Thigh Lift by Melissa Johnson MD, FACS

Am I a good candidate for a thigh lift?

A thigh lift will remove the excess skin and fat from the upper thighs. It provides a smoother look to your upper thigh skin. For optimal results, you should be at an ideal body weight. If you are actively losing weight, we recommend your weight be stable before undergoing a thigh lift. During your consultation, we will provide you with our expert opinion on whether you are a good candidate. We will discuss the surgical process along with any possible risks and complications of the surgery. Write down any questions or concerns you have so they can be fully addressed at your consultation. Know what your surgical expectations are so Dr. Johnson can discuss them with you. If you are a smoker, we recommend you quit to help reduce the risk of wound healing complications. We also recommend a healthy lifestyle to help your recovery process.

Will I be seen by the surgeon?

Yes. Dr. Johnson will meet with you and she will discuss all your surgical options. Dr. Johnson will provide you with the necessary information so that you feel confident and comfortable with your surgical decision

Will I be charged for an initial consultation?

Yes. There is a $100 cosmetic consultation fee for your initial visit. If you choose to have surgery with Dr. Johnson, the $100 consultation fee will go towards your surgery cost.

Is the plastic surgeon board certified?

Yes. Dr. Johnson is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is a proud member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Additionally, she is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, which recognizes surgeons who specialize in cosmetic plastic surgery.

Are there different types of thigh lift procedures?

The procedure chosen is dependent on the areas that need correction. A medial thigh lift can be done with incisions in the groin area only if the excess skin is mild/moderate, or the incision may need to be carried down the medial aspect of the thigh down to the knee. The excess skin and fat are removed and the skin is redraped resulting in a smoother contour. Liposuction may be recommended in addition to excision of the excess skin to better contour the thighs. Your incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures. Drains are placed to help prevent seromas (fluid collections) under the skin.

What is the surgical process?

The surgery is performed at a hospital. During surgery you will receive general anesthesia. The surgery will take between 2-3 hours. Once you are awake you are taken to the recovery room for another 1-2 hours. Our recommendation is that you spend one night in the hospital.

Are there risks involved with thigh lift?

Yes, there are risks with any surgical procedure. Some of the possible risks with a thigh lift are pain, infection, wound healing complications, hematoma/seroma, unsatisfactory results or scars that may require a revision surgery, injury to nerves, numbness or changes in sensation, asymmetry, or swelling of the legs/ankles.

How should I prepare for a thigh lift consultation?

Research on reputable internet sites such as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons can be very informative to help provide basics about the procedure and your recovery. However, the best information will be obtained by making an appointment and speaking with Dr. Johnson. At the time of your consultation, it may also be helpful to review before and after photos of patients who have had the procedure.

Where will my thigh lift be performed?

Dr. Johnson has privileges at Baystate Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center. Both are surgical facilities in Springfield, MA, accredited by the Joint Commission, and have been awarded the Gold Seal of Approval.

What is the recovery process from thigh lift plastic surgery?

The first few days you may feel tightness and/or pain of the upper thighs. You will notice that the pain decreases with each passing day. You are sent home on pain medications which will decrease your discomfort. We will recommend that you wear a compressive garment to help minimize swelling for the first week. We will see you a few days after surgery to evaluate your healing process and to change the dressing. The drains are removed about 1 week after surgery. We request that you do no heavy lifting for at least one month following surgery.

Will my insurance cover thigh lift surgery?

Generally, a thigh lift is not a covered procedure. Contouring your thighs is considered a cosmetic procedure. Most insurances do not deem this procedure medically necessary and therefore it is not a covered procedure.

Can I finance my thigh lift procedure?

Yes. We offer patient financing through CareCredit or ALPHAEON CREDIT. See our Financing FAQs for more information.

What forms of payment are accepted?

We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, cash, money orders, and certified bank checks, or you can finance through CareCredit.

Can I make payments online?

Yes. You can make credit card payments securely online.