Quick Facts
A thigh lift removes excess skin and fat from the thighs, reshaping the leg contour. It's most common in patients who've experienced significant weight loss and are left with loose, sagging skin that exercise cannot address.
What This Guide Covers
Types of Thigh Lifts
Inner (Medial) Thigh Lift
Most common type
Addresses the inner thigh from groin to knee. Incision placed in the groin crease where it's less visible. Best for moderate inner thigh laxity.
Price range: $4,500–$6,500
Vertical (Extended) Thigh Lift
For significant excess skin
Incision extends from groin down inner thigh toward knee. Removes more skin but leaves a visible vertical scar. Best for post-massive weight loss.
Price range: $5,500–$7,500
Outer Thigh Lift
Addresses saddlebags area
Focuses on outer thigh and hip area. Often combined with buttock lift. Incision follows bikini line and extends around hip.
Price range: $5,000–$7,000
Circumferential (Belt) Thigh Lift
Most comprehensive option
Complete 360° lift addressing inner, outer, front, and back of thighs. Major surgery, often staged with body lift. For post-bariatric patients with extensive skin excess.
Price range: $7,000–$8,000+
Pricing Breakdown
| Type | Medellín | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Inner Thigh Lift | $4,500–$6,500 | $7,000–$12,000 |
| Vertical Thigh Lift | $5,500–$7,500 | $10,000–$15,000 |
| Outer Thigh Lift | $5,000–$7,000 | $8,000–$14,000 |
| Circumferential | $7,000–$8,000+ | $15,000–$20,000 |
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3: Maximum Rest
Bed rest with legs elevated. Drains in place (1–2 weeks typically). Compression garment worn 24/7. Significant swelling. Limited walking—short bathroom trips only.
Week 1: Early Mobility
Short, gentle walks to prevent blood clots. Sitting may be uncomfortable. First follow-up appointment. Continue elevation when resting.
Week 2: Increased Activity
Drains removed. Walking longer distances. Many patients can fly home by day 14–21. Still no strenuous activity or heavy lifting.
Weeks 4–6: Progressive Return
Return to desk work. Compression wear during day. Walking comfortable. No exercise, running, or leg workouts yet.
3–6 Months: Final Results
Most swelling resolved. Resume all activities with surgeon clearance. Final contour visible. Scars continuing to fade.
Scarring Considerations
Scar Reality
Thigh lifts leave permanent scars. The trade-off is loose skin for scars. The question is whether that trade-off is worth it for you.
- Inner thigh lift: Scar in groin crease—hidden by underwear/swimwear
- Vertical lift: Visible scar down inner thigh
- Circumferential: Scar around entire leg at bikini line level
Scar Care Protocol
- ✓ Silicone scar sheets starting at 2–3 weeks
- ✓ Avoid sun exposure for 12 months
- ✓ No stretching or strenuous leg movement during healing
- ✓ Stay hydrated to support skin healing
- ✓ Consider laser treatment after 6 months if needed
Staging with Other Procedures
For post-bariatric patients, thigh lifts are often staged 6–12 months apart from arm lifts or body lifts. Doing multiple large-incision procedures at once increases complication risk significantly. Your surgeon will recommend a staging timeline based on your goals.