Mr Christopher West, plastic surgeon Book a consultation
Mr Christopher West in a blue suit and striped tie outside a stone building.

Thigh lift

Removes excess skin and fat from the inner thigh to improve its shape.

Book a consultation Questions and answers

The operation

A thigh lift is an operation designed to remove excess skin and fat from the inside of the thigh to improve the shape and contour. A thigh lift is particularly effective as fat in this area is very difficult to reduce with diet and exercise alone.

As we age our skin quality reduces, which can leave loose, saggy skin. Significant changes in weight can also cause this. People often feel very self-conscious and reluctant to wear clothes that expose this area, such as swimming costumes.

There are many different variations of thigh lifts. In mild cases, combinations of liposuction with skin tightening (Renuvion) may be sufficient. However, in more severe cases, liposuction and excision of skin are more appropriate.

In theatre
3 hours
Anaesthetic
General
Downtime
3 weeks
Exercise
4 to 6 weeks
Price
From £7,495
Suited to
Excess skin, fat or both in the thighs.
How it works
Excess skin and fat are removed and the skin is tightened.
The result
Improvements in the shape and contour of the thighs.
Mr West at his desk in clinic, reading results on a tablet.

Step by step

From the first consultation to your recovery.

  1. Your consultation

    Book a consultation online or call the team. Consultations are in York and Leeds, with virtual consultations for patients travelling from further afield.

  2. The day of surgery

    You will meet the consultant anaesthetist, who will discuss the anaesthetic with you.

    Mr West marks the planned incisions and the tissue to be removed. Excess skin and fat are removed and the skin is closed with hidden dissolvable sutures. Dressings are placed over the scars and a post-surgical compression garment is put on.

  3. Recovery

    Following surgery you will be transferred to the recovery area and looked after by our dedicated recovery team. We will make sure all aftercare is explained and follow-up appointments are arranged before you leave.

What patients say

Reviews from Mr West's Google profile, published as written.

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Frequently asked questions

The questions patients ask most often. Anything specific to one patient is covered at the consultation.

How do you decide which procedure is best for me?

Mr West will assess your thighs, the degree of excess tissue and what type of tissue it is (skin or skin and fat). In mild cases, liposuction and skin tightening may be sufficient. But in more severe cases excision of skin and liposuction may be necessary.

What are the follow-up or aftercare procedures?

Wounds are checked 7 to 10 days after surgery and scar massage begins after 2 weeks. A further review appointment is usually made 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

Will I have drains?

In most cases Mr West does not use drains.

When can I start playing sports again?

Light activity is fine after 1 to 2 weeks. Vigorous exercise and exercises where the legs are stretched should be avoided for at least 3 to 4 weeks.

When can I shower?

You can shower the day after surgery. Dressings are showerproof and should be dabbed dry.

Book a consultation

A consultation with Mr West covers the anatomy, what surgery can realistically achieve and the risks involved. A fixed written quote follows afterwards.

Surgery is only planned after this assessment, with time to reflect before any decision. Virtual consultations are available for patients travelling from further afield.

Book a consultation
A patient is welcomed at the reception desk of the Coppergate Clinic in York.