Natural Results Plastic Surgery
Thigh lift by Dr. Carlos Mata in Scottsdale, AZ
Thighplasty

Thigh Lift
in Scottsdale

Firmer, smoother, more proportionate thighs — removing loose skin and stubborn fat for a toned lower body.

Thigh Lift at Natural Results Plastic Surgery is performed personally by Dr. Carlos Mata — board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS/FACS), Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2018, and Newsweek America's Best Plastic Surgeon — at the practice's AAAASF-accredited surgical suite in Scottsdale, Arizona. 25,000+ procedures performed.

Duration
2–3 hours
Anesthesia
General
Downtime
2–3 weeks
Back to Work
10–14 days
An Introduction

A thigh lift, or thighplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the inner or outer thighs to create a smoother, firmer, more youthful contour. It's one of the defining procedures after major weight loss, where the skin of the upper legs often loses its ability to retract. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Carlos Mata (Dr. Scottsdale®) selects the incision pattern that gives each patient the tightest result with the most discreet scar placement.

01
The Procedure

What is a Thigh Lift?

Thighplasty tightens the thigh by removing excess, sagging skin and re-draping the remaining tissue over a firmer contour. When localized fat is also present, liposuction is combined to refine the shape. The result is thighs that look toned and proportionate and feel more comfortable in motion.

The procedure is especially valuable after massive weight loss, when loose skin on the inner thighs causes chafing, irritation, and difficulty with clothing — problems that exercise cannot resolve because the underlying issue is excess skin, not fat.

02
Options

Types of Thigh Lift

Inner (Medial) Thigh Lift — The most common, addressing loose skin on the inner thigh through an incision concealed in the groin crease.

Vertical Thigh Lift — For significant skin excess after major weight loss; an incision runs down the inner thigh to remove skin both horizontally and vertically.

Outer (Lateral) Thigh Lift — Tightens the outer thigh and is often combined with a lower body lift for a full circumferential result.

03
What Happens

The Procedure Step-by-Step

Anesthesia — Performed under general anesthesia in our accredited Scottsdale surgical suite.

Incision — Placed in the groin crease or along the inner thigh, positioned to stay hidden by underwear and swimwear where possible.

Contouring — Excess skin is removed, fat is addressed with liposuction as needed, and the tissue is secured to a deeper anchor for lasting support.

Closure — Layered sutures distribute tension to support healing and minimize scar widening.

Benefits

Why Thigh Lift

  • 01Removes loose, sagging thigh skin after weight loss or aging
  • 02Smoother, firmer, more toned thigh contour
  • 03Reduces chafing and skin irritation
  • 04Better fit and comfort in clothing
  • 05Can be combined with liposuction or a lower body lift
  • 06Long-lasting with stable weight
Candidacy

Is This Right For You?

You may be a candidate if...
  • Loose skin and soft tissue on the inner or outer thighs
  • Significant weight loss with residual thigh skin laxity
  • Stable weight maintained for several months
  • Good general health, non-smoking
  • Willing to accept a scar in exchange for tighter contour
This may not be right if...
  • Ongoing significant weight change
  • Concern that can be fully resolved by liposuction alone (good skin tone, fat-only)

Candidacy is ultimately a conversation. Dr. Mata will determine the right path at consultation.

Schedule Consultation
Recovery

What to Expect

Every patient heals at their own pace. These milestones offer a realistic roadmap based on hundreds of procedures performed by Dr. Mata.

  1. Week 1

    Compression garments worn; limited walking and elevation. Movement is deliberate and gentle.

  2. Weeks 2–3

    Return to desk work and light daily activity. Swelling steadily decreases.

  3. Weeks 4–6

    Gradual return to exercise as cleared by Dr. Mata.

  4. Months 2–12

    Scars soften and fade; final contour settles.

Before & After

Real Results.

A small selection of thigh lift cases. Every patient is unique — these are illustrative outcomes, not guarantees.

View all thigh lift cases
Frequently Asked

Common Questions

01Where are the scars?+

For an inner thigh lift, the scar sits in the groin crease and is well concealed. Vertical lifts add a scar along the inner thigh, used only when skin excess requires it.

02Is a thigh lift the same as liposuction?+

No. Liposuction removes fat but won't tighten loose skin. A thigh lift removes the excess skin itself — essential once skin elasticity is lost after weight loss.

03Can it be combined with other procedures?+

Yes — it's frequently part of a post-weight-loss body contouring plan alongside an arm lift, tummy tuck, or lower body lift.

04How long is recovery?+

Most patients return to desk work in 10–14 days and to exercise around 4–6 weeks, with the final contour settling over several months.

Begin Your Journey

Schedule Your Private
Thigh Lift Consultation

Consultations with Dr. Mata are private, unhurried, and typically last 45 to 60 minutes. Your first conversation sets the foundation for everything that follows.

Harvard Trained · Board Certified · 25,000+ Procedures