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Thigh Lift

Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)

Thigh Lift – At a Glance

Aspect	Details / What to Expect
Procedure	Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)
Anaesthesia	General anaesthesia
Duration	~2–4 hours (depending on extent)
Hospital Stay	Short overnight or day clinic (case dependent)
Return to Daily Activities	~10–14 days
Full Recovery	~6–12 weeks
Incisions	Well-planned, discreet placement based on needs
Ideal For	Excess skin / laxity after weight loss or ageing

Aesthetic treatment results collage showing different procedures

Woman with toned legs and slim body in a swimsuit

Thigh Lift

What Is a Thigh Lift?

A thigh lift — also called thighplasty — is a surgical body-contouring procedure designed to reshape and tighten the thighs by removing excess, sagging skin and, when necessary, redistributing underlying tissues

This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients who:

✓ Have lost significant weight and have excess thigh skin
✓ Observe age-related laxity in the inner and/or outer thighs
✓ Experience chafing, irritation, or discomfort due to loose skin
✓ Seek improved thigh contour and smoother silhouette

Thigh lift surgery can be tailored to the inner, outer, or both thigh regions depending on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Young woman exercising to strengthen and tone legs

How the Procedure Works

Preoperative Assessment
- Clinical evaluation of skin quality, fat distribution, and muscle structure
- Discussion of aesthetic goals and personalised surgical planning
Anaesthesia
- Performed under general anaesthesia for comfort and safety
Incision Design

Incision location depends on the extent of laxity:
- Inner Thigh Lift: Incision runs along the groin fold
- Extended / Outer Thigh Lift: Incision may extend along the hip or flank
- Combination Approaches: Tailored to achieve optimal contour
Tissue Removal & Redraping
- Excess skin and tissue are carefully removed
- Thigh tissues are reshaped and lifted to create smoother contours
Closure & Dressings
- Meticulous suturing supports healing and minimises visible scarring
- Dressings and compression garments support the contour as tissues settle

Surgeons at Ocean Clinic Marbella customise the approach to suit each patient’s unique anatomy and goals.

Patient testimony
“I feel great and sexy. I rediscovered many sports again. I cannot thank you enough.”
- Maya (54)

Young women sitting on the beach showing relaxed and toned legs

Benefits of a Thigh Lift

Eliminates excess, sagging skin for a firmer appearance
Improves thigh contour and definition
Reduces chafing and discomfort from skin folds
Enhances overall silhouette and body proportions
Boosts confidence in clothing fit and physical activity

A thigh lift provides structural change where exercise and diet alone cannot improve loose, stretched skin.

Post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) recovery room at Ocean Clinic Marbella

Recovery & Aftercare

Typical Timeline

Days 1–3: Swelling and tenderness peak
Days 7–10: Return to light daily activities
2–4 weeks: Continued reduction in swelling
6–12 weeks: Strengthening and final contour refinement

Aftercare Tips

» Wear compression garment as instructed
» Avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise (typically 4–6 weeks)
» Gentle walking helps promote circulation early in recovery
» Follow postoperative guidance from your surgeon

Managing swelling and supporting tissues with compression garments and rest helps optimise results.

Risks & Considerations

Like all surgical procedures, thigh lift has potential risks:

✓ Visible but discreet scarring
✓ Swelling and bruising
✓ Numbness or temporary sensation changes
✓ Risk of fluid collection (seroma) — uncommon
✓ Asymmetry or minor contour irregularities

Your surgeon will discuss individualized risks and expected outcomes during your consultation.

Patient care available for patient support at Ocean Clinic Marbella

Frequently Asked Questions Thigh Lift

Good candidates have excess, sagging thigh skin often due to weight loss or ageing, and are in good overall health with realistic expectations.

Incisions are strategically placed to be discreet. Although scars are permanent, they fade significantly over time with proper care.

Discomfort is typically managed with standard pain relief. Initial recovery includes swelling and tenderness, but these improve steadily.

Most patients return to light activities within about 10–14 days. Full recovery and final contour refinement can take 6–12 weeks.

Yes — thigh lift is often combined with liposuction or other body contouring procedures for comprehensive results.

Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)

Thigh Lift – At a Glance

What Is a Thigh Lift?

How the Procedure Works

Benefits of a Thigh Lift

Recovery & Aftercare

Typical Timeline

Aftercare Tips

Risks & Considerations

Frequently Asked Questions Thigh Lift

Who is a good candidate for a thigh lift?

Will there be visible scars?

Is a thigh lift painful?

How long is recovery?

Can a thigh lift be combined with other procedures?

thigh lift