A thigh lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that reshapes the thighs by reducing excess skin and fat. Since the thighs can sag with advancing age or due to significant weight loss, a thigh lift tightens the thigh skin of the inner and outer thigh. More women opt for this procedure than men as fat is more likely to accumulate on the thighs of women.

A thigh lift is an outpatient procedure that can be performed under local or general anesthesia. An incision is made in the groin area and extended to the back of the thigh or hip. The underlying tissues are recontoured and excess skin is removed and spread over the tissues. Deep support sutures are used to close the underlying tissues before the skin is closed. A compression garment should be worn for several weeks after the surgery to support the tissues while they are healing and to minimize swelling.

A patient can suffer from side-effects such as bruising and swelling after a thigh lift. In rare cases, damage to nerves can result in a loss of sensation. Other complications include excessive scarring and poor healing of the wound.