Thigh Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Knoxville, TN

A thigh lift, or a thighplasty, is a body contouring procedure that can restore smoother, more defined thighs by eliminating sagging skin and excess fat. (1)

Skin and fat around the upper thighs can be difficult for many to address through traditional lifestyle changes, such as dieting or exercise. Despite working out every day and eating balanced, nutritious meals, the appearance of the inner and outer thighs can remain a persistent and frustrating concern. If you can relate to this struggle, it may be time to consider a thigh lift.

Dr. David Lo is a board-certified plastic surgeon at Lumiere Plastic Surgery + Medspa in Knoxville, Tennessee. When you schedule a procedure with Dr. Lo and his team, you can feel confident investing in surgical precision, professionalism, and compassion.

To get started, please schedule a consultation by calling (865) 357-2639 or by submitting our online contact form.

About Thigh Lifts

Thigh lifts are surgical procedures that eliminate excess skin and fat to achieve a more slender and toned appearance around the thighs. This procedure can target areas where the skin has lost its elasticity and has begun to loosen and sag, making it an ideal solution if your appearance has changed with weight fluctuations or the natural effects of aging.

Types of Thigh Lift

Dr. Lo can perform two different types of thigh lifts:

  • Inner Thigh Lift: Inner thigh lifts, or medial thigh lifts, remove tissue from the inner thighs and utilize an incision placement that extends from the groin. (2)
  • Outer Thigh Lift: An outer thigh lift, or lateral thigh lift, targets skin located on the outside of your thighs and uses an incision that extends outward towards the hips. (2)

Benefits

Thigh lifts are advantageous procedures. Under the care of Dr. Lo, patients can enjoy benefits such as:

  • Rejuvenated Contours: A thigh lift can remove redundant skin and fat to restore a more defined and alluring appearance to the upper legs.
  • Alleviated Discomfort: Dr. Lo can perform a thigh lift to address any recurrent rubbing or chafing stemming from sagging skin.
  • Elevated Self-Esteem: You may feel more confident about your appearance, especially when wearing more revealing clothing, or when you are in public or social situations.
  • Lasting Results: With a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy the results of your thigh lift for several years on end.
  • Better-Fitting Clothing: After your thigh lift, you may find it easier to shop for well-fitting and comfortable clothing.

Candidates

You may be an ideal candidate for a thigh lift if you struggle with the appearance or shape of your thighs and wish to address concerns such as:

  • Sagging skin
  • Accumulated fat
  • Skin irritation from chafing or rubbing
  • A reduction in mobility

To undergo this procedure, you should be in generally good health and hold realistic expectations about your results. You should be at a stable and maintainable weight. It is also important that you lead a nicotine-free lifestyle or are willing to quit. During your personal consultation, Dr. Lo will assess whether a thigh lift is right for you or not.

Personal Consultation

Before proceeding with your procedure, you will need to meet with Dr. Lo for a comprehensive consultation. During this meeting, he will review your medical history, learn more about your concerns, listen to your goals, and perform a physical examination. Dr. Lo will then recommend the most appropriate approach, depending on the amount of skin present, your fat distribution, and leg shape.

Throughout the consultation, Dr. Lo will also take the time to answer any questions, address any rising concerns, and explain each step and concept of your treatment plan. He values transparency and wants each patient to feel confident about the procedures they choose to undergo.

If you are ready to take the first step towards your new figure, please contact us online or call our Knoxville office at (865) 357-2639.

Preparation

Dr. Lo will provide a detailed set of pre-operative instructions to help you prepare for your thigh lift. These may include:

  • Undergoing any medical evaluations or lab tests to ensure you are physically ready.
  • Avoiding blood-thinning medications and supplements.
  • Arranging a ride home from a trusted friend or relative, and having them stay with you for the first several days of your recovery.
  • Fill any necessary prescriptions before undergoing your procedure.
  • Ceasing any nicotine or alcohol consumption.

By following each of these instructions, you can not only ensure a safe and successful procedure, but also the best possible results.

Procedure

Dr. Lo performs each thigh lift procedure on an outpatient basis at his surgical center. The length of your procedure will depend on its complexity, but it typically lasts between two and four hours. He will first cleanse your skin, and you will then receive general anesthesia to keep you comfortably asleep.

Dr. Lo will then make the incision to access the underlying tissues of your thighs. If you are receiving an outer thigh lift, this incision will extend horizontally outward from the hip. If you receive an inner thigh lift, this incision will extend vertically downward from the groin. He will then remove the excess skin and fat from the area, reshape and reposition the remaining tissues, and smooth out your contours. Once he has achieved your desired appearance, he will close the incisions. Dr. Lo will then place you under the care of the Lumiere team until he is ready to release you.

Recovery

After your thigh lift, you can expect to experience some swelling, bruising, and general discomfort around the treated areas. These effects will dissipate on their own as you continue to heal, but you may also manage them with plenty of rest and medications that Dr. Lo prescribes. You will also likely need to wear a compression garment as you heal to minimize further swelling.

You will be able to return to light activities after resting for approximately one to two weeks. We encourage light walking as soon as possible to support your circulation, but you will need to refrain from any strenuous or demanding activities until Dr. Lo approves. He will also have you return for follow-up appointments throughout your recovery to monitor your progress and development.

Dr. Lo will prepare a set of post-operative instructions to guide you through your recovery. If you have any questions or concerns, he will be available to provide you with the necessary guidance and assistance.

Results

Certain results will be immediately visible, although the full benefits of your thigh lift will become clearer as any residual swelling subsides and your tissues finish settling into their new positions. Your final results will emerge over the course of three to six months, with your scars taking up to a year to fade. As long as you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle, you will be able to enjoy the effects of your thigh lift for several years to come.

Cost of Thigh Lifts in Knoxville, Tennessee

The cost of your thigh lift will vary depending on the details of your treatment plan, which may include the scope of your procedure, the surgical techniques Dr. Lo employs, and more. After a detailed, in-person discussion, Dr. Lo will provide you with a comprehensive cost estimate. He additionally offers financing for those who qualify.

To learn more about our pricing, please contact us online or call (865) 357-2639.

FAQ

How long does it typically take to recover after a thigh lift?

Many of Dr. Lo’s patients can return to their routines within one to two weeks, but any demanding or strenuous activities should be avoided until Dr. Lo approves.

Will my thigh lift leave visible scarring?

Dr. Lo places each incision in discreet areas that you can easily conceal beneath clothing. Scars will also fade with time, and Dr. Lo can provide you with information about scar care.

Can a thigh lift help me lose weight?

No, a thigh lift is a body contouring procedure, not a weight-loss one. You must possess a stable weight as part of your candidacy requirements.

What areas of the thighs can Dr. Lo correct?

Dr. Lo can address sagging skin and accumulated fat around the outer thighs and inner thighs.

What type of anesthesia is used during a thigh lift?

Dr. Lo performs thigh lifts with the patient under general anesthesia. This means that you will be unconscious throughout your entire procedure.

How long will the results of a thigh lift last?

When maintained with a healthy and active lifestyle, you can enjoy the results of your thigh lift for several years on end.

Can Dr. Lo combine my thigh lift with another procedure?

Yes, Dr. Lo can combine your thigh lift with another procedure for more transformative body sculpting. We recommend contacting us to schedule a consultation and learn more about the other procedures you may qualify for.

References

  1. Bell D, Winters R. Thighplasty. Nih.gov. Published July 17, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594236/#article-149361.s4
  2. Acharya P, Alagarasan AR, Khan M, et al. Shaping the Silhouette: A Comprehensive Review of Surgical Body Contouring Techniques for the Torso and Limbs. Cureus. Published online July 25, 2025. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.88737
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