Frequently Asked Questions
How does thighplasty improve how I look?
A thigh lift enhances the contour of your thighs by removing extra skin and fatty tissue from the upper legs. Depending on how far down the thighs the excess skin and soft tissue extends toward the knee, the lift may be performed with from the top of the thigh or from the inside. The result of skin and tissue removal is reduction of the size of your thighs and removal of loose, hanging tissue-- in other words, improvement in clothing and out of it.
Dr. McDaniel uses a "double-ellipse" technique to maximize tissue removal while reducing the risk of scar widening or wound healing issues. Multiple layers of dissolving sutures minimize scarring, and surgical superglue over your incisions allow showering the next day.
Can more than one operation be performed at the same time?
Yes! Body contouring procedures are commonly combined with one another, such as brachioplasty (arm lift), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), or mastopexy (breast lift). Any combination can be performed in our private, AAAASF-certified operating facility, the only one of it's kind in Southwest Montana.
Thighplasty improves your appearance in and out of clothing.Dr. Jarred McDaniel
What will my recovery be like?
Thigh lifts are usually performed in our private, certified operating facility as an outpatient procedure-- no hospital stay necessary. The operation takes around two to two and a half hours, and is performed under general anesthesia (going to sleep). Long-lasting local anesthetic is injected in your operative site to decrease discomfort for the next few days, and a compression garment decreases swelling and discomfort. This is worn for the next four weeks.
Mild to moderate discomfort along with a sensation of tightness (tightness usually lasting about a week) can be expected. Discomfort is managed with prescribed pain medication. Pain from a transverse thigh lift (see below) is typically longer lasting and more intense than a vertical thigh lift.
Activity restrictions include avoidance of cardiovascular exercise for three weeks and avoidance of strenuous leg activity (hiking, aerobics, etc.) for six weeks. Walking in moderation is encouraged.
Before & After Gallery
Imagining how you will look after surgery can be difficult. To help here are some photos of real patients before and after the procedure. These patients have given written permission for photos to be used.
What scarring results from thigh lift?
Scarring from thighplasty may have two different patterns, depending on where your skin and tissue excess is located.
In patients who have experienced massive weight loss, or whose extra skin, extends beyond about halfway down the thigh, a scar will be present from the groin to around your knee along the inside (medial) part of the thighs (see upper picture). This allows a maximal amount of skin and tissue to be removed and a smooth contour all the way down your leg.
In patients who have extra skin and tissue less than halfway down their thighs, a thigh lift may be performed with a transverse, or horizontal, incision hidden within the groin crease where the thigh meets the pelvis (see lower photo to left). This scar is more easily hidden by shorts, underwear, and swimsuits.
How much does thighplasty cost? Is financing available?
The average total cost of a thigh lift is between $7900 and $8500, including CosmetAssure coverage, all surgical, facility, and anesthesia fees, preoperative and postoperative care, and a compression garment. Gallatin Plastic Surgery is pleased to offer multiple-procedure discounts. We also offer financing plans through Care Credit.