Thigh Reduction
Achieve smoother, more toned thigh contours by removing excess skin and fat, particularly after significant weight loss or aging.
What is Thigh Reduction?
Thigh reduction surgery removes excess skin and fat from the inner and/or outer thighs to create smoother, more proportioned leg contours. The procedure may focus on inner thighs, outer thighs, or both areas depending on your needs. The placement of your scars will be guided by your surgical goals, which will be discussed with Dr Marc Seifman.
book a consultThigh reducction at a Glance
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Best suited for: People with excess thigh fat or skin, people who have undergone significant weight loss, people who struggle with clothes choices due to their body shape, people with lipoedema.
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Recovery time: Two weeks for wound healing. Six weeks of no strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
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Surgical Procedure: 2 hours
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Commonly associated procedures: Can be combined with liposuction, abdominoplasty, circumferential lipectomy.
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Hospital stay: 1-2 night stay. May be longer if combining with other procedures.
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Anaesthesia: General
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Am I the right candidate for this?
You may be a candidate if you have loose, sagging thigh skin following weight loss or aging, experience chafing or discomfort, are at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations. Good overall health and adequate skin elasticity in surrounding areas are important factors.
What is the process?
Begin with a GP referral and consultation with Dr Marc Seifman. A minimum of two detailed consultations will determine the best approach for your specific concerns. After your deposit, surgery is scheduled. Most patients stay in hospital overnight, though some may stay for an additional night or longer, depending on whether the procedure has been combined with other procedures. Follow-up care includes appointments at 1 week, 2 weeks and 6 weeks with ongoing support.
Post-operative care and recovery timeline
Initial recovery takes 2-3 weeks with gradual return to normal activities over 4-6 weeks. Compression garments are worn for 6-8 weeks, and drainage tubes may be required initially. Manual lymphatic drainage (lymphatic massage) is recommended. Walking is encouraged early, but avoid strenuous exercise for 6-8 weeks. Sitting and leg positioning may require modifications initially.
Risks and additional info
Potential risks include bleeding, infection, wound healing issues, scarring, asymmetry, and changes in sensation. Scar placement and healing vary by technique used. Some patients may benefit from combining with other body contouring procedures. Dr Marc Seifman will discuss all options during consultation.
Is this surgery right for me?
Is this treament right for me?
People who choose to have a thigh reduction tend to have excessive amounts of skin and/or fat in their thigh area and/or excessive amounts of cellulite. It can be performed in conjunction with liposuction or alone. Dr Marc Seifman will help guide you on your journey.
What does the procedure
journey look like?
To begin your journey at Tailored Plastic Surgery, you will typically have an initial consultation to discuss your goals and see how we can help you. After a second consultation and a cooling-off period of one week, if you wish to proceed, we will schedule the surgery on a date that suits you. We will discuss the steps you need to take in the lead-up to your surgery, and also on the day of your procedure.
Initially, you may experience some discomfort in the thighs, in particular if you have had extensive liposuction. You will be wearing a post-operative garment and have instructions for medications to take at home, and exercises to perform. You should be able to go home within two days. You should be able to return to work within two to three weeks depending on what your regular occupation is. We advise against strenuous physical activity and exercise within the first six weeks.
Procedure Risks
Thigh reduction, also known as a thigh lift, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the thighs to achieve a more toned and contoured appearance. In addition to general surgery risks, potential risks and complications associated with thigh reduction may include:
Wound Healing Issues:
Similar to other surgical procedures, thigh reduction carries the risk of delayed wound healing, wound separation, or infection. Proper wound care and follow-up visits are essential for optimal healing.
Scarring:
Thigh reduction involves incisions that result in noticeable scars along the inner thighs. The appearance of scars can vary depending on individual healing processes and proper scar management techniques.
Numbness or Sensation Changes:
Nerve injury during the procedure can lead to temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation, such as numbness or altered sensitivity, in the treated areas.
Asymmetry or Contour Irregularities:
Achieving perfect symmetry and contouring can be challenging, and there is a possibility of uneven results or contour irregularities after thigh reduction.
Still unsure? Here are some FAQs…
Will I have drains in my thighs?
Marc Seifman typically does not use drains for this procedure, although the need for drains is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If drains are used, they are typically removed on the first or second day after the operation.
What scars will I have?
There is typically a scar along the thigh, which we aim to hide as much as possible on the inner aspect of your thigh. Depending on how much skin needs to be removed, the scar may extend to, or slightly beyond, your knee, or there may need to be a scar in your groin region.