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Over time—or following major weight loss—many people notice sagging skin, loss of firmness, or unwanted contour around the inner or outer thighs. While exercise can build muscle and tone, it can’t tighten stretched or excess skin. For patients who want a more sculpted look that feels as strong as they are, a thigh lift offers a lasting solution.
At Healy Plastic Surgery in Honolulu, Dr. Jeff Healy uses advanced body contouring techniques to reshape the thighs with precision and care. Whether you’re looking to improve the look of your legs in and out of clothing or feel more confident in your skin, a thigh lift can help restore balance and shape with natural-looking results.
A thigh lift, also called a thighplasty, is a surgical procedure that tightens and reshapes the thighs by removing excess skin and, in some cases, small pockets of fat. This is not a weight-loss surgery. It’s best suited for people who are at or near their goal weight but have lax or sagging skin that doesn’t improve with fitness alone.
Thigh lifts can target the inner thighs, outer thighs, or both, depending on your anatomy and goals. Dr. Healy will work closely with you to decide on the best surgical approach and create a customized plan that supports natural contours and proportions.
Thigh lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 2–3 hours, depending on the areas being treated. It is performed in our AAAASF-accredited in-office operating suite, which offers both safety and privacy.
Dr. Healy carefully places incisions in discreet locations, often along the inner thigh, groin crease or outer hip area, so scars are easily hidden under clothing or swimwear. Through these incisions, he removes excess skin, gently contours the area, and closes the incisions with layered sutures to support optimal healing.
In some cases, liposuction may be combined with a thigh lift to enhance results by targeting localized fat deposits.
A thigh lift is designed to treat:
Thigh lifts can be tailored to focus on:
Inner thighs – To tighten loose skin that hangs or rubs together
Outer thighs – To lift and smooth the lateral thigh and hip contour. In some cases, the procedure may also improve the appearance of the lower buttocks or upper knees.
Depending on your needs, the procedure can focus on one of these areas or both.
The benefits of thigh lift surgery go beyond aesthetics. Patients often experience:
A thigh lift is not meant to replace weight loss or fitness but to enhance your body’s natural structure after those efforts. During your consultation, Dr. Healy will help you decide if it’s the right procedure for your goals. You may be a good candidate for a thigh lift if:
Recovery from thigh lift surgery typically involves 7 to 10 days off work. You’ll need to limit movement that strains the thigh area and avoid strenuous exercise for about 6 weeks. Swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness are normal in the early days.
You may be asked to wear compression garments to support healing. Dr. Healy and his team will provide personalized aftercare guidance and check your progress at follow-up visits, offering additional support long after surgery day.
You’ll see an immediate improvement in the shape and contours of the thigh area after surgery, but swelling may temporarily mask your final results. Most patients see their full outcome develop over the next 3 to 6 months as tissues settle and scars fade.
When paired with a healthy lifestyle, thigh lift results are long-lasting and often deeply rewarding. Many patients feel more comfortable in their skin, with a renewed sense of freedom in their clothing and movement.
Dr. Jeff Healy is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, including 23 years in military medicine handling complex reconstructive cases. He brings that same level of precision and commitment to every aesthetic procedure he performs.
At Healy Plastic Surgery, you’re never rushed. Every patient sees Dr. Healy personally for consultation, surgery, and all follow-up visits. With an in-office, accredited surgical suite, a warm and discreet environment, and a team focused on lifelong patient care, you’ll feel both safe and supported at every stage.
While scarring is an inevitable part of surgery, these lines tend to fade significantly with good aftercare. Thigh lift incisions are placed in discreet areas, such as the inner thigh, groin crease or outer hip line, and closed with sophisticated techniques to promote smooth healing. Over time, scars tend to fade and blend in well with the surrounding skin.
Results are considered permanent, though natural aging will continue. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle will help you enjoy your new contours for years.
While non-surgical skin-tightening treatments can provide some improvement, they can’t replicate the degree of correction provided by surgery. A thigh lift is the most effective option for removing significant excess skin.
It’s always beach weather in Hawaii, so any time of year is acceptable. We’ll help you plan based on your lifestyle and schedule.
