Thigh lift in Paris 16 — thighplasty

Thighplasty removes the excess skin of the inner thighs. It brings real comfort to people whose walking is hindered by the constant rubbing of one thigh against the other.

No sport and no diet can re-tighten stretched skin. This is a limit worth knowing before undertaking efforts that cannot succeed.

What is a thighplasty?

The inner thigh lift reshapes the contour of the thigh, most often combining two methods: liposuction of the residual fat and removal of the excess skin.

Why consider a thigh lift?

Those who have made a major effort to lose several stone are often dismayed to discover in the mirror a creased effect, loose skin that troubles them almost as much as before their weight loss.

Because the thighs touch when walking, which prevents certain clothes from being worn and causes redness, maceration and fungal infections.

Because the thighs have stretch marks or numerous folds.

Because crumpled skin at the top of the thigh gives back a negative self-image with consequences in intimacy.

How does the operation proceed?

The operation takes place under general anaesthesia, with at least two nights in hospital.

Where is the scar?

It is the extent of the excess skin that determines where the scar lies: most often at the groin, but it may extend along the inner thigh as far as the knee.

Why is stopping smoking decisive?

I insist on the need to stop smoking, at least four weeks before the operation and for several weeks afterwards, because the quality of healing is the major issue in this operation.

What is the recovery like?

Recovery is fairly painful; suitable pain relief is prescribed and reviewed if needed.

Significant swelling may persist for several weeks. The compression garment fitted in theatre must be kept on for four weeks.

What follow-up after a thigh lift?

As at the arm, lymphatic collection is the main point of surveillance, and it justifies closely spaced consultations: one within seven days, one between day ten and day fourteen, more if progress requires. Manual lymphatic drainage at home may be offered from the second day. Nurses take charge of local care, the anaesthetist of pain relief, which deserves particular attention here. The full arrangement is that of post-operative care.

When is the result final?

The final result can be judged between three and six months.

What are the risks?

Besides those linked to general anaesthesia: healing problems, wound breakdown — markedly increased by smoking — and lymphatic collections sometimes requiring aspiration.

The most important general risks are thromboembolic complications, in the form of deep vein thrombosis or even pulmonary embolism. Their prevention rests on preventive anticoagulation, walking again early and avoiding prolonged sitting.

The other complications are set out in detail in the SoFCPRE information leaflet.

Is the thigh lift reimbursed?

In cases of significant weight loss with major skin laxity, this surgery may be covered by French health insurance, after prior authorisation.

Last updated: August 2026 · Medical content reviewed by Dr Benjamin Pulvermacker, board-qualified plastic surgeon in Paris 16.

Who this operation suits — and who it does not

It suits skin laxity of the inner thighs — above all after major weight loss, where reimbursement may be sought, when the skin rubs, becomes irritated and interferes with walking or dressing. It does not suit fatty excess with firm skin (liposuction alone), nor patients before their weight has settled, nor those whose venous condition or thromboembolic risk rules out surgery in this area.

Limits and specific risks

This is surgery with a real scar cost and a demanding recovery: a scar in the groin crease, sometimes extended vertically, in an area of friction and moisture that heals more slowly than elsewhere. Specific risks: wound breakdown, lymphocele, prolonged swelling of the legs, downward migration of the scar, thromboembolic risk prevented as a matter of course. Prolonged sitting has to be adapted in the first weeks.