Thigh Lift (Thighplasty) Surgery on the Gold Coast
Loose or sagging skin around the inner and upper thighs is a common concern after major weight loss, and it often remains despite a healthy diet and regular exercise. A thigh lift, or thighplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes this excess skin — and sometimes a small amount of fat — and tightens the remaining tissue to produce a firmer, smoother thigh contour. It is an operation carried out under general anaesthesia and, like all surgery, it involves permanent scars, a recovery period and a range of risks that should be weighed carefully. Every thigh lift at The Coastal Clinic is planned individually, and whether surgery is appropriate for you is assessed in a one-on-one consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon.
Types in DetailApproaches to thigh lift surgery
For excess skin at the upper inner thigh
A medial, or inner, thigh lift uses an incision hidden within the groin crease to remove excess skin from the upper inner thigh. It is best suited to laxity confined to the upper thigh, and the scar is relatively concealable. The remaining tissue is anchored to deeper tissue to help support the result.
Key points
- Incision hidden within the groin crease
- Best for laxity at the upper inner thigh
- A relatively concealable scar
- Tissue anchored to support the result
For laxity extending down the leg
Where excess skin extends further down the inner thigh, common after major weight loss, a vertical thighplasty is used. This adds an incision running down the inner thigh, treating length-wise laxity that a groin-only lift cannot, in exchange for a longer, more visible scar.
Key points
- Incision running down the inner thigh
- Treats laxity extending toward the knee
- Often needed after major weight loss
- A longer, more visible scar than a medial lift
Refining the contour
Liposuction is often used alongside a thigh lift to reduce and blend the fatty layer and help the skin redrape. On its own, liposuction only suits patients with good skin tone and minimal excess skin, so it is usually combined with skin removal rather than used instead of it.
Key points
- Reduces and blends the fatty layer
- Helps the skin redrape smoothly
- Alone, only suits good skin tone
- Usually combined with skin removal
Before and afters Want to see our results with previous patients?
Who is a Good Candidate for a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift may be considered by patients who have loose, excess skin on the inner or upper thighs that does not improve with exercise or further weight change. Suitability is assessed individually at consultation, and factors generally considered include:
- Stable Weight A stable, healthy weight, ideally maintained for at least 6 to 12 months. A thigh lift is not a substitute for weight loss and is most appropriate once weight-loss goals have been reached and maintained, as later weight change can alter the result.
- Excess Inner or Upper Thigh Skin Loose, sagging skin of the inner or upper thigh that does not respond to diet or exercise, and which may cause chafing, skin irritation or difficulty with clothing.
- Realistic Expectations A clear, realistic understanding of what the procedure can and cannot achieve, including that scars are permanent and that results vary between individuals.
- Good Overall Health Being in good general health and a non-smoker (including vaping), or willing to stop well before and after surgery, as smoking significantly increases the risk of wound-healing problems.
- Suitable BMI A stable BMI within a range your surgeon considers appropriate, as a higher BMI increases the risk of complications. Suitability is assessed individually.
How is a Thigh Lift Performed?
A thigh lift is an excisional procedure that is tailored to the amount and location of excess skin. Here is a general outline of how the procedure is typically performed:
- Anaesthesia The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital, so you are asleep and do not feel pain during surgery.
- Incision The incision pattern depends on where the excess skin is located. A medial (inner) thigh lift uses an incision within the groin crease; where laxity extends further down the leg, a vertical incision along the inner thigh may be required. Your surgeon will discuss the likely scar pattern with you beforehand.
- Tissue Removal and Contouring Excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining tissue is tightened and secured to deeper, stronger tissue to support the new contour. Liposuction is sometimes used alongside the excision to refine the shape.
- Closing the Incision The incisions are closed in layers. Surgical drains are commonly placed to reduce fluid collection, and dressings and a compression garment are applied.
