Thigh Lift in McLean and Northern Virginia

At Mesbahi Plastic Surgery in McLean, VA, Washington, D.C., and Beverly Hills, CA, we understand that weight loss is a huge victory for anyone. However, in some cases, people who reach their ideal weight may need surgical intervention to complete their final body transformation. This is why seasoned plastic surgeon Dr. Alex Mesbahi is excited to offer thigh lifts to men and women who wish to enhance their lower body. A thigh lift or thighplasty trims away excess skin on the outer or inner thighs to produce a tighter, more contoured look. This surgery has risen in popularity because it enables men and women who are struggling with sagging skin an opportunity to achieve natural-looking results.

Unfortunately, diet and exercise alone can do nothing to remove loose or hanging skin. If you have lost a considerable amount of weight but still have unsightly sagging on the thighs, a thigh lift may be an ideal solution for you. Dr. Mesbahi has years of experience performing thigh lift surgery and can help you achieve long-lasting contours. A thigh lift can be used to minimize the appearance of unwanted cellulite and stretch marks. We can also perform a thigh lift with liposuction to remove small fat pockets and further enhance your outcomes.

Thigh lift surgery is a skin removal and skin tightening procedure that corrects loose, hanging skin. It is considered a post-weight loss procedure and is commonly reserved for patients who have lost 100 pounds or more. It is also helpful for older adults who are concerned about sagging skin caused by natural aging, as well as with women whose figure changed due to pregnancy and childbirth. If you have wrinkly, loose, or hanging skin on your upper thighs (whether it's the outer or inner thighs or both), thigh lift surgery can be a big help. 

A thigh lift is an outpatient procedure that is performed with general anesthesia. To start your procedure, Dr. Mesbahi will create an incision around the top of the leg in the natural fold where the thigh meets the torso. The incision often runs along the midsection of the thigh. This permits enough room to use liposuction (if needed) to remove stubborn pockets of fat and to trim away all excess skin in the top thigh area. The skin will be stretched upward so it is tight and safely secured with sutures. In certain patients, an additional incision may be made underneath the butt or in the outer thigh area based on the quantity of tissue being addressed. Thigh lift surgery at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery corrects the whole thigh area, leaving a shapelier, tighter, more contoured appearance.

Thighplasty takes around 2 – 3 hours to complete. Once the procedure is over, you will be monitored and then allowed to go home to begin your recovery. There may be bruising, discomfort, and swelling during the first few days of recovery. After this time, many patients are able to get up and slowly walk around, which is necessary for circulation and faster healing. The total recovery period typically lasts about 6 – 8 weeks. Wound care instructions given by Dr. Mesbahi will also help the surgical incision to heal well. Even though there will be some scarring, the new shape and contour of your thighs can help you boost your self-confidence and you can show off your legs with pride.

Will a thigh lift remove cellulite or stretch marks?
A thigh lift is a great choice to achieve nicely contoured and slimmer legs. Since the procedure calls for tightening the skin and removing stubborn fat deposits, it also improves the visibility of cellulite and stretch marks on your legs. If you are interested in addressing cellulite or stretch marks, let Dr. Mesbahi know in your consultation so he can adjust your treatment plan to fit all of your goals.

How long will my results last?
After your surgery, if you follow a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet, you should enjoy the results of your thigh lift for a long time. Dr. Mesbahi advises you to be at or near a stable weight prior to surgery so it is easy to keep your results. Pregnancy or significant weight changes after a thighplasty can compromise your appearance. In your consultation, Dr. Mesbahi will discuss what you can do to make your results last longer.

Can I combine a thigh lift with other surgeries?
Yes. You may consider combining a thigh lift with butt augmentation or a tummy tuck to enhance your lower body. Thighplasties are also a common part of a mommy makeover or after weight loss surgery. During your consultation, talk to Dr. Mesbahi about your wants and goals so he can develop a treatment plan that gives you the results you want.

What about a nonsurgical thigh lift?
Although there are nonsurgical treatments for skin tightening and fat reduction, these are best for mild improvements. A surgical thigh lift is the best way to address moderate to severe amounts of excess skin and stubborn pockets of fat on your legs. If you are considering nonsurgical options, ask Dr. Mesbahi to give you more information in your consultation. He will explain the benefits and drawbacks of nonsurgical and surgical thigh lift options, as well as his opinion on which would be best for your needs.

Will a thigh lift help with excess fat on the thighs?

A thigh lift is primarily focused on removing excess skin and improving the contour of the thighs. While it can address some fat in the area, significant fat removal may require additional procedures such as liposuction. If the primary concern is excess fat rather than sagging skin, liposuction may be recommended on its own or in combination with a thigh lift. The best approach can be determined during a consultation with our team at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery.

Is a thigh lift painful?

Patients typically experience some discomfort following a thigh lift, but this is manageable with prescribed pain medication. The level of pain varies from person to person, but most patients report that the discomfort subsides significantly within the first week. Proper rest and following Dr. Mesbahi's advice can help minimize discomfort during recovery.

When you have excess skin on your thighs, it can create embarrassment or anxiety. We invite you to call Mesbahi Plastic Surgery in McLean, VA, Washington, D.C., or Beverly Hills, CA to find out more about surgical thigh lifts. It's typical for patients to combine a thigh lift procedure with other contouring surgeries, especially ones that address the lower body. During your consultation, Dr. Mesbahi can answer all of your questions and build a custom plan that will help you attain that tighter look you desire.