inner thigh area, creating a more contoured leg silhouette.
- Outer Thigh Lift addresses sagging skin on the outer thigh and hip area, often combined with buttock lifting techniques.
- Extended Thigh Lift is a comprehensive procedure that treats the entire thigh circumference for maximum contouring results.
This is an ideal treatment for when the quantity of excess skin and fat are too great for liposuction and Renuvion skin tightening alone.
Your consultation
Whether meeting in person or remotely, your consultation with Mr Olivier Amar provides a comprehensive discussion of your hoped for goals and treatment options. To get the most out of your consultation, we recommend reviewing information about your area of interest beforehand.
During your consultation, Mr Olivier Amar will listen to your desired outcomes and goals, conduct a thorough assessment, present appropriate treatment options and explain procedures in detail. This will include a step-by-step surgical process, required preparation, recovery timeline, scar placement and management, anaesthesia options, and potential risks and complications.
A consultation ensures you receive comprehensive information about all options, and understand both benefits and limitations of proposed procedures. You will have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you wish before you decide the next steps together, including the option to take no action.
Personalised Approach to Body Contouring
Mr Olivier Amar specialises in body contouring treatments, carefully developing a tailored approach to help patients achieve their ideal body silhouette. By combining advanced techniques and precise targeting, Mr Olivier Amar aims to sculpt the body for a more refined silhouette that enhances your natural body shape.
Risks associated with surgery
Every surgical procedure, while performed with the utmost care and expertise, carries inherent risks. Mr Olivier Amar ensures all patients are fully informed about potential complications before proceeding with any treatment.
General surgical risks include post-operative infection, bleeding and haematoma formation, scarring and wound healing complications, and anaesthesia related complications. During your consultation, Mr Olivier Amar will provide detailed information about procedure specific risks, explain preventive measures and safety protocols, answer all questions about potential complications and provide you with all the information needed to make an informed decision.
Preparing for Your Surgery
All surgical procedures are teamwork between the surgeon and the patient. Just as a runner trains for a marathon, preparation is key for optimal recovery.
From the time you book the procedure ensure you maintain regular, gentle exercise, follow a balanced, nutritious diet, ensure adequate sleep and rest, and manage stress levels effectively. Alcohol consumption should be reduced and smoking stopped or minimised. If a patient feels prepared for surgery, they will arrive for their procedure feeling positive which in turn will reduce any anxiety and encourage stress free recovery.
The day before surgery, our dedicated pre-assessment nursing team will reconfirm your admission time, review fasting requirements, address any last minute questions and provide final preparation instructions.
Type of anaesthesia
Thigh lift surgery is performed under total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA), a technique of anaesthesia which uses a combination of agents given exclusively via the intravenous route without the use of gas anaesthesia. This means you will sleep comfortably throughout the procedure and wake immediately afterwards with a significantly reduced likelihood of feeling groggy or nauseous. The anaesthesia will be explained to you by your Anaesthetist during the preoperative consultation.
Having surgery under total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) allows you to go home the same day to rest and recuperate. Alternatively, we are happy to arrange the procedure at a hospital with an overnight stay facility, organise a nurse to stay with you overnight, or assist with local accommodation arrangements. Mr Olivier Amar will discuss your anaesthesia options and aftercare support in detail during your consultation.
Recovery Guide
Thigh lift surgery is a straightforward and minimally invasive procedure. As a result, there is minimal downtime required. Immediately post-surgery you can expect to experience mild pain and discomfort which can be managed by a pain killer prescription, provided on the day of surgery by your anaesthetist, if required. Bruising typically resolves within 10-20 days.
You will wear a soft, compression garment for 2-4 weeks to help with skin retraction, reduce swelling and support the healing process. Depending on the type of daily activities, you should be able to resume daily activities within 7-10 days and return to gentle exercise after approximately 4 weeks.
Aftercare Information
At your first post-operative appointment with the nurse, scheduled 2-3 days after surgery, incision sites will be reviewed and dressings changed. You will return for an appointment with the nurse at 14 days, at this point your incision sites will be reviewed again, stitches removed and initial healing will be assessed. At six weeks after surgery, Mr Olivier Amar will evaluate your overall healing and give you next steps to follow.
It is your responsibility to attend all scheduled appointments. Failing to attend appointments or follow post-operative instructions may impact your results and final outcome. Regular monitoring ensures optimal healing progression and early detection of complications. Mr Olivier Amar will discuss the post-operative schedule in detail during your consultation.
Scar Placement and Management
The location and length of the scar are dependent upon where the incision is placed and the extent to which skin is removed. Thigh lift scars are strategically placed in discreet locations like the natural creases and folds of your thigh region. As a leading London based cosmetic surgeon, Mr Olivier Amar specialises in advanced scar management and prevention techniques. Leading up to your surgery or as part of your post-surgical care, a scar management protocol may be initiated using steroid injections and silicone dressings. A treatment course of Aerolase Neo laser is recommended post-surgery.
The Aerolase Neo laser treatment offers significant benefits for scar improvement:
- Stimulates natural collagen production
- Reduces scar pigmentation
- Improves skin texture and appearance
- Softens scar tissue
- Promotes tissue remodelling
- Accelerates bruise healing
Maintaining your results
The initial results can be seen immediately after surgery. You can expect progressive improvement during healing, with natural skin retraction and continued body contouring refinement. The result of thigh lift surgery can be best appreciated after 3-6 months. A combination of wearing the compression garment, dieting and exercise is key to a good result, however a good candidate for this procedure is someone who has realistic expectations and good overall health.
Why consider Thigh Lift (Thighplasty) surgery?
As we age, the skin of our thighs loses its elasticity and begins to sag. This is especially true for those who have experienced repeated periods of weight gain and loss in which the skin has been stretched multiple times. Stretched skin is unlikely to shrink naturally and typically cannot be tightened with diet and exercise, instead requiring surgical removing of excess skin and fat.
- Age related skin changes: Natural ageing causes collagen and elastin breakdown, leading to sagging thigh skin that loses firmness and elasticity over time.
- Post weight loss contouring: Patients often experience excess hanging skin that cannot retract naturally, requiring surgical removal.
- Genetic predisposition: Some individuals are genetically prone to storing fat in the thigh area or developing loose skin despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Improved clothing fit: Thigh lift surgery can eliminate chafing, improve clothing fit and boost confidence in fitted garments and swimwear.
What does Thigh Lift (Thighplasty) surgery involve?
Thigh lift surgery involves:
- The surgical removal of loose, sagging skin from the thighs
- Elimination of stubborn fat deposits by liposuction that do not respond to diet and exercise
- Reshaping and contouring of the thigh area
- Tightening of remaining skin for a smoother appearance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is thigh lift surgery?
Thigh lift surgery, also known as thighplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper legs while reshaping and contouring the thigh area for a more toned, youthful appearance. A thigh lift addresses sagging skin, stubborn fat deposits and cellulite in the thigh region that cannot be improved through diet and exercise alone.
This body contouring surgery is particularly beneficial for patients who have experienced significant weight loss or natural ageing effects that have left their thighs with loose, hanging skin. When fat cells, cellulite and excess skin accumulate on the thighs, it can make the upper legs appear heavier and less toned than they are.
Am I suitable for thigh lift surgery?
As we age, the skin of our thighs loses its elasticity and begins to sag. This is especially true for those who have experienced repeated periods of weight gain and loss in which the skin has been stretched multiple times. Stretched skin is unlikely to shrink naturally and typically cannot be tightened with diet and exercise, instead requiring surgical removing of excess skin and fat.
- Age related skin changes: Natural ageing causes collagen and elastin breakdown, leading to sagging thigh skin that loses firmness and elasticity over time.
- Post weight loss contouring: Patients often experience excess hanging skin that cannot retract naturally, requiring surgical removal.
- Genetic predisposition: Some individuals are genetically prone to storing fat in the thigh area or developing loose skin despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Improved clothing fit: Thigh lift surgery can eliminate chafing, improve clothing fit and boost confidence in fitted garments and swimwear.
How long does thigh lift surgery take?
The length of the procedure varies according to the complexity of the case and may take between 60-120 minutes.
How should I prepare for thigh lift surgery?
From the time you book the procedure ensure you maintain regular, gentle exercise, follow a balanced, nutritious diet, ensure adequate sleep and rest, and manage stress levels effectively. Alcohol consumption should be reduced and smoking stopped or minimised. If a patient feels prepared for surgery, they will arrive for their procedure feeling positive which in turn will reduce any anxiety and encourage stress free recovery.
Will I have to wear a garment after thigh lift surgery?
To support recovery during the healing period and your overall result you may need to wear a soft, elastic, compression garment for between two and four weeks. The garment is easy to hide under clothes and helps with skin retraction and to reduce swelling as the surgical area is healing.
WHERE WILL THE INCISIONS BE POSITIONED?
The location and length of the scar are dependent upon where the incision is placed and the extent to which skin is removed. Thigh lift scars are strategically placed in discreet locations like the natural creases and folds of your thigh region.
What are the various techniques for thigh lift surgery?
While there are multiple techniques available to achieve a desired result, every patient is different. The procedure can be limited to a single localised area of the thigh or can be extended to include the whole area. The thigh lift procedure can target different areas of the thigh, including:
- Inner Thigh Lift focuses on removing excess skin and fat from the inner thigh area, creating a more contoured leg silhouette.
- Outer Thigh Lift addresses sagging skin on the outer thigh and hip area, often combined with buttock lifting techniques.
- Extended Thigh Lift is a comprehensive procedure that treats the entire thigh circumference for maximum contouring results.
Is thigh lift surgery painful?
Thigh lift surgery is a straightforward and minimally invasive procedure. As a result, there is minimal downtime required. Immediately post-surgery you can expect to experience mild pain and discomfort which can be managed by a pain killer prescription, provided on the day of surgery by your anaesthetist, if required. Bruising typically resolves within 10-20 days.
When can I return to exercise after surgery?
Depending on the type of daily activities, you should be able to resume daily activities within 7-10 days and return to gentle exercise after approximately 4 weeks.
WHEN WILL I SEE THE RESULTS from SURGERY?
The initial results can be seen immediately after surgery. You can expect progressive improvement during healing, with natural skin retraction and continued body contouring refinement. The result of thigh lift surgery can be best appreciated after 3-6 months. A combination of wearing the compression garment, dieting and exercise is key to a good result, however a good candidate for this procedure is someone who has realistic expectations and good overall health.
Can any other procedures be done at the same time?
Mr Olivier Amar can perform liposuction at the same to help remove stubborn fat and create a more balanced, sculpted physique. Helped by a powered assisted liposuction machine, superficial fat is removed in such a way as to ensure the skin retracts appropriately for a natural, smooth and toned appearance.
Liposuction and Renuvion skin tightening combined with a thigh lift can sculpt the buttock and thigh area through advanced radiofrequency technology and precise fat removal. This dual approach procedure achieves body sculpting without traditional skin cutting.
If you wish, Mr Olivier Amar can utilise fat removed from your body in place of artificial filler to rejuvenate your face. As we age, facial fat naturally diminishes, leading to hollow cheeks and temples, deep facial lines, loss of facial contours and tired or gaunt appearance. Facial fat transfer effectively addresses these concerns by restoring the soft, curved contours associated with youth.
Meet Olivier Amar – Leading Plastic Surgeon in Chelsea, London
Mr Olivier Amar is a renowned London-based consultant plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon specialising in face, breast and body surgery, advanced non-surgical facial rejuvenation, hair loss treatments and regenerative medicine. With over 15 years of experience, Mr Olivier Amar has earned a reputation among both patients and peers alike for transforming cosmetic surgery into an art form.
“Cosmetic surgery is a demanding profession and patient expectations are high. But I am a doctor first and a surgeon second. My only concern is the patient in front of me, fulfilling their needs and managing their expectations. My work is intense; it means everything to me and is my lifelong passion.”
Mr Amar’s commitment to precision and refinement extends through every aspect of patient care, from initial consultation to post-operative support. All treatments take place at his private practice in Chelsea, London. Working alongside Mr Amar is a highly skilled team of dedicated nurses, experienced anaesthetists from leading NHS and private hospitals, and specialised management staff. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive, world-class care for all patients.
How can I compliment my overall result?
Renuvion treatment
When fat removal is a priority and skin laxity is a concern, the combination of Renuvion J Plasma and liposuction gives great results.
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Aerolase Neo laser treatment
Aerolase Neo laser treatment can be performed 4-6 weeks after surgery to support healing, to help flatten scars and reduce redness and thickness.
