 | Inner (Medial) Lift: $5,000-$11,000 |
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 | Inner and Outer (Cicumferential) Lift: $8,000-$20,000 |
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| Also called thighplasty, a thigh lift is a cosmetic procedure that can reduce, lift and smooth the thighs on patients with sagging or flabby pouches, often due to aging or extreme weight loss. | | |
| Typical costs: | - A thigh lift typically costs between $5,000 and $20,000, according to plastic surgeons at RealSelf.com, and the cost depends largely on the patient and what kind of thigh lift is done.
- An inner -- also called medial -- thigh lift typically costs $5,000 to $11,000 and targets only the inner thighs. For example, the Institute of Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery in California charges $6,000 to $7,000 for an inner thigh lift. The San Francisco Plastic Surgery & Laser Center charges between $6,500 and $9,500. Rocheford Plastic Surgery in Minnesota charges $8,000. And the La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre in California charges between $8,700 and $10,400, depending on the patient.
- A circumferential thigh lift, a more complex procedure that targets the inner and outer thighs, typically costs $8,000 to $20,000, depending on the patient. For example, the Institute of Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery in California charges $8,000 to $10,000 for a circumferential thigh lift. And the La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre in California charges between $17,000 and $18,000, depending on the patient.
- A thigh lift is considered a cosmetic procedure, so it typically is not covered by health insurance.
What should be included: | - During an initial consultation, the surgeon will examine the patient and discuss patient goals, surgical techniques, location of incisions and possible scarring and risks, and will provide a price quote.
- For an inner thigh lift, the patient typically will be placed under either 'twilight' or general anesthesia. The surgeon then will make incisions in body creases near the groin to conceal scarring. For a circumferential thigh lift, the surgeon will make much longer incisions, starting in the crease of the buttocks, then around the groin, over the abdomen and across the back. For both types of thigh lifts, the surgeon will remove excess skin and tissue, then tighten and reattach the remaining skin. The procedure usually takes three to four hours and typically is done as an outpatient procedure. The University of Michigan Plastic Surgery Center has an overview of the thigh lift procedure.
Additional costs: | - The doctor probably will prescribe pain medication and antibiotics after surgery.
- A compression garment that costs $75 to $150 must be worn to aid recovery.
- Recovery typically requires about one to three weeks off from work.
Discounts: | - Many surgeons offer discounts on multiple procedures.
Shopping for a thigh lift: | - A good candidate for a thigh lift is a non-smoker in good health who is close to ideal body weight.
- Tip: Make sure the doctor is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has privileges at an accredited hospital, even if the surgery is not taking place there. Both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery offer referral services.
- A thigh lift is a complicated procedure that can cause scarring and complications that can affect patient satisfaction with the result, according to a plastic surgeon at RealSelf.com, so it is especially important to question the surgeon thoroughly about experience performing thigh lifts and to ask for references and photos of previous results.
- Risks of a thigh lift include infection, hematoma, pulmonary embolism and reaction to anesthesia that could include death.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated February 2010 |
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