Body
Thigh Lift
Tightens and reshapes the thighs by removing excess skin. Frequently performed after significant weight loss.
Overview
A thigh lift, or thighplasty, removes excess skin from the inner or outer thigh and repositions the remaining tissue for a tighter contour. The procedure is most commonly performed after significant weight loss when the skin has lost its elasticity, or in older patients with substantial laxity. Incision placement varies — medial (inner thigh) lifts use an incision along the groin and sometimes extending down the inner thigh; lateral lifts integrate with an extended tummy tuck. Liposuction is often used in combination to address any persistent fat.
Who it's for
The right candidate.
Patients with excess inner-thigh skin and tissue laxity — most commonly after significant weight loss but also seen with aging. Candidates need to be at a stable weight and in good general health.
Technique
How it's done.
Excess skin and tissue is removed through an incision along the groin and, in larger cases, extending down the inner thigh. Liposuction is often added to address localized fat. The incision design depends on the amount of skin to be removed.
Where this happens
Our own surgery center.
One roof, one team.
Dr. Azadgoli operates at The Practice Healthcare's fully independent, on-property ambulatory surgery center — a Medicare-certified, physician-led facility recognized by Newsweek as one of California's top centers for independent, privately owned surgery.
Consultation, surgery, aftercare, and recovery all happen in one building, with the same team. No outside hospital. No new staff to meet the day of surgery. The same person who checked you in at the consult is there when you wake up.
What to expect
From consultation to recovery.
Outpatient under general anesthesia. Compression garments for several weeks. Most patients return to desk work at two weeks, exercise at six to eight weeks. The inner-thigh incision can be slow to heal and requires attention.
Insurance & coverage
Patient Advocacy handles the paperwork.
Our advocacy team verifies benefits, pursues pre-authorizations, and appeals denials. You don't navigate insurance on your own.
Post-bariatric body contouring is sometimes partially covered when documented skin issues — chronic intertrigo, ulceration, infection — meet your insurer's criteria. Cosmetic thigh lifts are not covered. Our Patient Advocacy team reviews any medical documentation and pursues coverage where appropriate.
How we work with insurance
- 1 Verification by expertsOur advocacy team verifies your benefits before any procedure — so we know exactly what is and is not covered.
- 2 Patient advocacy & follow-throughWe aggressively pursue pre-authorizations, appeal denials when appropriate, and hold carriers accountable to their commitments.
- 3 Financial transparencyYou receive a clear written estimate of potential out-of-pocket costs. No surprises on the day of surgery.
- 4 Collaboration with carriersOur team handles documentation and communication directly with your insurance company.
- 5 Options & supportIf a procedure is not covered, we walk you through cash-pay options, financing, and other pathways to care.
FAQ
Common questions.
Where will the scars be?
The main incision is along the groin crease. Larger cases extend the incision down the inner thigh. The scars fade but remain visible — they are placed where clothing typically covers them.
Can liposuction alone work?
If the issue is purely fat and the skin will retract, yes. Most thigh-lift candidates have significant skin laxity that liposuction alone does not address.
How long is recovery?
Longer than most body procedures because the inner thigh is an area of high mobility and the incision crosses the groin. Six to eight weeks for normal activity is typical.
Will the scars be visible in shorts or swimwear?
Inner-thigh incisions hide within the groin crease and along the upper inner thigh. They are visible in some swimwear cuts. Scar quality improves over twelve to eighteen months.
Is liposuction alone an option?
For patients with mostly fat and minimal skin laxity, yes. For most thigh-lift candidates — particularly post-weight-loss patients — skin removal is the issue and liposuction alone won't address it.
How is recovery managed?
Compression garments for several weeks, restricted motion at the groin and inner thigh for the first two weeks. Most patients are back to desk work at two weeks, gentler exercise at six weeks.
Ready to discuss thigh lift?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Azadgoli and her team to explore your options.
Request a consultation