There may be sagging or loose folds of skin and fat over the thighs following major weight loss or with natural ageing. Diet and exercise can help to some extent but it may not remove all the excess skin and fat and many patients find it difficult to get back to their original body shape. Patients often feel very self-conscious of their appearance and feel unable to wear any tight clothing or participate in activities such as swimming and they may feel uncomfortable when intimate with their partner.  

A thigh lift (also called a ‘thigh reduction’) is an operation that aims to remove any excess loose skin over the thighs giving tighter, more contoured thighs. In a standard thigh lift, an elliptical section of tissue containing skin and fat is removed from the upper thigh leaving a scar in the groin which are reasonably well hidden. However. If you have excess tissue over the whole length of the thigh, an extended thigh lift may be required in which a ‘T’ shaped section of skin and fat may need to be removed. This leaves a ‘T’ shaped scar with a scar in the groin and a vertical scar along the inner aspect of the thigh extending from the groin scar to the knee. 

‍Liposuction can also be performed with a thigh lift to contour the thighs and remove any stubborn areas of fat. However, liposuction is optional and not essential when undergoing a thigh lift.