MED0001602957. This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
A thigh lift (thighplasty) is a body contouring procedure that aims to improve the shape of the thighs by removing excess skin and, where appropriate, addressing localised fatty tissue. It is commonly considered after significant weight loss or where reduced skin elasticity leads to loose, sagging tissue. The goals are to improve contour and, in selected cases, reduce functional issues such as chafing or irritation caused by skin folds. A consultation is required to determine suitability and the most appropriate technique.
Discover the highly qualified surgeons and doctors behind our trusted procedures. Browse their credentials, specialties, and treatments, then explore each procedure in detail to find the right expert for your needs.
MBBS BSc(Med) Hons GDip(Anat) MS (Plast) PhD (Med) FRACS (Plast)
MED0001602957
Dr. Sepehr Lajevardi is a Sydney based Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon specialising in aesthetic surgery of breast and body, as well as skin cancer and hand surgery.
- Skin Cancer Resection & Reconstruction
- Hand Trauma & Elective Hand Surgery
- Post Weight Loss Body Contouring
- Breast Surgeries
- Transgender Surgery
MBBS BMedSci PGradDipAnat MPH FRACS (Plast)
MED0001666891
Dr Phaethon Karagiannis is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and an Australian-trained Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with over 14 years of medical experience, including 9 years exclusively in plastic surgery. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Melbourne, where he also completed a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Surgical Anatomy. He later completed a Master of Public Health at the University of Sydney.
Dr Phaethon primarily focuses on Facial Surgeries.
FRACS (Plast), MSSc (Adel), MBBS (Adel)
MED0001673429
Dr Punj has completed two Subspecialty Fellowships after completing Plastic Surgery Training in Adelaide. Specialized in Aesthetic Surgery of the Face, Rhinoplasty, Breast including Body Contouring & Reconstructive surgery.
- Facial Surgery
- Nose Surgery
- Breast Surgery
- Breast Surgeries
- Body Surgery
MBBS, Master of Surgery, FRACGP
MED001789320
Dr Katelaris has extensive training and experience in same-day, local anaesthetic surgical assessment and procedures that are completed with meticulous technique. Dr Katelaris was a Urology Registrar for 3 years at teaching hospitals in Sydney, Albury and Tweed Heads.
- Skin Cancer
- Mens Health
- Urology
- Health Clinic
MD, PhD, FRACS (Vascular Surgery)
MED0001216465
Dr Hajian is a Sydney-based vascular and Endovascular surgeon. He is a member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons and Australia and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery. Dr Hajian is an Australian trained vascular surgeon. As a specialist in vascular surgery, he provides high quality of care for patients with various acute and chronic conditions affecting the blood vessels and circulatory system.
- Varicose Veins
- Spider Veins
- Diabetic Foot Treatment
- Endovascular Surgery
Thigh lift surgery involves making planned incisions so that redundant skin can be removed and the remaining tissues repositioned to improve contour. The procedure may focus on the inner (medial) thigh, the outer (lateral) thigh, or extend vertically depending on how far excess skin extends. Liposuction may be used in selected cases to refine contour, but it is not a substitute for skin removal when laxity is significant. The procedure results in permanent scars, and outcomes vary.
Potential benefits depend on anatomy, skin quality and the extent of surgery. They may include:
– Reduced excess skin and improved contour of the thigh region
– Improved skin tightness in the treated area (within the limits of tissue quality and healing)
– Reduced chafing/irritation in some patients where skin folds contribute to friction
– Improved clothing comfort and fit for some people
No result can be guaranteed. The likely degree of change, scar placement and trade-offs should be discussed during consultation.
A suitable candidate is typically an adult who:
– Has stable weight (especially after significant weight loss)
– Has excess thigh skin that does not improve with exercise or weight stability
– Is medically fit for surgery and recovery
– Does not smoke/vape or can stop nicotine use for the required period
– Understands that thigh lift surgery involves scarring, recovery time and variable outcomes
You May Be a Good Candidate If
You may be a good candidate if you:
– Are in good overall health
– Have persistent loose skin in the inner and/or outer thigh area
– Have maintained a stable weight for a period advised by your surgeon
– Are willing to stop nicotine use as required to reduce complication risk
– Have realistic expectations about what surgery can and cannot change
A thigh lift may not be appropriate if you:
– Have significant ongoing weight changes or are planning major weight loss
– Are unable to stop nicotine use when clinically required
– Have uncontrolled medical conditions that increase surgical risk
– Have active infection or skin conditions in the operative area that need treatment first
– Expect a scar-free outcome or outcomes that are not achievable with surgery
Technique selection is individual and based on where the laxity sits and how extensive it is. Common approaches include:
– Medial (Inner) Thigh Lift: Often targets excess skin in the upper inner thigh; scars are commonly planned in the groin crease and may extend depending on the degree of laxity.
– Vertical Thigh Lift: Used when excess skin extends further down the inner thigh; includes a longer incision to address more extensive laxity (with a more visible scar).
– Lateral (Outer) Thigh Lift: Targets outer/front thigh laxity and may be combined with other body contouring procedures (e.g., lower body lift) in selected patients.
– Adjunct Liposuction: May be used in appropriate cases to refine contour; not suitable for every patient and not a replacement for skin removal when needed.
Your surgeon will explain the recommended approach, incision placement, and expected scars in relation to your anatomy.
Anesthesia
Thigh lift surgery is commonly performed under general anaesthesia. In limited cases, and depending on the extent of surgery, other anaesthesia options may be considered. Anaesthesia is provided and monitored by a qualified anaesthesia clinician in an appropriate facility.
You will receive individual instructions. Common requirements may include:
– Medication review, including medicines/supplements that can increase bleeding risk
– Nicotine cessation for the recommended period before and after surgery
– Planning time off work, transport, and at-home support
– Fasting instructions prior to anaesthesia
– Pre-operative assessments/tests as advised
Return to Work: desk-based work may be possible in around 2–3 weeks for some patients, depending on the extent of surgery and comfort.
Return to Exercise: light walking is often encouraged early; strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and movements that stress the incision area are commonly restricted for around 6–8 weeks, or until cleared.
Assessing longer-term outcome: swelling and tissue settling can take months; results are often assessed over 6–12 months, with scars continuing to mature beyond this.
A breast augmentation is a very customized procedure, and selecting an experienced surgeon is paramount. Dr. Lajevardi focuses on patient safety, naturally appearing results, and transparency throughout the process.