Aesthetic Surgery
Thigh Lift
Skin tightening on the inner thighs
At a Glance
In Brief
Removal of excess skin on the thighs
Treatment Duration
Approx. 2–4 hours, depending on extent
Anaesthesia
Usually general anaesthesia
Downtime
Usually back at work after 2–3 weeks
Results
Visible immediately, final after several months
Duration of Effect
Long-lasting with a stable weight
Sessions
Usually a single procedure
Price
On request
A thigh lift, also known as thighplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and the underlying fatty tissue, mainly on the inner side of the thighs. The remaining skin is tightened, giving the legs a firmer contour again.
Slack skin on the thighs often develops after major weight loss or over the years and does not retract by itself. During the consultation, Dr. med. (I) Ranieri Mazzei assesses the findings and explains which technique and incision suit them and where the scars will lie.
Surgical Procedure
This treatment is a surgical procedure performed under medical direction. Procedure, anaesthesia and aftercare are discussed in detail during your personal consultation.
Variants
The extent of the procedure depends on which areas are affected and how pronounced the excess skin is.
Minor Excess Skin
If mainly the upper part of the inner thigh is affected, the lift is limited to this region. This keeps the procedure smaller.
Pronounced Excess Skin
Where the excess is pronounced, the inner thighs are tightened along their whole length. This makes the procedure correspondingly more extensive.
Outer Thighs
If the outer parts of the thighs are also to be tightened, the procedure is extended to these areas. Its extent is determined during the examination.
Combination with Liposuction
With additional fat deposits, a combination with liposuction is possible, and the decision on this is made in the consultation.
What is a thigh lift?
In a thigh lift, slack skin and the underlying fatty tissue are surgically removed, and the remaining skin is tightened. The focus is usually on the inner side of the thighs; depending on the findings, the outer parts are also included.
Surgery is usually carried out under general anaesthesia. Depending on its extent, the procedure takes about 2–4 hours and involves a stay of 1–4 nights. In the weeks that follow, you wear a compression garment, which limits swelling.
Like any operation, the lift leaves scars, which fade over time. The aim is a firmer, natural-looking leg contour.
- Surgical procedure on the thighs
- Tightening mainly on the inner side
- Usually under general anaesthesia
- Takes about 2–4 hours
- Stay of 1–4 nights
Why a thigh lift at Aesthetics Medical?
Specialist Surgery
The procedure is performed by Dr. med. (I) Ranieri Mazzei, specialist FMH in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
Planning Based on Findings
Where the excess skin lies and how marked it is determine how extensive the lift is. Depending on the findings, it is limited to the upper part of the inner thigh or covers the whole length.
Combination Where Needed
The lift can be combined with a tummy tuck or other lifting procedures. During planning, we clarify what makes sense for you.
Anaesthesia at a Surgical Centre
General anaesthesia is given by specialists in anaesthesiology at a certified surgical centre.
Planning at a Stable Weight
The procedure is planned once your weight is stable and no further weight loss is intended. This helps the contour to last in the long term.
What does the procedure involve?
Consultation
In a personal consultation at Utoquai 37 in Zurich, Dr. med. (I) Ranieri Mazzei examines your thighs and discusses the extent of the procedure, recovery and possible risks with you. You make your decision afterwards, in your own time and without obligation.
Preparation
You receive clear instructions on medication, smoking and sun exposure in advance. You should avoid nicotine for 6–8 weeks before and at least 2 weeks after the operation; blood-thinning medication is only paused after consulting the doctor.
Surgery
During the operation, the excess skin is removed so that the thighs become firmer, which takes about 2–4 hours, depending on its extent. Surgery is carried out under general anaesthesia at a certified surgical centre.
Stay
After the operation, you stay for 1–4 nights for monitoring, depending on how extensive it was. Rest is advised during the first few days.
First Weeks
A compression garment limits swelling and is worn for around 6 weeks. Most people are socially presentable after about 2 weeks, and many patients return to work after 2–3 weeks.
Follow-Up
At the follow-up appointments, we check how healing is progressing and adjust your aftercare. Sport is possible again after about 6 weeks.
| Thigh lift | on request |
The cost depends on the extent of the procedure and is set out for you after the consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the procedure work and how long does it take?
During the operation, excess skin and the underlying fatty tissue are removed from the thighs, giving the legs a firmer contour. Depending on its extent, the procedure takes about 2–4 hours, after which you stay for 1–4 nights for monitoring. The technique and incision depend on your findings and are explained to you beforehand in the consultation, as is the later position of the scars.
What type of anaesthesia is used for the procedure?
The operation is usually performed under general anaesthesia. This is given by specialists in anaesthesiology at a certified surgical centre. You learn the details of the anaesthesia when your operation is planned.
What risks and side effects are possible?
Swelling, bruising and temporary numbness in the operated area are common after the procedure and largely subside over the following weeks. Bleeding, infection, wound-healing problems, a build-up of lymph fluid near the scar or noticeable scars are also possible. We discuss in detail with you before the procedure which risks are relevant in your situation.
What should I consider before the procedure?
You should avoid nicotine for 6–8 weeks before and at least 2 weeks after the procedure, as smoking impairs wound healing. Blood-thinning medication is only paused after consulting the doctor. A stable weight with no further weight loss planned is favourable. You receive all further preparation instructions following the consultation.
What should I consider after the procedure?
Wear the compression garment as prescribed for the first 6 weeks and take it easy at first so that the wounds can heal undisturbed. You should avoid sport and major physical exertion for about 6 weeks. If swelling occurs near the scar, manual lymphatic drainage can help. We check how healing is progressing at the follow-up appointments.
How long does recovery take after the procedure?
Most patients are socially presentable after about 2 weeks, and many return to work after 2–3 weeks. Physically demanding work and sport should wait around 6 weeks. Swelling and bruising subside during the first few weeks.
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When do results become visible?
The firmer leg contour can be seen straight after the procedure, although it is initially masked by swelling. The final appearance can be judged after several months, once the swelling has subsided completely. The scars fade over time.
How long do the results last?
With a stable weight, the effect of the lift is long-lasting. It does not stop the natural ageing of the skin, and larger weight fluctuations can change the contour again. We explain during the consultation how this may affect you.
Is more than one procedure needed?
A single procedure is usually sufficient, with both thighs tightened in the same operation. Occasionally, a minor correction to a scar may be advisable later. The lift can also be combined with other lifting procedures, which is planned individually.
Who is the procedure suitable for?
A thigh lift is suitable for women and men with slack skin on the thighs, often after major weight loss or with age. A stable weight, good general health and realistic expectations are required. A lift is no substitute for losing weight; the less fatty tissue there is in the affected area, the more favourable the conditions for the procedure. In a personal conversation, we clarify what makes sense in your case.
How much does the procedure cost?
The price is given on request, because the cost depends on the extent of the procedure and the technique chosen. You receive a transparent breakdown of the costs after the consultation.
Personal Consultation
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Every treatment starts with a conversation and a 3D analysis.