Medial Thigh Lift

A thigh lift, also known as a thighplasty, is an aesthetic surgical procedure designed to address excess skin and fat in the inner thighs. While this procedure is primarily performed to enhance one’s appearance in their lower body, it can also be performed to improve daily comfort. ⁽¹⁾

Utku Dolen, M.D., is a board-certified Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeon at Northwestern Plastic Surgery in Algonquin, Illinois. His years of experience have been spent helping patients in both Europe and the U.S. achieve stunning, transformative results through the latest surgical techniques and advanced technology.

To schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Dolen, please call (847) 854-3522 or visit our office in person.

About Thigh Lift

A thigh lift is a procedure that aims to enhance the appearance of the thighs. The thighs are one of the body’s common fat accumulation depots, and because of this, they are prone to fluctuations in weight and size. ⁽²⁾ Dr. Dolen can address and improve each of these issues by performing a thigh lift. He can combine a medial thigh lift with liposuction for more transformative results. The medial thigh lift is performed to address changes and concerns along the inner thighs. Dr. Dolen can perform this technique by making an incision near the groin and extending it down before the knee.

Benefits

Several benefits can be enjoyed after undergoing a thigh lift procedure, including:

Thigh Lift Candidates

Suitable candidates for a thigh lift typically consist of individuals with excess skin and fat surrounding their thighs, as well as a general lack of elasticity. Those with excess skin and fat may notice an improvement in the appearance of cellulite after a thigh lift, though it is not the primary goal of the procedure.

All interested candidates should be in good overall health and free from any underlying medical conditions that may impair healing. It is also important to ensure that patients hold realistic expectations regarding what this procedure can accomplish. Patients should be nonsmokers or willing to quit smoking at least two months before surgery. Dr. Dolen will determine each individual’s eligibility during their consultation.

Personal Consultation

Patients will be asked to attend a personal consultation at our Algonquin office before scheduling their procedure. This meeting will allow Dr. Dolen to get to know the patient more personally, as well as ensure the procedure is fully personalized to their needs. During this consultation, Dr. Dolen will converse openly with the patient about their medical history, concerns, and desired treatment outcomes. This will be followed by an evaluation of the patient’s thighs and overall anatomy.

Using this information, he will determine the patient’s candidacy and create their treatment plan, tailoring certain aspects to help them achieve their goals. Preparation and recovery instructions will also be provided, as well as a written cost estimate.

To schedule your personal consultation, please call (847) 854-3522 or feel free to visit our office in person.

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Preparation

Dr. Dolen will provide each patient with a set of preparation instructions during their consultation. Patients may need to temporarily stop taking certain medications and supplements that can increase bleeding risk. This can include substances such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ginseng, vitamin E, and more. Patients will need to arrange for transportation home from the procedure, as well as assistance around the home throughout their initial recovery. Additionally, the consumption of alcohol should be avoided for several days before the procedure, and smoking should be completely ceased at least two months before the procedure.

Procedure

Thigh lifts are typically performed as an outpatient procedure and often last between two and three hours.

Dr. Dolen will either perform a medial thigh lift to target concerns on the inner thigh. Many patients choose to combine these treatments for more comprehensive results. When performing a medial thigh lift, Dr. Dolen will create an incision near the groin and extend it vertically down, following the natural curves of the patient’s body. Dr. Dolen will use these incisions to excise excess skin and tissue.

Dr. Dolen may also perform liposuction to help address any stubborn deposits of fat found in the thighs. A tumescent fluid consisting of a local anesthetic, lactated Ringer’s solution, and adrenaline will be administered to the treatment area. This solution helps minimize bleeding, enhance comfort, and swell the fat cells, allowing them to be removed more easily. Dr. Dolen will then create a small incision near the treatment site and insert a thin cannula, gently suctioning the fat cells out until the patient’s desired sculpt has been achieved.

Recovery

Following the procedure, it is normal to experience swelling, bruising, and general discomfort near the treated area. These effects are temporary and typically dissipate on their own, but may also be controlled using oral medications prescribed by Dr. Dolen. Patients will need to avoid showering for several days and refrain from strenuous exercise.

A compression garment will need to be worn for 4-6weeks. The garment applies gentle, consistent compression to help minimize swelling and support the new contours. Most patients can return to work within three to four weeks, but physical activities or high-intensity actions should be avoided until approved by Dr. Dolen. Any further instructions will be provided during the personal consultation.

Results

Patients may notice an improvement in contour shortly after surgery, but final results will become more apparent as swelling subsides over the following weeks to months. Patients can enjoy more slender, toned thighs that create a more proportionate balance with their bodies. The results of a thigh lift are long-lasting, but because the thighs are one of the main fat storage sites of the body, it is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle to maintain its effects. ⁽²⁾

Corresponding Procedures

Tummy Tuck

Tummy tucks, also known as abdominoplasties, are a body-contouring procedure designed to strengthen the abdominal muscles and remove sagging skin and fat around the waist for a smoother, more contoured appearance. This procedure is popular and is most often performed after pregnancy or weight loss. Dr. Dolen offers different variations of the tummy tuck, such as the mini tummy tuck, full tummy tuck, and extended tummy tuck, to address each patient’s concerns.

To learn more about the other procedures that may be performed, please read Dr. Dolen’s blog!

Cost of Thigh Lifts in Algonquin, Illinois

The pricing of a thigh lift can vary, as each procedure is tailored to the needs and anatomy of the patient, making it difficult for our team to provide an early cost estimate. Dr. Dolen will discuss pricing with the patient during their consultation once a treatment plan has been established.

To learn more about the cost of your thigh lift, please call (847) 854-3522 or come visit our office in person.

FAQ

References

1. Bell D, Winters R. Thighplasty. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594236/
2. Maha Alser, Naja K, Elrayess MA. Mechanisms of body fat distribution and gluteal-femoral fat protection against metabolic disorders. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2024;11. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1368966