Despite fitness and healthy habits, many find themselves with loose, excess skin on their inner thighs that simply won't tighten. This common concern can make you feel self-conscious in your own body, affecting what you wear and how you move.
At Allure Esthetic, Dr Javad Sajan specializes in the Vertical Thigh Lift, a transformative procedure designed to remove that stubborn skin and fat, revealing the toned, contoured silhouette you've worked so hard for.
What is a Vertical Thigh Lift?
A vertical thigh lift, also called vertical medial thighplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and reshape the inner thigh along its length. Unlike a “mini” or groin‑only lift that focuses on the upper inner thigh, the vertical technique addresses laxity that extends down toward the mid‑thigh or knee. The incision is placed along the inner thigh where it is less visible from the front and back in everyday standing positions. If your primary concern is skin looseness along the entire inner thigh, this approach is often the most effective option to create a smoother leg contour and reduce chafing.
Benefits You Can Expect
A vertical thigh lift is designed to improve both comfort and confidence. Many people choose it to move past the friction, fit issues, and self-consciousness that come with excess inner-thigh skin.
- Smoother thigh contour from groin to knee: By removing redundant skin, the procedure creates a more streamlined leg shape that looks natural in fitted clothing.
- Less irritation and discomfort: With excess skin reduced, friction and chafing during walking or exercise are minimized, making daily activities more comfortable.
- More reliable shaping than skin-tightening alone: For moderate to significant laxity, surgical tightening provides results that are typically more predictable and lasting than non-surgical treatments.
- Results that align with your overall progress: If you’ve worked hard on weight loss or fitness, a thigh lift helps your legs better reflect the effort you’ve put into your body.
Who is a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for a vertical thigh lift if you meet the following criteria:
- You have moderate to significant inner‑thigh skin laxity from the groin toward the knee. This is common after major weight loss or natural changes in skin elasticity.
- Your weight is stable and close to your target. Surgery shapes and tightens, but is not a weight‑loss procedure.
- You’re in good general health and a non‑smoker (or willing to stop for the recommended window). This helps promote healing and reduce risks.
- You have realistic expectations about scar placement and improvement. The goal is a tighter inner thigh; a fine, well‑healed scar is the trade‑off.
- You’re ready to follow a focused aftercare plan. Compression, activity limits, and follow‑ups protect your result.
How the Procedure Works at Allure Esthetic
Under Dr. Sajan's expertise, your procedure follows a proven process for the best results. We prioritize your safety and comfort at every stage. Here is how the surgery takes place:
- Consultation, photos, and surgical plan. We evaluate skin laxity, fat distribution, and asymmetries. We’ll review incision length, garment use, and whether liposuction is helpful for fine‑tuning.
- Anesthesia and safety checks. You’ll receive general anesthesia or IV sedation in our accredited outpatient center. Your safety protocols, medications, and DVT prevention are reviewed in plain language.
- Liposuction when indicated. If localized fat is present, gentle lipo may be used to debulk and improve contour before skin removal.
- Skin excision and layered closure. Excess skin is removed in a vertical pattern. Dr. Sajan closes in layers to support fine scarring and uses dressings designed for low‑maintenance early care.
- Immediate recovery and going home. You’ll wake in recovery with your compression garment on, receive aftercare instructions, and head home the same day with a trusted adult.
Incision & Scar Placement
Dr. Sajan strategically places incisions to be as discreet as possible. The scar is carefully positioned along the natural crease of the inner thigh, where it is easily concealed by clothing and swimwear.
- Primary incision location: The main incision runs along the inner thigh, typically starting near the groin and extending downward toward the knee, placed to be less visible from typical front or back views.
- When a small groin crease incision is added: In some cases, a short horizontal incision in the groin crease is combined with the vertical line for additional tightening at the upper inner thigh.
- How scars mature: Scars start pink and firm, then flatten and fade over months. We provide scar‑care guidance (silicone therapy, sun protection) and follow‑ups to support the best possible healing.
- Clothing and coverage: Most everyday pants and many skirts/shorts can conceal the incision well. Swimwear coverage depends on style and your unique scar pattern, this is reviewed in consultation.
Recovery & Aftercare
Your recovery plan is structured and simple to follow. Expect swelling, tightness, and fatigue in the first week. Most patients return to desk‑type work in 7–10 days, while high‑impact activity takes longer. Your personal timeline may vary.
- The First 1-2 Weeks: Focus on rest and healing. Expect swelling and tightness, which are normal. You will wear a compression garment and walk gently to aid circulation. Most patients return to desk work within 7-10 days.
- Weeks 3-6: Gradually resume light daily activities. You can slowly increase walking but must continue to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or any motion that strains the inner thighs.
- Months 3-6+: Swelling continues to subside, and your final contours emerge. Scar care is essential during this period as scars gradually soften and fade. We provide detailed guidance and monitor your progress at follow-up appointments.
Can It Be Combined with Other Procedures?
For some patients, combining procedures streamlines recovery and creates more balanced results. We’ll only recommend combinations that keep safety and aesthetic harmony front and center.
.- Liposuction 360 or targeted lipo: When excess fat pockets are present around the thighs or knees, lipo can improve contour and reduce the need for overly long skin excision.
- Tummy tuck or body lift (after weight loss): If laxity extends to the abdomen or lower body, combining procedures (either staged or same‑day when appropriate) can align outcomes and reduce time away from work.
- Buttock or outer‑thigh contouring: If shaping goals involve the lateral thigh or hip dips, we’ll discuss options that complement the inner‑thigh result.
Why Choose Dr. Javad Sajan & Allure Esthetic
Dr. Javad Sajan and the Allure Esthetic team bring extensive experience in after-weight-loss body contouring and inner-thigh reshaping, offering precise surgical planning that customizes incision length, garment use, and liposuction to your anatomy for the best results. Procedures are performed in our private surgery center, designed for safety and efficiency. Every patient receives clear, responsive aftercare, so you know how to care for incisions, resume activities, and reach out to us with questions. With realistic guidance and a focus on outcomes that fit your goals, we only recommend a vertical thigh lift when it’s truly the right option for you.
Ready to take the next step?
Feel comfortable in your clothes, during workouts, and in your everyday routine with the vertical thigh lift. Book a free in‑person or virtual consultation, get an Instant Quote, or contact our patient care team at (206) 209-0988 to talk through timing, recovery, and financing. Your plan will be clear, your questions will be answered, and your next steps will be simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
How painful is a thigh lift?
Discomfort after a thigh lift is usually moderate and managed with prescribed medication. Most patients describe tightness and soreness rather than sharp pain, with significant improvement after the first week.
How long does a vertical lift last?
Results can last 10 years or longer when patients maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Natural aging may cause some skin changes, but the removed skin does not return.
Do thigh lifts really work?
Yes, thigh lifts effectively remove excess skin and improve contour. While they don’t stop aging, they provide long-term tightening that can’t be achieved with exercise or non-surgical methods alone.
What is a 360 thigh lift?
A 360 thigh lift refers to circumferential tightening around the entire thigh, addressing both the inner and outer areas. It is usually reserved for patients with significant laxity after major weight loss.