Thigh Lift

A thigh lift, unlike an upper arm lift, is often performed for constitutional reasons and not solely as a result of massive weight loss.

Before and After Photos

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How is a thigh lift performed?

The inner thighs are a common problem area, especially for women, and can often be corrected with liposuction. However, if the skin is too loose, an improvement in appearance can only be achieved through a surgical lift.

In recent years, the frequency of thigh lifts has increased significantly, as advances in bariatric surgery (gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, etc.) have enabled more and more obese patients to lose weight successfully.

There are two surgical methods available:

The technique using a crescent-shaped incision reduces the circumference of the thigh only slightly but effectively tightens the skin on the inner thigh.

The technique with an extended incision along the inner thigh is much more effective and leads to a significant reduction in thigh circumference.

For the majority of my patients, the excess skin is not severe, so the extended incision is rarely necessary. In most cases, the crescent-shaped incision in the groin area is sufficient. The scar is positioned precisely within the groin crease, making it easily concealed by underwear or swimwear.

An important aspect of the thigh lift is avoiding excessive skin tension in the groin area, which could otherwise lead to renewed sagging of the skin and, in women, a downward displacement of the outer labia.
To prevent this, the tightened skin is anchored to the firm connective tissue of the pubic bone (“Cooper’s ligament”) by creating a dermal flap fixation.

Before and After Photos

Here we show examples of results after thigh lift procedures; all operations were performed by us, and the images have of course not been retouched in any way.

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Your consultation appointment

Would you like to learn more about thigh lift surgery? We are happy to provide you with comprehensive and personal advice. Although this procedure is not requested very often, we can show you many examples. Simply click on the button below and schedule your consultation at any time of day or night—whenever it suits you best. If you prefer not to use a computer, or if no appointment is available in the near future, feel free to call us instead: Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 01/5870000. I look forward to speaking with you.

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Thigh Lift – Overview

Below you will find a summary of the necessary steps and preparations associated with a thigh lift.

Initial Consultation

Have you already purchased the book “Upper Arm and Thigh Lift” for 40 euros in our clinic or online? Then the initial consultation for an aesthetic surgical procedure such as a nose or chin correction is included. An initial consultation usually lasts about 30 minutes. Without the book purchase, the consultation is charged at €250.00; any longer or more detailed consultation (duration not specifically defined) is charged at €300.00.

Even if you have already undergone a thigh lift in another clinic and are dissatisfied with the result, I will be happy to provide you with a second opinion. However, please understand that in this case, a fee of €300 will be charged, which will be credited toward the cost of a corrective surgery should you decide to proceed.

My personal tip for you: Always and in any case obtain a second opinion before undergoing surgery (this is not included with the book purchase).

Hospital Stay

Inpatient (with overnight stay)

€1,800 to €4,500 – depending on the duration of the surgery, number of overnight stays, room category (suite, single, shared), and hospital.

Anesthesia

The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia; therefore, an anesthesiologist must be present during the surgery. The cost for anesthesia varies depending on the duration of the operation, ranging from €900 to €1,800. On average, you can expect approximately €1,300.

Costs

Depending on the method used (short or long incision), the surgical fee ranges from €4,500 to €9,000.

Surgery Preparation

When the procedure is performed under general anesthesia

Preoperative preparation includes a blood test (the so-called “comprehensive blood panel”), a chest X-ray, and surgical clearance from a general practitioner or internist. If you are insured in Austria and the procedure is medically indicated, there are no additional costs. The same applies to the surgical clearance provided by a general practitioner or internist who has a contract with one of the standard Austrian health insurance providers. In our medical center, an internist is available as a private physician (Wahlarzt). For consultations with private physicians, insurance typically covers about 50%–75% of the costs.

For 14 days prior to the operation, blood-thinning medications (such as Aspirin, Marcoumar, Vitamin E, etc.) should be discontinued, as they can delay blood clotting. Alcohol and sleeping pills should also be avoided as much as possible, since they reduce the blood’s ability to clot and thereby increase the risk of postoperative bleeding. Smoking should ideally be stopped, as nicotine constricts blood vessels and may lead to wound-healing problems.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Therefore, the following examinations are required before the procedure:

Chest X-ray and ECG
Complete blood count including coagulation profile, blood type, HIV test, and Hepatitis A, B, C
Surgical clearance by a general practitioner or internist

Please note that all test results must be no older than 10 days at the time of surgery. Bring all documents with you to the hospital on the day of the operation.

On the day of your surgery, please arrive at the hospital 2.5 hours before the scheduled operation and check in at the reception desk. After completing the admission formalities, you will be taken to your room; if desired, you may receive an IV infusion to reduce thirst.

For a thigh lift, a hospital stay of one to three nights is generally required.

Surgery Checklist

Schedule the surgery date
Set the surgery date (arrange vacation or time off, plan childcare if necessary, etc.)
Have the preoperative examinations (blood tests, possibly X-ray, ECG, surgical clearance) performed no earlier than 2 weeks before the operation.
Preoperative consultation the day before surgery: examination of test results, discussion of final details, and signing of the consent form. A hospital admission form will be provided by the assistant — please complete it and bring it with you to the hospital. The first postoperative check-up appointment will also be scheduled.
Arrive at the hospital 2.5 hours before the operation for admission formalities. Upon request, a staff member will accompany you and help make the waiting period before surgery more comfortable.
Discharge from the hospital typically occurs two to four days after the procedure. Please do not drive yourself — take a taxi or arrange for someone to pick you up.
Rest is essential at home; avoid physically demanding activities.

First follow-up appointment (approx. 5–7 days after surgery)
Second follow-up appointment (approx. 10 days after surgery): removal of stitches
Third follow-up appointment (approx. 20 days after surgery)
Fourth follow-up appointment (approx. 30 days after surgery)

Additional follow-ups after one, two, and six months
Final follow-up after one year

Rounds & Follow-up Appointments

Follow-up appointments and check-up visits are included in the surgical fee!

Faq

Below are the most frequently asked questions related to the thigh lift procedure.

Can a reduction of thigh circumference also be achieved with liposuction?

If there is no excess skin and the skin is still firm, liposuction alone can indeed produce a good result.

What methods of thigh lifting exist?

There are essentially two options, depending on the extent of excess skin to be corrected. For a small to moderate skin surplus, the procedure can be limited to the groin area; if more correction is needed, the procedure must be extended along the thigh.

Where are the scars located after a thigh lift?

Depending on the surgical technique used, the scar either runs from the groin along the inner thigh toward the knee or remains confined to the groin area.

How visible are the scars?

If the incision is limited to the groin area, the scar is only visible (in a shaved region) when the legs are spread. With the longer incision, the scar is more noticeable but almost always heals delicately.

Is the procedure performed under local anesthesia?

Both thigh lift methods must be performed under general anesthesia.

Does health insurance cover the procedure?

Only in very rare cases. In extreme situations, friction on the inner thighs may cause soreness, in which case insurance may cover the costs.

How long is the hospital stay?

Generally, a one- to three-night inpatient stay is to be expected.

What complications can occur?

The most common medical complications are bleeding and infection, both of which can largely be avoided with proper surgical technique. Aesthetic complications may include asymmetric scars, tearing of anchoring sutures, distortion of the outer labia, “dog-ear” formations, and keloid scarring. Except for keloids, these aesthetic issues can usually be corrected with a minor revision.

When can one return to normal activities after a thigh lift?

If there are no complications, normal mobility is usually regained after about 10 days. For three months, activities that place tension on the inner thighs (such as stretching) should be avoided.

What are the long-term results after a thigh lift?

If weight fluctuations are avoided, the long-term results are generally excellent.