Thigh Lift

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in La Jolla and Carmel Valley, San Diego

A thigh lift, also known as a thighplasty, is a body contouring procedure that can resculpt the thighs to restore a more slender and defined appearance. (1)

Over time, factors such as weight loss, pregnancy, aging, and gravity can affect the appearance of your body, and the thighs are no exception. The skin in this region can start to droop and sag, leaving you less confident in your appearance. When you feel uncomfortable in your skin, a thigh lift offers a way to restore both your silhouette and sense of self.

Dr. Daniel Brown is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience. Dr. Brown is a true professional who prioritizes his patients’ safety and care above all else. He is known for his open and effective communication, individualized attention, and respectful listening, ensuring you feel comfortable and relaxed through each step of the process.

If you are ready to begin working with Dr. Brown, please contact us online or call (619) 461-1500 to reach both our Carmel Valley and La Jolla offices.

Before & After Photos

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About Thigh Lifts

A thigh lift is a surgical procedure that can transform the appearance of your thighs. Dr. Brown typically performs this procedure to address skin laxity left after significant weight loss, (2) whether it is achieved through traditional means, bariatric surgery, or GLP-1 medications. Through this process, you can attain the defined figure you have worked so hard for.

Benefits

Thigh lifts offer several benefits, including:

  • Smoother Skin: A thigh lift removes excess skin and tissue from the inner and outer thighs to restore a tighter and smoother look and feel.
  • Enhanced Contours: Dr. Brown can perform a thigh lift to restore and redefine your silhouette, creating waist-down definition that matches your upper body.
  • Tailored Solutions: No two procedures are the same, as Dr. Brown customizes each procedure according to your natural anatomy and desired results.
  • Lasting Results: When maintained with a stable weight, the results of a thigh lift can last for many years.
  • Improved Confidence: Restoring the natural contours of your legs can help renew your sense of self-esteem and body positivity.

Candidates

You may be an ideal candidate for a thigh lift if you have recently undergone a weight loss transformation and are now interested in addressing any loose or sagging skin that remains. You may also benefit from this procedure if your excess skin is causing any physical discomfort or self-consciousness.

You should be in good general health, maintain realistic expectations regarding your results, and possess a stable weight that you can maintain long-term. It is also important that you are non-smoking or willing to quit using nicotine altogether. Dr. Brown will assess your candidacy for a thigh lift during your personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

Your in-person consultation is the first step to reshaping the appearance of your thighs. During this meeting, Dr. Brown will have a thorough conversation with you to learn more about how he can help. He will review your medical history, current health, and medication intake. He will learn about your concerns and ideal aesthetic. He will also perform a physical evaluation to assess your thighs, natural anatomy, and skin quality.

Dr. Brown will then use this information to decide the safest option for recontouring your thighs. He will determine the best surgical techniques for your needs and may suggest combining your procedure with another for more comprehensive results. He will also answer any questions you have. After this point, you may schedule your procedure if you wish.

To schedule this consultation with Dr. Brown, we invite you to contact us online or call (619) 461-1500. We offer consultations at both our Carmel Valley and La Jolla offices.

Preparation

Once Dr. Brown has finalized your treatment plan, he will give you a set of instructions to help you prepare for your thigh lift. These may vary according to its specific details, as well as your lifestyle and medical history, but you can expect them to include:

  • Avoiding medications or supplements that contain blood-thinning properties
  • Coordinating a ride home from your procedure
  • Arranging at-home care for the first 24 to 48 hours of your recovery
  • Preparing time away from your career and personal responsibilities
  • Filling any prescriptions and ensuring your home has been rearranged for a comfortable recovery
  • Ceasing any nicotine or alcohol consumption in the weeks leading up to your procedure

Procedure

Upon your arrival, you will meet Dr. Brown, the operating room staff, and our certified anesthesiologist. They will mark you for your procedure and answer any remaining questions you may have. They will then lead you to a private room where they will cleanse your skin, and the anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia so you remain asleep throughout the procedure. Dr. Brown will then proceed to perform either the medial thigh lift approach or the lateral thigh lift approach.

  • The Medial Thigh Lift: The medial thigh lift approach addresses skin found on the inside of the thigh, and Dr. Brown may use two different incision placements to perform it. The first incision placement starts in the groin and extends downward, wrapping towards the back of the thigh. The second incision placement extends vertically from the groin to the knee along the inseam of the thigh.
  • Lateral Thigh Lift: The lateral thigh lift targets excess skin and tissue found along the outer thighs and lower back. This incision placement begins at the groin, extends outward around the hip, and ends across the lower back. This approach is ideal if you have a significant amount of skin to remove

Dr. Brown will proceed to carefully remove the targeted tissues to restore a more natural sculpt to the thighs. He will then close the incisions before dressing the region.

Recovery

You will need to rest for several weeks after your procedure. Throughout this time, you will need to keep the treated regions clean and protected. Dr. Brown will provide you with medications to manage any general discomfort, and he will place small drains at the treatment area to collect excess fluid from beneath the skin. As you continue to recover, he will have you return for follow-up appointments where Dr. Brown will remove the drains, monitor your recovery, and ensure your results are developing as desired.

You will be able to return to most of your daily routine after resting for approximately two to four weeks, but you will need to continue avoiding any strenuous or demanding tasks until Dr. Brown has approved your return. He will provide you with additional instructions during your personal consultation. We ask that you follow each one to optimize your recovery and ensure the best possible results.

Results

You will be able to enjoy the full results of your thigh lift once you have fully recovered. While your results will vary, you can expect smoother and tighter skin, improved definition, and elevated proportions. Each of these effects can contribute to a more sculpted and seamless transition across the legs, which may lead to additional improvements in your sense of self-confidence.

The results of a thigh lift are long-lasting, and you may enjoy their effects for several years to come. However, you will need to maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle habits, as weight fluctuations can affect the long-term appearance of your thighs.

Cost of Thigh Lifts in San Diego, California

The pricing of your thigh lift will vary depending on each aspect of your procedure, such as the amount of skin Dr. Brown is removing and the surgical techniques he performs. Once he has established your treatment plan, he will provide you with an estimated cost for your procedure.

FAQ

What regions of the thigh do the medial and lateral approaches target?

A medial thigh lift targets skin along the inner thighs, while a lateral thigh lift targets excess skin found along the outer thighs.

Who are the best thigh lift candidates?

Ideal candidates for thigh lifts include healthy men or women experiencing frustrations due to excess skin around the upper thighs. This procedure is best suited for those who have recently undergone a weight loss transformation or bariatric surgery and now want to restore the natural sculpt of their figure.

How lengthy will my recovery process be?

Many of Dr. Brown’s patients return to normal activities after resting for approximately two to four weeks. The exact duration of your recovery will vary depending on the overall extent of your procedure and the rate at which your body heals itself.

How long will the results of my thigh lift last?

When maintained with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle habits, you will be able to enjoy the results of your thigh lift for many, many years.

What type of anesthesia will Dr. Brown use when performing my thigh lift?

A certified anesthetist will administer general anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.

How long will it take Dr. Brown to perform my thigh lift?

The length of your thigh lift will vary, but you can expect it to last between 2 and 3 hours.

References

  1. Bell D, Winters R. Thighplasty. Nih.gov. July 17, 2023. Accessed August 21, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594236/#article-149361.s4
  2. Albanese R, Blessent CGF, Tomaselli F, et al. A Comprehensive Review of Medial Thighplasty: The Role of Liposuction in Reducing Complications and Optimizing Patient Outcomes. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2025;14(7):2426. doi:10.3390/jcm14072426