Thigh Lift in New York, NY

Losing weight is an impressive accomplishment for anyone. But people who make it to their ideal weight occasionally need one additional step to finalize their appearance. Depending on how long you had extra weight and how much weight you lost, excess skin may be a separate issue if the skin was not able to mold to the new size and shape of your body. The thighs are specifically an area of concern for a lot of patients. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Koch offers thigh lift surgery (also called thighplasty) at each of our New York locations, which trims loose skin on the outer or inner thighs to reveal a firmer, more contoured appearance. Thighplasty surgery has risen in popularity because it offers natural results for patients who doesn't want hanging skin on the thighs.

A thigh lift is a skin removal and skin tightening procedure that improves the appearance of excess skin. Thighplasty is typically an after weight loss procedure. It is commonly performed on patients who have lost 100 or more pounds. It is also popular for older people who are concerned about excess skin due to age, as well as with women whose body shape changed due to pregnancy. If you have hanging, loose, or wrinkly skin on the upper thighs (either the inner or outer thighs or both), thigh lift surgery may be an option. Please remember that if cellulite is your main problem, Dr. Koch can suggest other procedures that are designed to help decrease the appearance of cellulite.

During a thigh lift procedure, general anesthesia is commonly administered. An incision is made close to the top portion of the thigh in the natural crease where the thigh attaches to the torso. This incision typically continues down to the mid point of the thigh area. This allows enough room to use liposuction (if necessary) to remove isolated pockets of fat as well as to trim all loose skin at the top thigh area. The remaining skin will be pulled upward so it is tight and safely secured with sutures. In specific cases, an incision may be necessary in the outer thigh area or underneath the buttocks, depending on the amount of tissue being removed. This surgery reshapes the complete thigh area, leaving a shapelier, tighter, more contoured appearance.

Thigh lift surgery takes an average of 3 – 4 hours to complete. After the surgery is over, you will be monitored and then sent home to begin your recovery process. There is typically swelling, discomfort, and bruising during the first days of recovery. Within a few days, most patients are up and slowly walking, which is recommended for improved blood circulation and a speedier healing period. The full recovery period typically takes about 6 – 8 weeks. At-home wound care instructions provided by Dr. Koch will help the incision to heal properly. Even though there will be some scarring, the new shape and contour of your thighs can help you raise your self-esteem, and you can show off your legs with pride.

How much does thigh lift surgery cost?
The total cost of thigh lift surgery will include many fees, including those for the surgical facility, anesthesia, tests, and more. As soon as Dr. Koch has created your custom thigh lift surgical plan in your consultation, he will be better able to estimate your costs. Our practice can also help you find low-interest financing that will make your thighplasty more affordable, so you can focus on working with a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Koch.

Will a thigh lift remove cellulite or stretch marks?
A thigh lift is the best choice to slim the contour and improve the appearance of your legs. Since the procedure calls for skin tightening and correcting excessive fat deposits, it can improve the appearance of cellulite or other skin irregularities (like stretch marks) on your thighs. If you are interested in addressing cellulite or stretch marks, let Dr. Koch know during your consultation so he can adjust your surgical plan to match your goals.

How long will my results last?
If you follow a healthy lifestyle that includes a proper diet and regular exercise, you should enjoy the results of your thigh lift for a long time. Dr. Koch recommends you be at or near a healthy weight before surgery so it is easy to maintain your results. Pregnancy or significant weight changes after a thighplasty can compromise your results. During your consultation, Dr. Koch will discuss what you can do to make your surgical results last longer.

Can I combine a thigh lift with other surgeries?
You may consider combining a thigh lift with a tummy tuck or butt lift in a lower body lift. A thigh lift is also a common part of a mommy makeover or after weight loss surgery. During your consultation, talk to Dr. Koch about all your concerns and goals so he can create a treatment plan that gives you the results you want.

What about a nonsurgical thigh lift?
While there are nonsurgical options to tone your skin and reduce fat, they can only administer small improvements. A thighplasty is the best way to address moderate to severe amounts of excess skin and stubborn pockets of fat on your legs. If you are interested in nonsurgical procedures, ask Dr. Koch for more information during your consultation. He will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of surgical and nonsurgical thigh treatment options, as well as his opinion on which would be the best fit for your goals.

If you have excess skin on your inner or outer thighs that causes anxiety or embarrassment, we invite you to call one of our facilities in New York to learn more about thighplasty. It is common for patients to combine this procedure with other contouring procedures, especially surgeries that correct the lower body including stomach surgery or a lower body lift, depending on your individual needs. Schedule your consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Koch and get the slimmer appearance you desire.