Thigh Lift in San Diego

Get ready to flaunt your toned and lifted thighs with our advanced thigh lift in San Diego.

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Sculpt Your Perfect Thighs

If you're unhappy with the appearance of your thighs, you're not alone. Many people struggle with excess skin or stubborn fat in this area, which can be challenging to address with diet and exercise alone. Fortunately, there is a solution: thigh lift surgery in San Diego. This can create a smoother, more toned appearance and improve the overall contour of the legs. Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgery offers various thigh lift options to meet each patient's unique needs.

What is a Thigh Lift?

A thigh lift, or thighplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the thighs to create a more toned and contoured appearance.

During a thigh lift procedure, your surgeon will make an incision in the groin area and remove excess skin and fat from the inner and outer thighs. The remaining skin will be lifted and tightened to create a smoother, more toned appearance.

Thigh lift surgery can be performed independently or with other procedures, such as liposuction or a lower body lift. Your surgeon will work with you to determine the best approach based on your needs and goals.

It is essential to understand that a thigh lift is not a weight loss procedure and should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise routine. While a thigh lift can improve your thighs' appearance, it does not guarantee permanent results. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle after surgery can help you maintain your results and improve your overall health and well-being.

Dr. Chasan's Thigh Lift Before and After

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Who is a Good Candidate for a Thigh Lift in San Diego?

The thigh lift is a procedure during which skin and subcutaneous tissue are removed from the medial (inside) thigh or around the entire thigh. This procedure is used for cases where liposuction would not achieve a satisfactory result, such as having poor skin elasticity that prevents the skin from conforming after fat reduction

. Candidates usually have the following:

Lax skin with stretch marks
Considerable cellulite
Excess skin

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Why Consider a Thigh Lift?

Aesthetic Benefits

A thigh lift can help to address several aesthetic concerns, including the following:

Excess skin
Fat
Cellulite

This procedure can be especially beneficial for individuals who have lost significant weight and are left with loose, sagging skin around their thighs. By removing excess skin and fat, a thigh lift can help to create a smoother, more toned appearance.

Physical Comfort

In addition to improving your appearance, a thigh lift can also provide physical comfort. Excess skin and fat around the thighs can cause discomfort and chafing, especially during physical activity or in hot weather. By removing this excess tissue, a thigh lift can help to alleviate these uncomfortable symptoms.

Boost in Self-Confidence

Finally, a thigh lift in San Diego can provide a significant boost in self-confidence. If you are self-conscious about the appearance of your thighs, you may hesitate to wear specific clothing or engage in certain activities. By improving the appearance of your thighs, a thigh lift can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your own skin.

Our Comprehensive Consultation Process for Your Thigh Lift

During your first consultation, we will gather your medical history, medications or supplements you are taking and any tobacco use, and it is crucial to inform the doctor if you have any bleeding issues or are on blood thinners. The doctor will provide a detailed explanation of the procedure and what you can expect, and we encourage you to ask any questions you may have. General anesthesia will be administered during the surgery, and we advise arranging for someone to drive you home afterward.

Please bring or wear comfortable, loose clothing after the surgery, avoiding any tight-fitting garments or undergarments that may cause pressure. We will provide you with comprehensive pre-operative instructions when you schedule your surgery.

Thigh Lift Procedure

The procedure consists of various components tailored to address specific areas of concern, and before the surgery, the doctor will meet with you to draw out the incision lines. Once the patient is adequately sedated in the surgical suite, the procedure will commence.

The surgeon will make an incision, typically in the crease where the thigh meets the groin or from the groin down the inner thigh, to remove the subcutaneous tissue, which is primarily composed of fat and connective tissues and varies in thickness among individuals. After the tissue removal, the excess skin is incised and removed, and the remaining skin is pulled up and repositioned around the newly contoured thigh.

If required, small temporary drains may be inserted to prevent fluid buildup. Once all the incisions are closed, the patient is moved to the recovery area to awaken naturally from sedation.

In The OR: Thigh Lift with Dr. Francis

What are the Types of Thigh Lifts?

Here are the three main types of thigh lifts:

Inner Thigh Lift

An inner thigh lift, also known as a medial thigh lift, is a procedure that targets the inner thigh area. This type of thigh lift is ideal for individuals with excess skin and fat in the inner thigh area. During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in the groin area and remove excess skin and fat. The remaining skin will be pulled up and tightened to create a smoother, more toned appearance.

Outer Thigh Lift

An outer thigh lift, or lateral thigh lift, targets the outer thigh area. This type of thigh lift is ideal for individuals with excess skin and fat in the outer thigh area. During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision along the hip and outer thigh area and remove excess skin and fat. The remaining skin will be pulled up and tightened to create a smoother, more toned appearance.

Mini Thigh Lift

A mini thigh lift is a less invasive procedure that targets the upper part of the thigh. This type of thigh lift is ideal for individuals with mild to moderate excess skin and fat in the upper thigh area. The surgeon will make a small incision in the groin area during the procedure and remove excess skin and fat. The remaining skin will be pulled up and tightened to create a smoother, more toned appearance.

What is the Post-Op Care for Thigh Lift Surgery?

After undergoing a thigh lift in San Diego, it is normal to experience swelling and discomfort, and the doctor will prescribe pain management medications if necessary. You should take at least a week off work and more if your job requires heavy lifting or strenuous activities.

All incisions will be appropriately bandaged, and a compression garment may be necessary, depending on the extent of the body lift, to prevent pressure and abrasion on the incision areas and aid in the healing process.

Detailed instructions on managing your recovery at home will be provided, and a follow-up appointment with your surgeon will be scheduled a few days after the procedure. Adhering to the guidance provided by our medical staff is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery and a prompt return to normal activities.

You will notice a positive impact on your lower body immediately after the procedure, with a more sculpted appearance, youthful-looking skin, and a proportional silhouette. Our team is always available to answer any questions you may have, and you can reach us by calling our office at 858-216-8884.

Why Choose Ranch & Coast for a Thigh Lift in San Diego?

At Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgery in Del Mar, Dr. Paul Chasan remains a globally recognized expert in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery techniques, delivering stunning and successful outcomes. We’re proud to have Dr. Cameron Francis accompany Dr. Chasan as an accomplished body and thigh lift surgeon. Our surgeons take pride in consistently delivering results that their patients adore.

As a team, we are committed to providing responsive and personalized care to our patients who share our pursuit of excellence, ensuring a safe and straightforward procedure under the expert guidance of our experienced physicians. Contact us at 858.216.8884 to schedule an appointment and explore the possibilities of a thigh lift with our exceptional surgeons.

Dr. Chasan's Credentials

Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S.)
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
California Society of Plastic Surgeons
San Diego Plastic Surgery Society
Author of 20+ peer-reviewed publications and innovator in advanced surgical techniques

Thigh Lift FAQ

How do I know whether my concerns require a thigh lift versus liposuction alone?

The deciding factor is skin quality, not fat volume. Liposuction can remove fat, but it cannot tighten loose or stretched skin. If your skin does not recoil after weight loss or aging—or if friction, rippling, or sagging persists—a thigh lift is often the more predictable solution.

Can a thigh lift improve contour without creating an overly tight or unnatural look?

Yes—when planned conservatively. The goal is smooth contour and proportional tightening, not excessive tension. Modern thigh lift techniques emphasize strategic skin removal, careful closure, and tension management to preserve natural movement and appearance, especially when standing, walking, or sitting.

How visible are thigh lift scars long-term?

Thigh lift scars are permanent, but their visibility and quality depend on incision placement, surgical technique, genetics, and aftercare. Scars are intentionally positioned in natural creases or along anatomical borders whenever possible. Over time, most scars soften and fade, though they do not disappear entirely.

Is a thigh lift commonly performed after major weight loss?

Yes! Patients who have lost significant weight often experience excess skin that cannot retract, even years later. A thigh lift can dramatically improve comfort, mobility, hygiene, and clothing fit in addition to appearance. In these cases, the procedure is often part of a broader body-contouring plan.

Can a thigh lift help with chafing, irritation, or hygiene concerns?

Yes. Beyond aesthetics, removing excess inner thigh skin can significantly reduce skin-on-skin friction, rashes, moisture buildup, and discomfort during physical activity. Many patients report improvements in daily comfort that are just as meaningful as the visual change.

Should a thigh lift be staged or combined with other body contouring procedures?

That depends on the extent of the surgery, operative time, and recovery demands. In some cases, combining procedures improves overall balance; in others, staging is safer and produces better healing. The decision is based on patient safety first, not convenience or speed.

How long does it take for swelling and tightness to fully resolve?

Early swelling improves within weeks, but final contour refinement takes several months. Thigh tissues are dependent areas and can hold swelling longer than other regions. Patience, compression, and adherence to postoperative guidance are key to achieving the best long-term outcome.

What are the risks and side effects of thigh lift surgery?

Common side effects include swelling, bruising, tightness, temporary numbness, and discomfort. Potential risks include infection, bleeding, delayed wound healing, fluid collections (seroma), asymmetry, contour irregularities, scarring concerns, changes in sensation, blood clots, and anesthesia-related complications. Risk is reduced through careful patient selection, meticulous surgical technique, and operating in an accredited surgical facility.

How will aging affect my thigh lift results?

A thigh lift removes excess skin, but it does not stop the aging process. Skin quality naturally changes over time. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle helps preserve results, while future laxity typically occurs gradually and is far less dramatic than before surgery.