Thigh Fat Removal, Thigh Lift and Lower Body Lift in Bangalore
Medically reviewed by Dr Sreekar Harinatha, MCh (Plastic Surgery)
Thigh contouring at Contura Clinic, Bangalore, uses three procedures. Thigh liposuction removes stubborn fat when the skin is firm. A thigh lift removes loose skin and fat through a cut along the bikini line. A lower body lift tightens loose skin around the buttocks, hips and thighs after major weight loss. The right choice depends on whether your main problem is fat, loose skin or both.
Which thigh procedure do I need?
| Your concern | Best option | Scar |
|---|---|---|
| Stubborn fat, firm skin | Thigh liposuction | Tiny cuts, about 6 mm |
| Loose skin on the inner thighs | Inner thigh lift, often with liposuction | Along the bikini line |
| Loose skin on the buttocks, hips, outer and front thighs | Lower body lift | Around the waist, hidden by underwear |
| Loose skin on the tummy as well | Lower body lift with tummy tuck | Around the waist and lower tummy |
Thigh lift and lower body lift at a glance
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia |
| Surgery time | 3–4 hours |
| Hospital stay | Usually a couple of days |
| Drains | Usually 2–3 weeks, sometimes longer |
| Stitches | Removed at about 2 weeks |
| Compression garment | 4–6 weeks, around the waist and thighs |
| Healing of the cuts | 4 weeks or more |
| Follow-up | Weekly visits at first |
| Cost | From ₹1,20,000 plus GST |
For thigh liposuction alone, see Liposuction: it is usually a day-care procedure with a quicker recovery.
Who is a thigh lift or lower body lift for?
- Loose skin on the buttocks, backs of the thighs, hips, outer thighs or front of the thighs
- Loose skin on the inner thighs or tummy
- A relatively thin layer of fat under the loose skin
- People who have lost a lot of weight, ideally now close to their target weight
- People who accept thin scars around the waist in exchange for tighter skin
How is a lower body lift done?
- You receive general anaesthesia with a breathing tube, because your position is changed during surgery.
- Lying on your front or side, extra skin and fat are removed from the back and sides.
- The remaining tissue is lifted and stitched in layers over drains.
- Turned onto your back, the front is treated with a tummy tuck or an inner thigh lift.
- Liposuction can be added for extra contouring.
Recovery
- Day 1: you walk with help. Pain is controlled with medicine, by injection at first and then tablets.
- First days: you go home once you can manage your drains, walk comfortably and control pain with tablets.
- 2 weeks: stitches are removed.
- 2–3 weeks: drains are usually removed.
- 4–6 weeks: you wear compression garments.
- 4 weeks or more: the cuts heal fully.
What are the risks?
- Fluid collection (seroma), which may need draining at the clinic
- Slow healing or small openings in the wound where the skin is under tension
- Numbness near the scars, for example on the upper buttocks, thighs or lower tummy
- Slight unevenness between sides
- Bruising. Needing a blood transfusion is very rare
Results last best if you stay close to your ideal weight.
Frequently asked questions
Is a thigh lift painful?
On the first day, pain may need injections or a drip. After that, it is mostly controlled with tablets.
Will I have scars after a thigh lift?
Yes. An inner thigh lift leaves a scar along the bikini line, and a lower body lift leaves a scar around the waist. Both are placed where underwear or swimwear usually hides them.
Can liposuction alone tighten loose thigh skin?
No. Liposuction removes fat but not skin. If your thigh skin is loose, a thigh lift is needed to remove it.
Related pages: Liposuction · Post-bariatric reshaping · Tummy tuck · Arm lift
About the doctor
Dr Sreekar Harinatha, MBBS, MS, MCh (Plastic Surgery, CMC Vellore), DNB (Plastic Surgery). Karnataka Medical Council Reg. No. 68989. Plastic and cosmetic surgeon at Contura Clinic, Kalyan Nagar. Best Paper Award at the IMCAS conference, Taipei, 2016, for his gynecomastia technique. Author of The Male Breast and over 40 papers in indexed journals. Member of IAAPS, IMA and the European College of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person. Every procedure carries risks, which your surgeon will explain at your consultation.