Thigh Lift in Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Dr. James Fernau, works with weight loss patients as they complete their final transformation. During this process, body contouring procedures, such as thigh lift surgery are addressed. A thigh lift is a procedure designed to tighten the skin of the inner thigh and reduce issues with skin sagging in the thigh region. During a thigh lift, excess skin is removed to vastly improve the shape of the thighs. Therefore, a thigh lift can significantly tighten the skin and improve the overall contour of the thighs. The inner thigh lift procedure is more commonly performed than the outer thigh lift. As part of the inner thigh lift procedure, incisions are placed in the groin or along the inner side of the thighs. The exact location and length of the incisions will be decided during your consultation with Dr. Fernau, as well as the amount of skin excess to be removed.

Thighplasty is performed to enhance the looks of the inner thigh and/or outer thigh. During this procedure, an incision will be made near the top of the thigh (along the crease where the torso meets the leg) and ends at the inner aspect of the thigh. A large amount of tissue is removed from the top inner thigh area while the remaining skin is pulled up, tightened and secured with sutures. This process reshapes the thighs, providing them a tighter, more contoured appearance.

A combination of lower body contouring procedures, in addition to a thigh lift, can be combined to create a tighter lower body. A thigh lift and a butt lift are the most common combination. Some patients who are advised to have an outer thigh lift will generally need to have their butt lifted as well. With this, the outer thighs are pulled up and tightened with an incision that is made along the bottom of the buttock area. An incision can also be made around the lower back. This allows the surgeon to address the upper thighs, buttock and hips in one surgery. This is commonly known as a lower body lift.

Thigh lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. The surgery takes an average of 2 to 3 hours to complete, but could take longer if combined with another procedure. The recovery period typically takes about 6-8 weeks. Scars will also be a part of the procedure. Proper scar care is needed for the scar to heal safely. Patients find their self-confidence improve after surgery with the enhanced contour of their thighs.

Thigh lift surgery costs an average of $9,500 to $19,900. The fees increase if the surgery is combined with another lower body cosmetic procedure. 

Thigh lift is the best choice to achieve nicely contoured and slimmer legs. Because the procedure calls for skin tightening and liposuction in cases of excessive fat deposits, it also improves the appearance of cellulites or other skin irregularities on the upper legs.

Because this surgery is invasive, it is recommended that patients limit strenuous activities until fully recovered. Patients may go back to a normal (light) routine 3 to 4 weeks after surgery. Exercise should wait until about 6-8 weeks post-op. When all wounds are completely healed, patients may begin lower body moves such as lunges or squats.

Patients who adhere to a healthy lifestyle that includes a proper diet and exercise routine will enjoy their surgical results for years. Pregnancy or any additional weight gain after this surgery could compromise the overall surgical effect. It is also advised that patients be at or near their goal weight before surgery.