Thighplasty (Inner Thigh Lift) After Weight Loss
Thighplasty (thigh lift) removes excess skin and, where needed, excess fat from the inner thigh after significant weight loss. In my practice it is planned as a functional operation, treating the chafing, rashes and hygiene problems that loose thigh skin causes, rather than a purely cosmetic one. For a full discussion of techniques, evidence and outcomes, see my comprehensive guide to thighplasty after weight loss.
Is Thighplasty the Right Operation for Your Skin Pattern?
Loose thigh skin after weight loss runs in 2 directions. Circumferential excess, where the skin is loose side to side around the thigh, needs a vertical incision along the inner thigh to reduce the girth. Vertical excess, where skin hangs down in the upper inner thigh, needs a horizontal incision in the groin crease to lift and support the tissue.
Most post weight loss patients have both. That is why a full thigh lift (thighplasty), combining the vertical and horizontal components, is the operation I perform most often in this group. Treating only 1 direction of laxity tends to leave residual loose skin and can mean a second operation.
I almost always include VASER liposuction (suction assisted lipectomy) as part of the procedure. Removing the deeper fat first reduces tension on the incisions, and published research links this combined approach with fewer wound problems than excision alone.
Which pattern you have, and which operation suits it, is assessed at your consultation.
What the Operation Involves
- Incisions placed in the groin crease, along the inner thigh, or both, depending on your skin pattern
- VASER liposuction (suction assisted lipectomy) of the deeper fat layer in most cases
- Excess skin removed and the remaining tissue lifted and supported
- 3 to 4 hours of operating time
- General anaesthetic
- Performed at Maitland Private Hospital
- Day surgery or overnight stay; most patients stay 1 night
- No drains
- Comfeel dressings on the incisions
- Compression garments worn from surgery
Why Come and See Me
I am a Specialist Surgeon (FRACS) with more than 15 years of experience, and my practice is focused on body contouring surgery after significant weight loss. Thighplasty (thigh lift) is one of the more demanding operations in this field, with higher wound complication rates than most other body contouring procedures, so experience with the post weight loss patient group and close follow-up matter.
I operate at Maitland Private Hospital, which has 24-hour medical cover and an on-site ICU. While you are in hospital I see you on my daily rounds.
Your first consultation with me runs for about 1 hour, and I include a second consultation at no cost if you want more time to consider your options. For patients in regional areas, the initial consultation can be done by telehealth, with an in-person assessment before surgery.
Your follow-up is included in the surgical fee: 2 weeks of intense follow-up straight after surgery, then reviews at 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. With thighplasty, this close early follow-up is where wound problems are picked up and managed.
Risks and Recovery
Thighplasty (thigh lift) is major surgery. It carries higher wound complication rates than most other body contouring operations. Wound breakdown along the groin and vertical incision lines is common, and when it happens it is usually managed in my rooms with regular dressings over several weeks rather than further surgery. Seroma, infection, bleeding and scar widening can also occur, and recovery takes time: expect swelling for weeks, compression garments, and no strenuous activity for at least 6 weeks. I cover all of this in detail in my articles on complications after thighplasty and recovering after thighplasty.
Cost and Medicare
Thighplasty after significant weight loss may attract a Medicare rebate under MBS item 30169 if you meet the criteria, which include a stable weight for at least 6 months after losing 5 or more BMI units. I provide a written quote after your consultation, and the details are covered in my article on thighplasty cost.
Your Steps to Surgery
1. Get a GP referral
This is required before your consultation and is needed for any Medicare rebate.
2. Attend your consultation
I assess your skin pattern, medical history and nutritional status, and we discuss which operation suits you. A second consultation is included at no cost.
3. Receive your written quote
This sets out the surgical fee, hospital and anaesthetic costs, and any expected rebates.
4. Prepare for surgery
Pre-operative blood tests, nutritional optimisation and any medication adjustments are organised in the weeks before your operation.
5. Have your surgery at Maitland Private Hospital
with a day or overnight stay.
6. Structured follow-up
2 weeks of intense follow-up straight after surgery, then reviews at 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months, included in the fee.