Thigh reduction surgery, also known as a thigh lift or thigh fat reduction, is designed to remove excess skin around the inner or outer thighs. This creates a shapelier lower body contour. Patients who have reached their ideal weight and are self-conscious about excess skin on their thighs are generally ideal patients for surgery. Although it may remove some fat deposits, a thigh reduction is not designed for patients who only want fat removal. If there are significant fat deposits and excess skin, liposuction can be used along with thigh reduction techniques. Thigh reduction can also be performed alongside other surgeries which can be common for massive weight loss patients.
Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk is a skilled and experienced thigh lift surgeon on the Sunshine Coast. He works with each patient in order to create a treatment plan they are happy with and achieve the most pleasing results.
Surgery benefits
Thigh lift surgery benefits both men and women who have excess skin and/or fat tissue around the thighs. Excess skin in this area can be a result of weight loss or natural ageing which can lead to a sagging appearance. As well as aesthetic concerns, people with excess skin in the thigh area may become bothered by chafing and general discomfort. Thigh reduction surgery addresses these issues and results in smoother and firmer skin around the thighs.
Although the surgery does not fix stretch marks, it can remove stretch marks if they happen to be located in areas of skin to be removed. The firmer skin may also help reduce the appearance of the remaining stretch marks. We can achieve the following benefits with a thigh lift:
- Removal of excess skin that can cause chafing and discomfort
- Partial removal of excess fat
- Reduce the sagging, dimpled appearance of the thighs
- Improve lower body contour and thigh shape
- Improve mobilty
Since everyone has different needs and goals, we will tailor the procedure to your own body shape and amount of excess skin. This will allow you to get the best results from surgery and gain a boost in body confidence.
Consultations with Dr Fraser-Kirk
At your consultation, you will discuss your desired surgery with Dr Fraser-Kirk. This consult will help us collect the required information about your health and preferences for thigh reduction surgery. As a result, we can determine if you are suitable for a thigh lift.
When discussing your health, we will cover any medical risks, current medications, and past procedures. People who may not be suitable include those with bleeding conditions, pregnant women, or people who have not reached their ideal weight. In order to be considered for surgery, you will need to maintain a stable and healthy weight for several months. Good candidates are also non-smokers who are generally healthy.
Once we know that you are a good candidate, we will outline a tailored treatment plan that suits your specific goals.
The procedure
A thigh reduction surgery occurs under general anaesthetic. This means you will be asleep and will not feel any pain. The surgery involves removing excess skin and tissue around the thighs in order to tighten and lift the remaining skin. There are two different types of incisions for thigh reduction surgery. Plastic surgeon Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk will create a tailored surgical plan with the most suitable option for each patient. He will carefully place these incisions in areas covered by most swimsuits or bikinis.
Thigh reduction surgery incision types:
Inner Thigh Lift Incision
Incisions during inner thigh reduction surgery are placed in the groin, extending down towards the knee. The surgeon then removes a wedge of excess skin and brings the two sides together, forming a tighter, smoother leg shape.
Outer Thigh Lift Incision
Outer incisions are placed in the groin and extend around the hip and across the back of the thigh. Once the appropriate incision is made, Dr Fraser-Kirk then reshapes and tightens the underlying tissue, removing the excess skin. The remaining skin is draped and tightened over the new thigh contours, and the incisions are closed with sutures.
The surgery will take between two to four hours to complete.
Thigh lift recovery
Straight after your thigh lift, Dr Fraser-Kirk will apply dressings or bandages and cover your incision areas with a support garment. This will help to reduce swelling and support the new body contours. He may also insert drains in order to remove excess fluid or blood that may build up post-surgery. Patients may experience some pain or discomfort, which we can help you manage with medication, as well as some bruising and swelling around the thighs.
Some patients may need to stay overnight in the hospital or longer, depending on the extent of the surgery and post-op healing. You should have a friend or family member there with you to take you home, as you will not be fit to drive until your incisions have healed.
General recovery instructions:
- Take enough time off work and your usual activities. This can be between one to three weeks, depending upon your recovery progress.
- Take prescribed medications and lotions.
- Avoid strenuous tasks for at least six weeks. This includes any swimming or heavy lifting.
- Take short walks around the house, as this can aid healing and help prevent blood clots.
- Avoid driving during the healing phase.
- Attend all post-op appointments to monitor healing.
During your recovery, it will be important to prioritise your general health and well-being, as well as follow all post-op aftercare instructions. This will ensure optimal healing for the best possible outcome and help to reduce any scarring. Dr Fraser-Kirk will aim to be available for any concerns or issues that may arise after your thigh lift surgery.
Thigh lift cost on the Sunshine Coast
The cost for thigh reduction surgery is different for each patient because the surgery is tailored to a patient’s individual needs. The cost will vary depending on the extent and length of surgery and is influenced by other factors, including hospital fees, surgeon costs, anaesthetist fees, and post-op care costs. During a consultation, Dr Fraser-Kirk will outline costs once your personal needs and desired surgery outcomes are evaluated.
If you have any questions regarding the cost, please contact us.
Risks and complications
Risks are always present to some degree with any procedure. Before your thigh lift, we will discuss the potential complications. For example, the risks of thigh reduction surgery may include:
- Anaesthesia risks
- Allergic reactions to dressings, sutures, or antibiotic agents
- Infection
- Excess bleeding
- Fluid build-up
- Poor wound healing
- Wound separation
- Fat necrosis
- Skin discolouration
- Skin loss
- Poor scarring
Following the tailored aftercare guidance given by Dr Fraser-Kirk will help to mitigate the post-op risks. It is important to monitor the thighs during this time and contact Dr Fraser-Kirk should any concerning symptoms arise after thigh reduction surgery.
How to choose the best thigh lift surgeon on the Sunshine Coast
Having thigh reduction surgery is a very personal decision that can look slightly different for every patient. Due to this, it is necessary to only seek care from a qualified surgeon who will listen and understand your own needs and preferences. Sunshine Coast plastic surgeon Dr Fraser-Kirk ensures each patient gets the personalised care he/she needs in order to customise a satisfying result. By taking the time to understand your health and reasons for seeking surgery, Dr Fraser-Kirk helps patients feel confident in their surgery plan and final outcome. Book a consultation to find out more about how this procedure and how it can benefit you.
Thigh reduction surgery FAQs
Why should I book a consultation with Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk today?
An in-depth consultation with Dr Fraser-Kirk is crucial to assessing your suitability for thigh reduction surgery. He will evaluate your general health and well-being, what areas of the thighs concern you, and what you hope to achieve with this procedure. We aim to provide tailored surgical solutions that empower our patients to live their best lifestyle.
Am I a good candidate?
If you have a large amount of excess or loose skin around the thighs, you may be a good candidate for thigh reduction surgery. Candidates are often people who have excess skin due to weight loss or the natural ageing process. However, the procedure may not be beneficial for everyone, and this means a consult with Dr Fraser-Kirk is required. The consultation will allow us to assess your health and condition in order to determine if you are suitable.
Will I have thigh lift scars?
Scars are inevitable after any surgery. However, Dr Fraser-Kirk takes care to minimise scars and places them in areas that you can hide easily under clothes. Also, although thigh lift scars will never fully disappear, they subside over time and eventually fade to a paler appearance.
How should I prepare before surgery?
There are a few ways you should prepare before surgery, and we will ensure you have guidance on this before your thigh lift. For example, you should:
- Refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption
- Check with Dr Fraser-Kirk about any current medications you are taking
- Be as fit and healthy as possible
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery
How long will it take to recover?
Recovery after a thigh lift can be slightly different for everyone, based on their health and surgery details. However, most patients can expect to return to work after two weeks, with some persistent swelling for several months. You will likely need to refrain from strenuous exercise for four to six weeks.