Thigh Lift
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Santa Ana, San Clemente and Orange County, CA

A thigh lift is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the inner and outer thighs. (1)
As people age, they commonly experience excess skin or fat that seemingly does not respond to proper lifestyle habits, such as adopting a healthy diet and establishing a regular exercise routine. Major weight loss or the natural aging process can cause this excess skin and fat. Regardless of the cause, this can be an incredibly frustrating experience for many, prompting them to seek cosmetic procedures to address these concerns. If you are experiencing excess skin or fat in your thighs, a thigh lift may be your ideal solution.
Dr. Tim Roham and the team at Advance Laser and Cosmetic Surgery have developed a reputation as one of the premier cosmetic practices in Orange County by helping countless individuals across Southern California achieve the aesthetic they desire. Dr. Roham and his team specialize in numerous cosmetic procedures, including thigh lifts.
If you are interested in learning more about how you can get started on your rejuvenation journey, contact us online to schedule a personal consultation or call one of our two locations:
- Santa Ana: (714) 557-0777
- San Clemente: (949) 248-1900
Contents
About Thigh Lifts
Thigh lifts can take several forms, including inner thigh lifts, outer thigh lifts, or a combination of both. An inner thigh lift, or medial thighplasty, focuses on the inner thigh and is suitable for individuals with sagging skin and fat in this area. It features an incision in the groin area that extends downward along the inner thigh, allowing Dr. Roham to tighten skin and remove fat. An outer thigh lift, also known as a lateral thighplasty, focuses on the outer thigh and hip area. (2) The incision is either in the upper thigh or around the posterior flank to remove excess skin and fat for improved contour.
Benefits
There are numerous advantages to undergoing a thigh lift. Under Dr. Roham’s expertise, patients benefit through the following:
- Improved Contours: Smoother and firmer thighs can enhance your proportions.
- Boosted Confidence: Many patients feel more secure and content in their appearance after experiencing the results of their thigh lift.
- Elimination of Excess Skin: This procedure can remove redundant, sagging skin that may remain after weight loss.
- Tailored Solutions: Personalized approaches ensure optimal results that align with patient expectations and anatomy.
- Easily Combined with Other Procedures: Combining a thigh lift with other procedures can further enhance results.
- Long-Lasting Results: With proper maintenance, you can maintain results long-term, providing lasting satisfaction.
- Enhanced Mobility: Patients can enjoy an improvement in movement without discomfort or chafing.
- Increased Clothing Comfort: After a thigh lift, many individuals feel more comfortable and confident wearing a wider selection of clothing.
To explore how you can reap some of these benefits for yourself, contact us online or call one of our two convenient locations to schedule a personal consultation:
- Santa Ana: (714) 557-0777
- San Clemente: (949) 248-1900
Candidates
Thigh lifts appeal to a wide range of patients, but multiple factors influence whether or not you are an ideal candidate. Individuals seeking thigh lifts often include those who:
- Are struggling with sagging or redundant skin on the thighs due to weight loss, aging, or genetics.
- Are in good health and free of serious medical conditions.
- Have reached or are near a goal weight and are committed to maintaining it.
- Do not smoke or are willing to quit to ensure proper healing.
- Hold realistic expectations regarding the outcome of the procedure.
Dr. Roham and his team can help determine whether or not a thigh lift is right for you during your personal consultation.
Personal Consultation
The first step in your thigh lift journey is a personal consultation with Dr. Roham. During this appointment, Dr. Roham will review your medical history, discuss your concerns, and evaluate your thighs to recommend the best surgical approach. Whether you need an inner or outer thigh lift, Dr. Roham will provide a customized treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results. This consultation will give you the chance to ask any questions and address concerns about the procedure, recovery, and expected outcomes.
To schedule this personal consultation, contact Advance Laser and Cosmetic Surgery online or call the location most convenient for you:
- Santa Ana: (714) 557-0777
- San Clemente: (949) 248-1900
Preparation
Thorough and proper preparation is essential to ensuring a successful thigh lift and smooth recovery. Dr. Roham and his team will provide you with detailed preparation instructions. Some common preparatory steps include directions to:
- Discontinue medications and supplements as recommended, especially those with blood-thinning properties.
- Cease nicotine use to optimize healing and reduce complications.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home post-surgery.
- Organize time off work for the recovery period.
Following these preparatory steps will help make your thigh lift procedure run smoothly from start to finish. Dr. Roham and his staff will be available to guide you through the entire process, making sure to inform you about any actions you need to take to prepare for a successful procedure.
Procedure
A thigh lift procedure begins with general anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Once the anesthesia takes effect, Dr. Roham will make carefully placed incisions based on the type of thigh lift being performed. For an inner thigh lift, he will make incisions within the groin area. For an outer thigh lift, he may make incisions that extend down the upper leg.
After he makes the necessary incisions, Dr. Roham will remove any excess skin or fat and may use liposuction techniques to achieve your desired contour. Once he tightens and smooths the skin, he will close the incisions with sutures to promote proper healing while minimizing visible scarring. After the procedure, we will briefly monitor you in our recovery room before releasing you home.
Recovery
Individual recovery times vary, but most patients experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort during the first few days, which they can manage with prescribed medications. We encourage patients to schedule follow-up appointments with Dr. Roham so he can ensure that their recovery progresses as expected. Most patients can resume light activities within two weeks, but they need to avoid strenuous exercise for at least six weeks. Dr. Roham and his staff will provide detailed instructions and remain available throughout your recovery to answer any questions you may have.
Results
Following your thigh lift at Advance Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, some results, such as a reduction in body fat around the thighs, will be noticeable immediately. The full extent of your results becomes more apparent as swelling subsides over the next few months, revealing improved thigh contours. A thigh lift can significantly enhance body proportions, leading to a more sculpted and youthful appearance. When performed by a trained professional such as Dr. Roham, thigh lift procedures are associated with high patient satisfaction rates. (3) Scarring will gradually fade over time until barely noticeable.
Corresponding Procedures
Many patients undergo additional procedures alongside a thigh lift, as Dr. Roham specializes in numerous cosmetic procedures. Patients can explore these options during their consultation. Several of the more popular procedures that patients pair with their thigh lift include tummy tucks or arm lifts.
To learn more about other combination possibilities, please read Dr. Roham’s blog.
Cost of Thigh Lift in Orange County
Dr. Roham and the Advance Laser and Cosmetic Surgery team uniquely tailor each thigh lift to the patient and their individual goals. As such, the cost of each thigh lift will vary for every person. Dr. Roham will provide a detailed cost estimate during your personal consultation after establishing your treatment plan. Additionally, Advance Laser and Cosmetic Surgery offers financing options to qualifying patients.
Schedule a consultation today to explore the cost of your thigh lift. If you have any questions, please call our Santa Ana or San Clemente offices at (714) 557-0777 or (949) 248-1900, respectively.
FAQ
Is a thigh lift painful?
Patients generally experience some discomfort during recovery, though prescribed medications will help manage this. During the procedure itself, anesthesia keeps each patient comfortable.
How long does it take to recover after a thigh lift?
Most individuals return to light activities and desk jobs within two to six weeks, whereas complete recovery may extend up to several months.
Will I have visible scars from a thigh lift?
Scars are placed strategically to minimize visibility. As time passes, most scars continue to fade, becoming less noticeable.
Does a thigh lift help with weight loss?
A thigh lift is not a weight-loss procedure, but it may encourage patients to maintain a healthier lifestyle post-surgery. Can I combine a thigh lift with other procedures? Yes, many patients pair procedures like tummy tucks or liposuction for comprehensive body contouring. For more information on combining procedures, please schedule a personal consultation at either one of our locations.
References
- Bell D, Winters R. Thighplasty. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594236/
- Ragonez D, Musmarra I, Barbera F, Couteau C, Aguilar P, Quilichini J. Body lift with lateral thigh lift: surgical technique and comparison with the inferior body lift. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Published online April 23, 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000011491
- Schwaiger K, Russe E, Heinrich K, et al. Thighplasty: improving aesthetics through revival of the medial, horizontal procedure: A safe and scar-saving option. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2018;71(4):585-589. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2017.10.002







