Thigh Lift

What is a Thigh Lift? 

The thighs are often a difficult place to lose excess fat. Patients who have undergone significant weight loss are often left with excess areas of skin on their lower body, and it is often difficult to remedy this issue with exercise alone. A thigh lift can help to reduce excess skin on the thighs for a smoother, more proportionate lower body contour. 

Cost of a Thigh Lift 

Lateral Lift: $11,500

This includes your surgical fee and all follow-up visits with Dr. Rocheford. This estimate also includes the facility fee and anesthesia costs. This is an estimate and may be different depending on your specific situation. It does not include the cost of your pre-operative physical, lab tests, or medications. Dr. Rocheford does charge $100 for consultations, and that fee is deducted from the price of your surgery or in-office procedure. 

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Heather Rocheford, MD

BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

There are so many fads and false promises out there. It’s almost impossible to make a confident decision without trusted advice, and that’s what I’m here for. My goal is to help you understand what is right for you – based on your unique situation.

Meet Dr. Rocheford

Details of Thigh Lift Surgery 

• Surgery: Surgery is done under general anesthetic at an outpatient facility or hospital. The surgery takes 4 hours and is an outpatient or overnight surgery. 
• Discomfort: Moderate to severe. Anticipate 3 – 14 days of pain medication. 
• Bruising: This does not usually occur unless liposuction was performed as well. 
• Swelling: Improves in 2 – 4 weeks. Don’t be alarmed by swelling in your ankles or feet. Keep your legs elevated to minimize swelling. 
• Bandages: Removed 2 – 4 days following surgery. 
• Stitches: Internal stitches dissolve. 
• Drains: Not usually placed. If placed, will be removed within 2 – 7 days. 
• Work: You may return to work when you are done taking prescription pain pills. This is usually in 1 – 2 weeks. 
• Sun Exposure: Protect from the sun with sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher for one year. 
• Exercise: May be resumed in 2 weeks gently (walking). Weights and more vigorous exercise, 4 – 6 weeks. 
• Final Result: Following scar maturation, about 1 year. 

Who is a Good Candidate for a Thigh Lift? 

Thigh lift candidates include patients who have an excess of skin and tissue along their inner and outer thigh regions. Patients should be non-smokers, at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations for their procedure outcomes. A consultation with Dr. Rocheford can help to determine whether this surgery is a good fit for you. 

Patient Gallery

before and after photos

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The Thigh Lift Procedure 

A thigh lift procedure is done under general anesthesia and often takes about four hours to complete. The incision patterns used during a thigh lift will depend on the extent of work that needs to be done. Commonly, an incision is placed in the groin area and down towards the back of the thigh. Underlying tissues will be tightened and excess skin will be removed. The incision patterns used during your procedure will be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Rocheford. 

A thigh lift treats the loose skin of the upper thigh. Depending on the degree of laxity incision length will vary. If there is laxity all the way to the knee, an incision from the groin to the knee will be required to get the best result. 

Thigh Lift Recovery 

Following thigh lift surgery, patients may experience swelling and mild bruising. Any discomfort can be controlled with pain medication which should be taken three to 14 days following surgery. Most patients can return to their job after one to two weeks. Exercise may be resumed after two to six weeks. 

Schedule a Consultation 

 If you’re ready to discuss your options for better-looking thighs, now is a great time to schedule your thigh lift surgery consultation with Dr. Heather Rocheford at our plastic surgery offices, serving the Twin Cities Metro area including St. Paul, Minneapolis, Woodbury, and beyond. Simply request a consultation online or call Rocheford Plastic Surgery at 651-739-1100 today to schedule your appointment. 

Thigh Lift FAQ’s 

What is a thigh lift? 

A thigh lift in Minneapolis-St. Paul reshapes the thighs by reducing excess skin, and, in some cases, fat resulting in smoother skin and better-proportioned contours of the thighs and lower body. If fitness and weight loss efforts have not achieved your goals for a body that is firmer, more youthful-looking, and more proportionate to your overall body image, a surgical thigh lift may be right for you. This surgery reshapes the thighs by reducing excess skin, and in some cases fat, resulting in smoother skin and better-proportioned contours of the thighs and lower body. 

Is a thigh lift right for me? 

Candidates for a thigh lift are people whose weight is relatively stable who have excess soft tissue along the inner or medial thigh region and/or the outer thigh and are healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that can impair healing or increase the risk of surgery and are non-smokers. 

What should I expect during my thigh lift consultation? 

The success and safety of your Minneapolis-St. Paul thigh lift procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires, and lifestyle. Be prepared to discuss why you want the surgery, your expectations, and desired outcome. The options available in thigh lift surgery, medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments, use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, previous surgeries will also be discussed during your consultation. Dr. Rocheford may also evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors, examine and measure your body, including detailed measurements, and take photographs for your medical record. Lastly, she will discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment before going over the likely outcomes of thigh lift surgery and any risks or potential complications. 

What is thigh lift recovery like? 

When your procedure is completed, dressing or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and to support your new contours as you heal. One or more small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain excess fluid or blood that may collect. You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for the surgical site(s) following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow-up with Dr. Rocheford. Be sure to ask Dr. Rocheford specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.