Is a Thigh Lift Painful?

While some soreness, tightness, and swelling are expected after surgery, most patients are pleasantly surprised at how manageable the recovery is. Dr. Gallagher’s no-drain technique significantly reduces post-surgical discomfort, and pain medication will be prescribed to keep you comfortable during the initial healing phase. Many patients find that discomfort subsides within the first week and is replaced by a sense of tightness as the skin adjusts to its new contour.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You’ll begin with an in-depth consultation, followed by your surgery, and then several follow-up visits to ensure proper healing. Most patients require two to three post-operative appointments within the first few months; however, Dr. Gallagher will customize your schedule based on how your body responds to the recovery process. These visits are important not only for monitoring progress but also for answering questions, adjusting garments, and ensuring you feel supported every step of the way. Out-of-town patients are required to attend their first visit in person, after which virtual visits can usually be scheduled.

How Long Until I See Results?

Results can be noticed fairly quickly as swelling decreases and the new shape of your thighs begins to reveal itself. Most patients see a dramatic improvement within the first month, with final results becoming visible at around three to six months once all swelling has resolved and the tissues have fully settled. Scars will continue to fade over time, leaving you with smoother, firmer thighs that look and feel more natural.

Can I Combine a Thigh Lift With Other Procedures?

Yes, a thigh lift is often performed in conjunction with other body contouring procedures to achieve more balanced results. Liposuction is a common addition, as it allows for more precise fat removal in areas that skin tightening alone cannot address. Some patients also choose to combine their thigh lift with a tummy tuck, arm lift, or nonsurgical skin tightening to achieve a full lower-body transformation. During your consultation, Dr. Gallagher will help you determine the safest combination to achieve your aesthetic goals.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Thigh Lift?

As with any surgery, risks may include bleeding, infection, changes in sensation, or delayed wound healing. Scarring is inevitable, but it is carefully placed in discreet areas, such as the groin crease or inseam, to remain as hidden as possible. Working with a double board-certified surgeon like Dr. Gallagher significantly reduces these risks, as she employs detailed surgical techniques and provides thorough aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery.

Miami, FL

Thigh Lift

Thigh Lift Miami

After significant weight loss, many individuals are left with saggy skin and stubborn pockets of fat in various parts of the body. The inner thighs are a common area where excess skin and fat can accumulate, causing discomfort and self-consciousness. This is where a thigh lift surgery, also known as a thighplasty, can help.

View Our Results

Before + After Gallery

View Results

A woman with long dark hair, wearing a white camisole, is sitting with her knees drawn up, hugging her legs, and looking off to the side in a bright, indoor setting. - Thigh Lift in Miami, Fl

A bright, minimalist, and artistic photo with a white corner wall against a turquoise sky, featuring the strong, diagonal shadow of a palm frond cast on the wall and a dark green palm frond hanging into the frame from the top.

What is a Thigh Lift?

Thigh lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure that targets the excess sagging skin and fat in the inner thigh area. It is a popular choice for those who have undergone weight loss through either diet and exercise, surgery, or increasingly, we see folks who have lost weight thanks to the Semaglutide drugs such as Ozempic® or Wegovy®. Some patients refer to the effects as “Ozempic thighs”. The surgery is designed to tighten and contour the inner thigh area, resulting in a smoother, firmer, and more toned appearance. Dr. Gallagher never uses drains for this procedure; instead, using a special stitching technique that can speed up the healing process.

Do you carry all your weight in your legs? It could be lipedema!

Lipedema is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of fat in the legs, and, less commonly, in the arms. It is a chronic condition that affects mainly women and is often misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphedema. Lipedema can cause pain, tenderness, and swelling in the affected areas, significantly impacting a person’s quality of life. In severe cases, the condition can lead to mobility issues and even disability.

Thigh Lift and Lipedema

One of the most effective ways to treat lipedema in the thighs is with a thigh lift. A thigh lift can help remove excess fat and skin that accumulates in the thighs, as well as tighten the surrounding tissue. This can help to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with lipedema and improve the patient’s mobility.

During the procedure, Dr. Gallagher will make an incision in the thigh area, typically in the groin crease or the inseam, to remove the excess fat and skin. The underlying tissue is then reshaped and tightened to create a more contoured appearance.

While a thigh lift cannot cure lipedema, it can significantly improve its appearance and symptoms. In addition to the physical benefits, patients often report improvements in emotional well-being, including increased confidence and self-esteem.

What Are the Benefits of a Thigh Lift?

Dr. Gallagher, a blonde woman with long curly hair, is seated at a desk in her office with a large window overlooking a cityscape. She is smiling and looking off to the side while holding documents and a pen.

A thigh lift offers both aesthetic and functional benefits. Patients often notice a smoother, firmer contour in the inner thighs, which helps eliminate chafing and discomfort caused by excess skin. Beyond improved appearance, many patients feel more comfortable wearing fitted clothing and engaging in physical activity. For individuals with lipedema or excess tissue after weight loss, a thigh lift can help alleviate leg heaviness and enhance mobility. The overall boost in confidence and quality of life is one of the most rewarding aspects of this procedure.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Thigh Lift?

Dr. Gallagher, a blonde woman in a white lab coat over a grey dress, is seated and smiling warmly while speaking and gesturing with her hands to a patient in a light blue patterned hospital gown. They are in a well-lit exam room next to a wall with a pink and blue abstract painting.

The best candidates are individuals who struggle with loose or sagging skin on the inner thighs, often due to significant weight loss, aging, or conditions such as lipedema. Patients should be in good general health, at a stable weight, and committed to maintaining their results with healthy lifestyle habits. Non-smokers or those willing to quit before surgery typically experience a smoother recovery. A consultation with Dr. Gallagher in Miami is the best way to determine if a thigh lift is the right solution for your goals.

What’s the First Step?

Your Thigh Lift Journey with Dr. Gallagher

The first step toward a thigh lift is scheduling a consultation at Gallagher Plastic Surgery in Miami, FL. During your visit, Dr. Gallagher will carefully evaluate your thigh area, listen to your concerns, and create a customized surgical plan. She will also review your medical history to ensure the procedure is safe and appropriate for you. This appointment is your opportunity to ask questions, explore all options, and feel confident in moving forward with treatment.

What to Expect on the Day of Thigh Lift Surgery

At the initial consultation, Dr. Gallagher will assess the patient’s specific needs and tailor her approach accordingly. The type of incision needed will depend on the individual patient’s condition and goals. In most cases, an “inseam” incision is used to tighten up the area as effectively as possible. During a thigh lift procedure, Dr. Gallagher will make incisions in the inner thigh area to remove excess skin and fat. Depending on the individual patient’s needs, the procedure usually also involves liposuction to remove stubborn pockets of fat. The remaining skin is then pulled tighter, creating a more toned and contoured appearance, which can also help with the outer thigh skin.

Recovery & Healing

Your Guide to Post-Thigh Lift Care

During the thigh lift surgery, patients are placed under general anesthesia and go home the day of the procedure. With Dr. Gallagher’s technique, no drains are used, thereby minimizing recovery time. After surgery, patients typically experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication and proper post-operative care.

Patients can typically shower a couple of days after surgery and are off work for about two weeks. A compression garment is typically worn for six weeks post-surgery to minimize swelling and promote optimal healing.

If you’re considering a thigh lift procedure to address saggy skin and excess fat on your thighs, it’s important to choose an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Gallagher who can help you achieve the results you desire. With a thigh lift, you can not only get rid of inner thigh fat but also achieve smoother and tighter thighs overall.

How Much Does a Thigh Lift Cost in Miami?

The cost of a Thigh Lift in Miami varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, the extent of correction needed, and whether complementary treatments such as liposuction or skin tightening are included. During your consultation, Dr. Gallagher’s team will provide a detailed cost breakdown, including surgical fees, anesthesia, and aftercare. Financing and payment plan options are also available to help make your procedure more accessible.

Blurred, abstract background image in a muted teal/dark cyan color, showing the soft shadow or outline of large palm fronds, creating a texture effect.

Why Choose Dr. Gallagher?

Dr. Sidhbh Gallagher is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon, affiliated with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the Aesthetic Society, and recognized for her expertise in body contouring and her commitment to patient-centered care. She uses advanced techniques, including a no-drain approach, to ensure more comfortable recoveries and natural-looking results. Patients choose Dr. Gallagher not only for her surgical skill but also for her compassionate approach and personalized attention. Her Miami-based practice is designed to support patients at every stage of their journey with safety, comfort, and confidence in mind.

Thigh Lift FAQ’S

While some soreness, tightness, and swelling are expected after surgery, most patients are pleasantly surprised at how manageable the recovery is. Dr. Gallagher’s no-drain technique significantly reduces post-surgical discomfort, and pain medication will be prescribed to keep you comfortable during the initial healing phase. Many patients find that discomfort subsides within the first week and is replaced by a sense of tightness as the skin adjusts to its new contour.
You’ll begin with an in-depth consultation, followed by your surgery, and then several follow-up visits to ensure proper healing. Most patients require two to three post-operative appointments within the first few months; however, Dr. Gallagher will customize your schedule based on how your body responds to the recovery process. These visits are important not only for monitoring progress but also for answering questions, adjusting garments, and ensuring you feel supported every step of the way. Out-of-town patients are required to attend their first visit in person, after which virtual visits can usually be scheduled.
Results can be noticed fairly quickly as swelling decreases and the new shape of your thighs begins to reveal itself. Most patients see a dramatic improvement within the first month, with final results becoming visible at around three to six months once all swelling has resolved and the tissues have fully settled. Scars will continue to fade over time, leaving you with smoother, firmer thighs that look and feel more natural.
Yes, a thigh lift is often performed in conjunction with other body contouring procedures to achieve more balanced results. Liposuction is a common addition, as it allows for more precise fat removal in areas that skin tightening alone cannot address. Some patients also choose to combine their thigh lift with a tummy tuck, arm lift, or nonsurgical skin tightening to achieve a full lower-body transformation. During your consultation, Dr. Gallagher will help you determine the safest combination to achieve your aesthetic goals.
As with any surgery, risks may include bleeding, infection, changes in sensation, or delayed wound healing. Scarring is inevitable, but it is carefully placed in discreet areas, such as the groin crease or inseam, to remain as hidden as possible. Working with a double board-certified surgeon like Dr. Gallagher significantly reduces these risks, as she employs detailed surgical techniques and provides thorough aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery.

See what our Patients Say

Patient Reviews

I had an amazing experience with Dr.Gallagher and her team, the whole experience from the procedure (top surgery) to the post-op care has been fantastic. Dr.Gallagher was able to address any concerns I had with my chest before the procedure and made me feel comfortable the whole way through, and then the attentiveness post-op is all the better.

Alfio Oliveira (Jay)
Thank you so much Dr. Gallagher for your amazing work! I appreciated the great support from your team at the surgical centre and your office. Everyone was so wonderful! I am extremely happy with my results and had a very positive experience. I had followed Dr. Gallagher for several years on Instagram prior to my surgery, and learned so much from her detailed explanations about various aspects of the surgical procedures, what to expect on the day, recovery, etc. I had complete trust, felt safe, felt listened to. I also appreciate the follow-ups, and answers to all my questions. The support, warmth, care is top notch!

Gill B.
Dr. Gallagher and her whole team, from Neasa to Daryl Ann and everyone else in between, are absolutely fantastic, kind hearted, hard working people. Dr. Gallagher truly amazed me and I’m so grateful to have had her on my team.

I was able to get keyhole top surgery about three weeks ago and I’m loving my results already! I’m muscular and heavier set as well but always had a smaller chest, and I’m so glad Dr. Gallagher was the one who could do this for me.

Right now I am still experiencing swelling, but I am using compression dressings every day, throughout the day which helps tons! I know that when the swelling subsides months from now, and everything is “back to normal”, I am going to love even more what I see in the mirror because I can finally see me.

Morgan F.
So glad I found Dr. Gallagher. I would not have elected to pursue my surgery had I not found a qualified and competent medical provider that I felt I could trust and have confidence in their ability to offer a high-quality, low-risk result. As a result of my initial contacts and consultations with Gallagher Plastic Surgery practice, I was willing to pursue my desired surgery and even travel half-way across the country to their offices. I’m so glad I did. The results are outstanding, more than I even anticipated. This was the 3rd practice I had dealt with and so I was learning what to look for and knew Dr. Gallagher was a good fit. The medical expertise and professionalism are what I based my decision on to proceed. They were calmly confident for a reason. I realized at the surgery event and through to the 3 week post-op checkin the excellence in their personal care (bed side manner). The office and Dr. Gallagher communicated very well. Everything went smoothly and as planned. As nervous as I was about an unnecessary surgery, Dr. Gallagher and her team were able to build enough trust that I was able to receive a very beneficial result.

Tim F.
Dr. Gallagher and her team are the absolute best! She completed my brachioplasty on Tuesday and when I saw the initial results at my post op appointment two days later I literally had tears of joy streaming down my face. My weight loss journey has been a road of many ups and downs, and I was so nervous about whether this surgery could even work for me. Even with the swelling that is normal after brachioplasty, there is an enormous difference, and I am still in disbelief that even this early on, my arms look this great. My husband was even in disbelief, and we’re so excited to see what I’ll look like in two weeks time. Dr. Gallagher is so kind and patient, and walked me through all of the phases of healing/expectations, and was great to call and check in. If you are looking for a highly skilled surgeon that will give you optimal results along with a compassionate approach, it is well worth your time and money to consider a consultation with her. I am forever thankful for her and for her team! This is life changing for me. Thank you, Dr. Gallagher! I appreciate you so much!

Melissa E.

Schedule Your Consultation

Scheduling a consultation is the best way to learn more about the procedure and determine if it’s right for you. Contact Gallagher Plastic Surgery in Miami today at (305) 204-9598 to take the first step.

Dr. Gallagher frequently works with patients outside of Miami and the state of Florida. If you are interested in discussing a thigh lift in further detail, you can also schedule a virtual consultation with her to ask any questions you may have and learn more about proceeding with your surgery.

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 305-204-9598