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Thigh lift
(thighplasty)
A thigh lift, or thighplasty, is a procedure that removes excess skin from the thigh area. Ideal for those with loose or sagging skin due to weight loss, ageing, or genetics, a thigh lift is an effective way to tighten and reshape your thighs. It can also be combined with liposuction to remove any excess fat in the area.
A woman lying on her bed
At a glance Benefits Cost Team Why us FAQs Risks

Thigh lift at a glance

Here's what to expect from your thigh lift surgery and the recovery process.

Surgery time

Two to three hours

Hospital stay

Day case/one night

Reasonable mobility

After one day

Shower

After two days

Time off work

One to two weeks

Garments

Six weeks

Driving

From two to four weeks (check with your insurance)

Full recovery

Six to eight weeks

Thigh lift benefits
  1. Boosted confidence

    Feel more confident and at ease in your own skin

  2. Improved comfort

    Removing excess skin can greatly enhance physical comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life

  3. Style

    Enjoy a smoother, more contoured thigh shape that allows clothes to fit more naturally and flatteringly
A couple walking in the woods

Thigh lift cost breakdown

View our self-pay treatment prices and discounts for Benenden Health members below. If you'd like to discuss your needs, or would like a bespoke quotation for cosmetic surgery, please contact our Private Patient team on 01580 363158.

Take advantage of payment plans through our trusted partner, Chrysalis, and spread the cost of your treatment. Fit your repayments into your monthly budget rather than having to find the full cost at the time of your treatment.

Procedure type
Initial consultation price
Treatment price*
Monthly cost**
Member discount
Thigh lift
£285
From £9,234
From £223.27
10%
Thigh lift
£285
From £9,234
From £923.40
10%
Thigh lift
Thigh lift (0% over 10 months)
Thigh lift
Thigh lift
Initial consultation price
£285

Treatment price*
From £9,234

Monthly cost**
From £223.27

Member discount
10%

Thigh lift (0% over 10 months)
Thigh lift
Initial consultation price
£285

Treatment price*
From £9,234

Monthly cost**
From £923.40

Member discount
10%

Meet the team

Our team of Surgeons and nurses bring exceptional expertise to Benenden Hospital. Explore their profiles to learn more about their backgrounds, specialisms and commitment to outstanding care.

Christopher Macdonald
ONLINE BOOKING AVAILABLE

Christopher Macdonald

Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Mr Macdonald's clinical interests include breast reduction surgery, abdominoplasty or tummy tuck, body contouring, brachioplasty or arm lift.

Mr Christopher Macdonald arrow right
Simon P Mackey
ONLINE BOOKING AVAILABLE

Simon P Mackey

Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon

Mr Mackey's clinical interests include breast reduction surgery, mastopexy or breast uplift, abdominoplasty or tummy tuck, brachioplasty or arm lift.

Mr Simon P Mackey arrow right
Lexie Otana

Lexie Otana

Senior Staff Nurse in Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

Lexie is the Senior Staff Nurse in Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery at Benenden Hospital.

Lexie Otana arrow right

Why Benenden Hospital?

Benenden Hospital is an ultra-modern private hospital, rated as Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. Patients are at the heart of everything we do at Benenden Hospital, where we have created a caring environment full of kind and compassionate people.

Great service

Transparent pricing

Tailored support

Countryside retreat

Front view of Benenden Hospital

FAQs

Can a thigh lift help cellulite? +

Thigh lift surgery can improve the appearance of cellulite, in that it will remove some of the cellulite from the thighs, but it will not smooth the appearance of the thighs overall.

Can you walk after a thigh lift? +

Most patients can return to light activities within two to four weeks, depending on individual healing.

How is a thigh lift done? +

The thigh lift surgery at our hospital is tailored to your specific needs. Typically, it involves the following steps:

  • Anaesthesia: You'll be under a general anaesthetic so you will be asleep for your comfort during the procedure.
  • Incisions: There are a few different types of thigh lift incisions depending on the areas that need treating. These vary from an incision in the groin to a ‘T’ shape incision which goes around the front and back of the groin/upper thigh and down the inside of the thigh which can extend down to the knee. These incisions may vary in length depending on the extent of the lift.
  • Skin, fat and tissue removal: Excess skin, fat and tissue are removed, and the remaining skin is tightened to create a more youthful and firm appearance.
  • Closing incisions: The incisions are meticulously closed with sutures to minimise scarring.
How long does a thigh lift last? +

While the results of a thigh lift are designed to be long lasting, it's important to note that the natural aging process can gradually affect skin elasticity over time.

This means that although the initial contour improvements may remain, subtle changes in the thigh area may occur as your skin continues to age.

How painful is a thigh lift? +

You may experience some discomfort during the initial recovery period, but this is typically manageable with standard pain medication.

How to sit after a thigh lift? +

We recommend that you rest and elevate your legs and wear compression garments as advised.

How to sleep after a thigh lift? +

The ideal sleeping position is flat on your back with a pillow placed beneath your legs to keep them gently elevated.

Elevating your legs helps promote circulation and significantly reduces post-operative swelling.

Is a thigh lift dangerous? +

Like all surgical procedures, there are potential risks.

Our experienced Consultants will discuss these risks during your consultation and take measures to minimise them.

What are inner thigh lifts? +

Inner thigh lights focus on removing excess skin from the inner part of your thigh.

What is a spiral thigh lift? +

A spiral thigh lift involves a larger scar as an incision is made from your groin to your buttock.

A woman in a swimsuit, hat and shirt going to the beach
How we reduce risks
  1. Pre-operative assessment

    Prior to your surgery, you’ll have an appointment with a specialist nurse who will conduct a thorough review of your medical, surgical, and social history in order to ascertain how suitable, fit and well you are for surgery. They will conduct important investigative tests to ensure that any risks surrounding surgery are well managed.

  2. Dedicated decontamination services

    Our on-site Decontamination Services Department ensures all reusable medical devices are thoroughly and safely decontaminated to meet the highest standards of hygiene.
  3. Infection prevention control

    To safeguard everyone in our environment, we follow rigorous infection prevention and control protocols. Patients, visitors, and staff are asked to contact us before coming to the hospital if they are experiencing any symptoms of or have an active infection so that we can advise them on whether they should still attend or visit someone who may be a patient.
A clinician washing their hands

Book your consultation today

It's easy to book online or by giving us a call.

Page last reviewed: 28 October 2025