A thigh lift (thighplasty) is a body contouring procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper legs to create smoother, firmer thigh contours.
Many patients develop loose skin along the inner thighs after weight loss, pregnancy, aging, or genetic skin laxity. Because thigh skin is naturally thinner and less elastic than other areas of the body, it often does not tighten on its own even with exercise.
At Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery in Lincoln, Nebraska, Dr. Jessica Jacobson performs medial (inner) thigh lift surgery to tighten the inner thighs and improve overall leg contour. Liposuction is frequently combined with the procedure to remove excess fatty tissue and enhance the final shape.
The goal of thigh lift surgery is to restore smoother thigh contours, improved leg definition, and greater comfort during daily activity.
What a Thigh Lift Can Improve
By removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue, thighplasty creates a more toned and proportional lower body contour.
Common reasons include
- Loose or sagging skin on the inner thighs
- Excess fatty tissue in the upper legs
- Skin crepiness or wrinkling
- Chafing caused by skin rubbing together
- Poor definition of the thighs after weight loss
Thigh Lift Surgery at Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery
Thigh lift surgery at Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery focuses on improving leg contour while placing scars as discreetly as possible.
In many cases, liposuction is performed first to remove excess fatty tissue before tightening the skin. This approach allows the skin to redrape more smoothly and helps create natural transitions between the thighs and hips.
Each surgical plan is customized to the patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals.
During consultation, Dr. Jacobson evaluates:
01
The amount of skin laxity
Determining the degree of excess skin along the inner thighs.
02
Fat distribution within the thighs
Mapping fatty deposits for liposuction planning.
03
Skin quality and elasticity
Evaluating the thinner thigh skin’s ability to contract and heal.
04
Overall body proportions
Considering the full lower body for balanced results.
Types of Thigh Lift Procedures
Several types of thigh lift procedures exist depending on the location and amount of excess skin.
At Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Jacobson specializes in medial thigh lift surgery, the most common procedure for patients with excess skin concentrated along the inner thighs.
Dr. Jacobson's Specialty
Inner (Medial) Thigh Lift
The most common procedure for patients with excess skin concentrated along the inner thighs.
Incision placed within the natural crease of the groin for discreet concealment.
Extended Correction
Vertical Thigh Lift
Addresses excess skin that extends further down the inner thigh, requiring a longer incision for more extensive tightening.
Lateral Correction
Outer Thigh Lift
Targets laxity along the outer thighs and lateral leg contour, often combined with other body contouring procedures.
Circumferential Thigh Lift
Addresses skin laxity around the entire thigh circumference, typically for patients after massive weight loss.
For patients requiring more extensive body contouring procedures, Dr. Jacobson can provide referrals to trusted surgeons who specialize in those operations.
Inner Thigh Lift (Medial Thighplasty) Procedure
A medial thigh lift tightens the skin of the inner thighs while placing the incision where it can be concealed.
01
Incision
The incision is placed within the natural crease of the groin.
02
Skin Removal
Excess skin is removed from the inner thigh.
03
Redraping
Remaining skin is repositioned and tightened.
04
Liposuction
Liposuction may be performed for additional contouring.
Scar Concealment
This technique improves thigh shape while keeping the scar well hidden beneath underwear or swimwear.
Who Is a Candidate for Thigh Lift Surgery?
A consultation with Dr. Jacobson in Lincoln will determine whether thigh lift surgery is the best option for achieving your goals.
You may be a good candidate for thigh lift surgery if you:
- Are in good overall health
- Do not smoke or are willing to stop before surgery
- Are close to your goal weight
- Have loose skin on the inner thighs
- Have realistic expectations about surgery and recovery
Thigh Lift Recovery & Downtime
Recovery after implant removal varies depending on whether additional procedures are performed.
Days 1–7
Initial Downtime
Walk bent forward at hips; swelling & bruising
~2 Weeks
Upright Walking
~2 weeks off work; gradually return to upright walking
Weeks 2–6
Avoid Strenuous Activity
Compression garments; avoid heavy lifting & strenuous activity
6–8 Weeks+
Return to Activity
Compression continues; gradual return to full activity
Initial Recovery
Most patients require approximately two weeks of downtime following surgery. Patients are encouraged to take time away from work and limit daily activity during the early healing period.
Early Recovery Symptoms
During the first several weeks after surgery, patients may experience:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tightness of the thighs
- Mild discomfort
These symptoms gradually improve as the body heals.
Activity Restrictions
To protect healing tissues, patients should follow several activity guidelines.
Typical restrictions include:
- Avoid heavy lifting for about 6 weeks
- Avoid strenuous exercise until cleared by Dr. Jacobson
- Limit activities that place tension on the inner thighs
Following these instructions helps support optimal healing and long-term results.
Compression Garments — 6–8 Weeks
Compression garments are worn for 6–8 weeks after surgery. These garments help:
- Reduce swelling
- Support healing tissues
- Improve contour
- Encourage optimal skin contraction
Walking Position During Early Recovery
Must Remember: During the first week of recovery, patients are asked to walk slightly bent forward at the hips.
This position helps:
- Reduce tension on incision lines
- Protect the surgical repair
- Allow the skin to heal properly
Most patients gradually return to walking fully upright after 7–10 days.
Long-Term Results
Patients typically notice improvement in thigh contour immediately after surgery, although swelling can temporarily obscure final results.
The final contour continues to refine over several months as swelling resolves.
The scar from a medial thigh lift is permanent but placed within the natural crease of the groin, where it is typically hidden by underwear or swimwear.
Scar care instructions are provided to support the best possible healing.
Thigh lift surgery aims to achieve:
- Smoother inner thighs
- Improved leg definition
- Reduced skin laxity
- Balanced lower body proportions
“Natural Results —
Never Overdone.”
Dr. Jacobson’s approach to body contouring focuses on creating balanced, natural results that complement the rest of the body.
Thigh lift surgery aims to achieve:
- Smoother inner thighs
- Improved leg definition
- Reduced skin laxity
- Balanced lower body proportions
The goal is refinement — never an overdone or unnatural appearance.
Why Choose Dr. Jacobson for a Thigh Lift?
- Expertise in aesthetic body contouring
- Specialized medial thigh lift technique
- Careful scar placement
- Liposuction integration for refined contour
- Personalized, concierge-level care
Thigh Lift FAQs
What type of thigh lift does Dr. Jacobson perform?
Dr. Jacobson specializes in medial (inner) thigh lift surgery, the most common procedure for patients with excess skin concentrated along the inner thighs. The incision is placed within the natural crease of the groin, where it can be concealed beneath underwear or swimwear. For patients requiring more extensive procedures such as circumferential thigh lifts, Dr. Jacobson can provide referrals to trusted surgeons who specialize in those operations.
Where is the scar located after a thigh lift?
The scar from a medial thigh lift is placed within the natural crease of the groin, where it is typically hidden by underwear or swimwear. This strategic placement allows the scar to remain concealed during most daily activities. Scar care instructions are provided to support the best possible healing, and the scar continues to fade and mature over several months.
Can liposuction be combined with a thigh lift?
Yes. Liposuction is frequently combined with thighplasty to remove excess fatty tissue and enhance the final shape. In many cases, liposuction is performed first to remove excess fat before tightening the skin. This approach allows the skin to redrape more smoothly and helps create natural transitions between the thighs and hips.
How long is recovery after a thigh lift?
Most patients require approximately two weeks of downtime following thigh lift surgery. Compression garments are worn for 6–8 weeks to reduce swelling, support healing, and encourage skin contraction. During the first week, patients are asked to walk slightly bent forward at the hips to reduce tension on the incision. Most patients gradually return to walking fully upright after 7–10 days, and heavy lifting should be avoided for about 6 weeks.
Why doesn't thigh skin tighten on its own with exercise?
Thigh skin is naturally thinner and less elastic than other areas of the body. After weight loss, pregnancy, aging, or genetic skin laxity, the inner thigh skin often does not tighten on its own even with consistent exercise. While exercise can strengthen muscles and reduce fat, it cannot remove excess skin or restore lost elasticity. Surgical correction through thighplasty is often necessary to restore a firm, toned thigh contour.
Who is a good candidate for thigh lift surgery?
Good candidates for thigh lift surgery are in good overall health, are non-smokers or willing to stop before surgery, are close to their goal weight, and have loose skin on the inner thighs with realistic expectations about surgery and recovery. Thighplasty is common among patients who have experienced weight loss, aging, or genetic skin laxity. A consultation with Dr. Jacobson will determine whether a thigh lift is the best option for your goals.
Serving Lincoln and Surrounding Nebraska Communities
If loose skin or excess tissue in the thighs is affecting your comfort or confidence, thigh lift surgery may help restore smoother, more defined leg contours. During your consultation at Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery in Lincoln, Dr. Jacobson will evaluate your anatomy and develop a personalized surgical plan tailored to your goals. Serving patients throughout Lincoln, Omaha, and greater Nebraska.
Related Procedures
Patients considering a thigh lift may also be interested in these complementary procedures:
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