Following massive weight loss, many patients find that they have poor skin tone on their thighs. This may result in severe dimpling (cellulite), transverse wrinkles, saddle bags or hanging skin. While liposuction may seem like a viable solution, it usually worsens the condition because of the lack of skin elasticity. Exercise and further weight loss are also unlikely to help. In these cases, a thigh lift in Los Angeles is usually the patient’s best option.
I work closely with my patients to ensure the best possible results for their Los Angeles thigh lift surgery. If you’re interested in learning more about thigh lifts or want to meet with Dr. Stoker to discuss your options, request a consultation online or call our office at
(310) 300-1779.
He’s published extensive clinical research exploring the safety of combined surgical procedures.
He regularly leads courses on body contouring for both The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS).
He is frequently featured in the media such as The New York Times, The Learning Channel, and the Dr. Phil show.
He was the plastic surgeon for all patients in the first three seasons of ABC television’s “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition”.
He served as the plastic surgeon and consultant for NBC television’s hit “The Biggest Loser”.
Our patient, a dedicated fitness competitor, set off on a transformative journey to shed a significant 200 pounds through diligent exercise and a well-curated diet regimen. Though this journey stood as a testament to his unwavering determination, it unfortunately resulted in significant excess skin and loss of self-esteem due to his resulting... Read More
A thigh lift (thighplasty) removes excess skin and fat, reshaping your thighs to create a more contoured appearance. It also relieves the pain and irritation that occurs when your thighs continuously rub against each other.
The most common candidates for thigh lift surgery have lost large amounts of weight. In other cases, genetic predisposition may be the primary culprit. Either way, candidates for a thigh lift should be healthy. and avoid smoking. Patients close to their ideal weight get better results.
Why Choose Dr. Stoker for Your Thigh Lift
One of my areas of specialization is plastic surgery following weight loss. I perform hundreds of operations on weight loss patients to contour their bodies and tighten their skin. For patients who have lost 50 pounds or more, the thigh lift is an integral part of surgically rejuvenating the lower body.
I’ve shared my techniques for thigh lifting and body contouring by writing multiple chapters of plastic surgery textbooks. I’ve also published many articles in prestigious journals on safety and techniques for combined surgical procedures that are common in this patient population. Semi-annually, I teach courses on body contouring surgery for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Extensive experience and frequent publishing keep me on the leading edge of body contouring surgery.
Techniques
The outer and inner thighs are addressed separately with thigh lift surgery in order to conceal the incisions.
Outer thigh lift: The outer thigh lift utilizes a waistline incision that’s an extension of the tummy tuck. The scar is meant to be concealed under a typical bikini. Excess skin is removed from the upper lateral thigh, and the skin is undermined to the mid-thigh. The remaining thigh skin is then smoothed, elevated and tightened.
Inner thigh lift: The inner thigh lift incision is high up on the inner thigh, close to the leg elastic of a bikini bottom. A large ellipse of skin is removed. Remaining inner thigh skin is undermined, smoothed and tightened.
Educated at some of the most elite institutions in the country, Dr. David Stoker uses his highly advanced knowledge to ensure that each patient achieves beautiful, harmonious results — whether it's through a simple non-surgical procedure or a more advanced surgical transformation. Learn more about his unique credentials and his approach to plastic surgery.
You’ll return home with your thighs bandaged and wearing an elastic compression garment to reduce swelling and provide support to the skin as it tightens. Your thighs may feel very sore or tender immediately following a thigh lift. You can manage your discomfort with pain medication prescribed by Dr. Stoker.
Patients typically take at least 1 week off from work for thigh lift surgery. Dr. Stoker encourages patients to walk shortly after the operation to boost circulation. You’ll still need plenty of rest during the first week of recovery, and you should avoid any activities that could elevate your heart rate.
Dr. Stoker provides detailed instructions about caring for your incisions and, in some cases, emptying surgical drains that ensure fluid doesn’t accumulate below the skin.
You can resume driving once you no longer require pain medication and you’re comfortable sitting and moving. Gradually increase your activity level as each week passes. Full exercise may be resumed at approximately 6 weeks.
If you maintain a stable weight, healthy lifestyle, and fitness program, the results of your inner or outer thigh lift surgery will be long-lasting. Dr. Stoker makes incisions as inconspicuous as possible based on the extent of the procedure. Scarring is more extensive with an outer thigh lift. You can minimize its appearance by avoiding prolonged sun exposure and using scar treatments.
Risks
Possible complications from thigh lift surgery include delayed wound healing, seroma, bleeding, infection and venous blood clots. Each of these complications may be treated effectively with diligent medical care.
Commonly Combined Procedures
Women and men who get plastic surgery after losing significant weight often combine other body contouring procedures with a thigh lift. Depending on the number of areas and the extent of the surgery, Dr. Stoker may perform the combination of procedures during a single operation or in stages scheduled several months to a year apart as part of an extreme makeover after weight loss.
Our expertise extends beyond plastic surgery. We offer an extensive range of non-surgical treatments administered by our talented, experienced team of aesthetic providers under the guidance of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Stoker.
If you have a treatment in mind, review our complete offering of non-surgical services. If you need a little help deciding, narrow down your options with our interactive treatment planner.