Thigh Lift
Conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY
A thigh lift is a surgical procedure that removes sagging and excess skin in the inner and outer thighs. A common concern after major weight loss, aging, or other factors, sagging thighs can result in chafing, discomfort, and aesthetic concerns.
Dr. Elie Levine is one of New York’s top board-certified plastic surgeons and the director of plastic surgery at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC. With his functional, cosmetic, and fellowship training, he combines exceptional technical skills with an artistic eye and deep understanding of aesthetic balance. His goal is to help each patient achieve beautiful, youthful, and natural-looking results.
Whether you are a local, out-of-town, or international patient, Dr. Elie Levine cares deeply about your plastic surgery experience. If you are ready to transform your body and improve your self-esteem, contact us online or call our office directly at (212) 988-1800 to schedule your personal consultation.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Thigh Lifts
Some individuals may avoid wearing bathing suits or shorts because they are self-conscious about their legs. Others might suffer from skin irritation caused by chronic chafing from excess skin in the inner thigh area. In many cases, exercise alone is not enough to firm and tighten the thighs. Thigh lift surgery can help to improve the appearance of the legs by removing excess skin and fat while lifting and reshaping the thighs. (1) In some cases, thigh lift surgery can be paired with a buttock lift or liposuction in other areas to improve overall body contours. Dr. Elie Levine offers a full range of advanced thigh lift procedures to address your unique concerns and help you achieve legs that bring you confidence.
Benefits
A thigh lift offers many aesthetic benefits, including:
- Eliminates physical discomfort caused by chafing
- Allows clothing to fit more comfortably
- Makes movement easier and more comfortable
- Boosts body confidence and self-esteem
- Lets you feel more free to wear fitted or revealing clothing and swimwear
Candidates
If you are experiencing sagging skin and fat in the thighs due to aging, genetics, weight loss, or other factors, you may be an ideal candidate for thigh lift surgery. Thigh lift surgery can help resolve physical problems like chafing that had developed as a result of excess thigh skin. Thigh lifts are most effective if you have already reached your weight loss goals, as future fluctuations can affect results. You must also be in relatively good health, free of any underlying medical conditions that could impact your procedure, and maintain realistic expectations for your results.
Thigh Lift Techniques
There are several different thigh lift techniques available. Dr. Elie Levine will recommend the best technique for you.
- Mini Thigh Lift: Targets the minor sagging and excess skin in the upper and inner thighs. It utilizes a discreet incision in the groin crease, which results in less scarring and a fast recovery.
- Medial Thigh Lift: Removes excess sagging skin and localized fat from the upper inner thighs. It improves lower body proportions and relieves chafing or discomfort that results from skin rubbing, and it is especially beneficial after massive weight loss. (2)
- Outer/Lateral Thigh Lift: Aims to remove excess skin and fat from the front and outer thighs. It requires incisions that start at the upper groin and wrap around the hip with the possibility of extending towards the lower back or waistline. It deals with large amounts of tissue redraping.
- Extended Medial Thigh Lift: Addresses more severe excess skin extending from the upper inner thighs to the knees. This technique is effective if you have undergone massive weight loss. Incisions are made in the groin crease, extending around the underwear/bikini line and hidden in the gluteal crease. In certain cases, an incision may also extend vertically to the knee.
- Circumferential Thigh Lift: Removes massive amounts of excess, sagging, and stubborn fat and skin from the entire circumference of the medial and lateral thighs, hips, and buttocks. It requires an incision in the groin crease, which extends around the bikini line.
Dr. Elie Levine performs these as outpatient procedures, typically with the patient under general anesthesia. Procedure times can range from approximately 2–5 hours.
Personal Consultation
During your personal consultation, Dr. Elie Levine will examine your thighs, carefully measuring the amount of excess skin and muscle laxity present. He will also review your medical history and discuss other factors that may affect your results, such as previous surgeries or your weight loss history. He will also thoroughly discuss your goals and expectations, outline potential risks, and provide personalized instructions on how to prepare for your surgery. After collecting the necessary information, he will create your personalized thigh lift plan.
If you are traveling to New York City to receive treatment, please let us know. Dr. Elie Levine and his team will help you arrange your consultation. Contact us online or call our office directly at (212) 988-1800 to schedule yours today!
Preparation
Effectively preparing for your thigh lift facilitates a smoother recovery. Dr. Elie Levine may advise that you:
- Maintain a stable weight
- Pause the use of blood-thinning medications and supplements
- Arrange transportation home and assistance for at least 48 hours post-surgery
- Cease smoking and other nicotine use
- Avoid alcohol consumption
- Set up a designated recovery area
- Increase your water intake before your procedure
- Obtain any prescriptions you may need during your recovery
- Take time away from work and other responsibilities to recover
Procedure
At the start of your thigh lift, you will receive the appropriate anesthesia. Dr. Elie Levine will then mark the areas for your incisions, depending on the type of thigh lift you will receive. Once he makes the incisions, he will carefully remove the excess skin and fat. Depending on your specific circumstances, he may utilize liposuction to remove stubborn fat deposits and further define the thigh’s new shape. Once Dr. Elie Levine removes the excess fat and creates a contoured appearance, he will place sutures in the underlying tissues to anchor and support the new thigh shape. After checking for symmetry and even contours, he will pull the skin tight and close it using sutures. Dr. Elie Levine will also provide a fitted compression garment that will help reduce post-operative swelling. After resting, you will be able to return home.
Recovery
Dr. Elie Levine employs long-acting pain relief, so you will be comfortable for several hours after your procedure. During this time, you will need to prioritize rest. You should elevate your legs with pillows while reclining, avoid lifting, bending, and strenuous exercises, and continue to wear your compression garment day and night.
In a couple of days, Dr. Elie Levine recommends short, slow walks to promote circulation. After one to two weeks, you will see gradual improvements as you ease into your daily routine. After week five, most of your swelling will subside, allowing you to resume exercise with Dr. Elie Levine’s approval.
If you are traveling to New York City for your thigh lift, Dr. Elie Levine and his team will make sure you have a comfortable recovery before your journey home.
Results
Dr. Elie Levine uses excellent scar minimization techniques that allow your incisions to be especially discreet. He creates results that will let you feel confident in and out of clothing. Even in the most revealing bathing suits, you won’t have to worry about your scars.
In addition to reduced chafing, you will be able to enjoy firm, toned, attractive legs.
Corresponding Procedures
Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover addresses many areas of post-pregnancy concern by removing excess skin, replacing volume, tightening muscles, and more. Mommy makeovers are highly customizable, but they generally include a tummy tuck, liposuction, and a breast lift or augmentation. Thigh lifts can be a great add-on!
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin and tightens a weakened abdominal wall. It aims to deliver a flat and sculpted abdomen when significant weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or natural aging result in excess skin and stubborn body fat.
Liposuction
Liposuction removes unwanted fat from specific areas of the body to help improve overall body contour and shape. It sculpts and shapes the body by removing stubborn fat in tummy bulges, saddlebags, and love handles, but it can essentially target any part of the body burdened with fat deposits.
BodyTite™
BodyTite removes excess fat deposits while simultaneously tightening skin for better retraction to new contours. BodyTite uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production as it removes fat.
Skin Tightening with Quantum RF
Quantum RF is a minimally invasive treatment that tightens and rejuvenates the skin. It delivers precise radiofrequency energy deep into your skin tissues to stimulate natural collagen and elastin production. It targets areas such as the neck, jawline, arms, abdomen, waistline, and more.
Cost of Thigh Lifts in New York City, NY
The cost of your thigh lift varies depending on the severity of your concerns, your personal goals, the thigh lift technique you receive, whether you include any other procedures, and more. Dr. Elie Levine will provide a detailed cost outline during your personal consultation. Dr. Elie Levine also offers financing options that can make treatment more accessible.
Contact us online or call our office directly at (212) 988-1800 to explore the cost of your thigh lift!
FAQ
What are some benefits of a thigh lift?
A thigh lift can reduce physical discomfort like chafing and rashes, improve your self-confidence, improve your mobility, and much more.
Are results from a thigh lift permanent?
The results from your thigh lift are permanent, as the surgery removes excess, sagging skin and localized fat. However, natural aging and significant weight fluctuations may alter the contours of your legs and thighs over time.
Can I combine a thigh lift with any other procedures?
Yes, you can combine a thigh lift procedure with other treatments such as liposuction, a mommy makeover, a tummy tuck, and others. Dr. Elie Levine can provide personalized recommendations during your consultation.
Who is an ideal candidate for a thigh lift?
An ideal candidate for a thigh lift is an individual with sagging and loose skin in their thighs that causes discomfort, mobility issues, or self-esteem challenges that significantly disrupt their quality of life.
How much does a thigh lift cost?
Dr. Elie Levine will provide a detailed cost outline based on your personalized treatment plan during your consultation. Each patient’s treatment costs will vary depending on their unique circumstances, scale of their procedure, final goals, medical history, insurance, and more.
References
- Bell D, Winters R. Thighplasty. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594236/
- Di Pietro V, Colicchia Gianfranco M, Cervelli V, Gentile P. Medial Thigh Contouring in Massive Weight Loss: A Liposuction-Assisted Medial Thigh Lift. WORLD JOURNAL OF PLASTIC SURGERY. 2019;8(2):171-180. doi:https://doi.org/10.29252/wjps.8.2.171