Types of Thigh Lifts
Each patient stores fat and skin differently. Dr. Stutman offers several types of thigh lift procedures, depending on your needs:
- Medial Thigh Lift: This technique targets fat and skin on the upper inner thigh. It’s ideal if you have lost a moderate amount of weight and want to tighten the inner thigh area.
- Inner Thigh Lift: An inner thigh lift may address excess skin from the groin to the knee. This approach can also reduce irritation caused by the inner thighs rubbing together.
- Outer Thigh Lift: This lift focuses on contouring the outer thighs and removing saddlebags. It’s especially effective at enhancing your silhouette by slimming the sides of the thighs and hips.
- Posterior Thigh Lift: If your main concern is the back of your thighs, this option helps tighten sagging tissue and improve the appearance of cellulite.
- 360° Thigh Lift: A comprehensive lift for patients with significant fat or loose skin around the entire thigh. This method sculpts and smooths the front, inner, outer, and back of the thigh in a single procedure.
These surgical options enable patients to select a procedure tailored to their individual needs, ranging from subtle refinements to comprehensive reshaping.
What to Expect During Thigh Lift Surgery
Your procedure will be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the procedure typically lasts between one and three hours. A responsible adult must drive you home after surgery.
Recovery depends on the type of thigh lift performed. You may experience discomfort when walking or sitting for the first week. Some patients require extra support at home during this period. Desk jobs may allow for an earlier return to work, whereas more physically demanding jobs may require additional time off.
Mild swelling and bruising are common and can be alleviated by using cool packs and compression garments. Gentle movement also helps promote circulation and minimize swelling.
Initial results are visible soon after surgery, but the full healing process may take six to seven months to be complete. Results are long-lasting when accompanied by a proper diet and exercise.
Why Choose Dr. Ross Stutman for a Thigh Lift in Scottsdale?
Dr. Ross Stutman is a board-certified plastic surgeon who trained at Loyola University and completed his residency in plastic surgery at the University of Nevada School of Medicine. He later completed a prestigious Oculoplastic and Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship, setting him apart as the only Arizona surgeon with this formal oculoplastic training.
His Scottsdale office is designed with comfort and safety in mind. From your consultation to follow-up care, Dr. Stutman and his team provide detailed, personalized attention that reflects their commitment to excellence.

Why patients choose Dr. Stutman for thigh lift
- Board certified
- Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
- Fellowship trained
- Oculoplastic and aesthetic surgery fellowship with Dr. Mark Codner in Atlanta.
- Published research
- Peer-reviewed research in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, indexed in PubMed.
- One surgeon throughout
- Dr. Stutman sees you at consultation, performs your procedure and follows your recovery.
Thigh Lift
FAQs
- What are the alternatives to a thigh lift?
- Will insurance cover a thigh lift?
- Do you offer financing options for thigh lifts?
- Can a thigh lift be combined with other procedures?
- How do I prepare for a thigh lift?
- Will a thigh lift leave a scar?
- What are the different types of thigh lift?
- Am I a good candidate for a thigh lift?
- Can I sit after a thigh lift?
- Is a thigh lift covered by insurance?
What are the alternatives to a thigh lift?
Some patients may consider non-surgical body contouring options, such as radiofrequency or ultrasound-based treatments. However, these are best for mild laxity and cannot match the results of surgery.
Will insurance cover a thigh lift?
Most insurance companies consider thigh lifts to be cosmetic procedures and do not provide coverage. Please contact your insurer for more information on eligibility.
Do you offer financing options for thigh lifts?
Yes. Visit our specials and financing page to learn more about our available payment plans.
Can a thigh lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. A thigh lift is often performed with liposuction or other body contouring surgeries as part of a more comprehensive transformation.
How do I prepare for a thigh lift?
Avoid smoking, maintain a stable weight, and follow all pre-op instructions provided by Dr. Stutman, including medications to pause before surgery.
Will a thigh lift leave a scar?
Yes, a thigh lift leaves a permanent scar, and its location depends on the type of lift. Inner thigh lifts often use an incision in the groin crease, sometimes extending down the inner thigh, while outer and full thigh lifts may use incisions near the hip or bikini line. Surgeons place scars where clothing usually covers them.
What are the different types of thigh lift?
Thigh lifts are tailored to where the loose skin sits. A medial lift targets the upper inner thigh, an inner lift addresses skin from the groin toward the knee, an outer lift contours the outer thighs and saddlebags, and a posterior lift tightens the back of the thighs. A 360 degree lift treats the whole thigh in one procedure.
Am I a good candidate for a thigh lift?
You may be a good candidate if you have loose, sagging skin on your thighs that diet and exercise have not improved, you are at a stable weight, and you are in good overall health. Nonsmokers heal more reliably, and realistic expectations matter. A thigh lift removes skin and some fat, but it is not a weight loss procedure.
Can I sit after a thigh lift?
You can sit after a thigh lift, but it is usually uncomfortable at first, and you should avoid putting direct pressure or strain on your incisions. Many patients find a reclined position or a chair with good support easier early on. Discomfort when walking or sitting is expected for the first stretch of recovery and improves as you heal.
Is a thigh lift covered by insurance?
Usually not. Most insurance plans consider a thigh lift cosmetic and do not cover it. In rare cases, coverage may be considered when loose skin causes documented medical problems such as recurring rashes or infections, but approval is not guaranteed. Check your plan directly and ask the practice about financing options at your consultation.
Consultation
Begin with a conversation
Your consultation is a private conversation with Dr. Stutman about your goals, your questions, and the options that suit you.
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