Overview
Thighplasty — commonly known as a thigh lift — is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the inner or outer thighs to create a smoother, more toned, and proportionate lower body contour. At The Ferguson Clinic in Honolulu, Dr. John C. Ferguson, MD, FACS, performs thighplasty for patients whose inner thigh skin has lost elasticity due to significant weight loss, bariatric surgery, aging, or genetics. As a quintuple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Ferguson brings comprehensive body contouring expertise to a procedure that demands careful incision planning, meticulous tissue handling, and an eye for proportionate results.
Excess thigh skin is one of the most common and frustrating concerns for patients who have achieved significant weight loss. The inner thigh skin is thin, has limited elasticity reserve, and is subject to constant friction and gravitational pull — making it particularly resistant to non-surgical tightening. Thighplasty directly addresses what diet, exercise, and non-invasive treatments cannot: the structural removal of redundant skin and tissue to restore a smooth, defined thigh contour.
Am I a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for thighplasty if you have excess, sagging skin on the inner thighs that causes chafing, irritation, or hygiene concerns; you have experienced significant weight loss and are left with deflated, hanging thigh skin; your thigh skin laxity limits your clothing options or makes physical activity uncomfortable; or you have disproportionate thigh fullness that has not responded to diet and exercise.
Ideal candidates are at a stable weight, in good general health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations. Patients who are still actively losing weight should reach their goal weight before considering thighplasty, as further weight loss can affect results. During consultation in Honolulu, Dr. Ferguson evaluates skin quality, fat distribution, and thigh anatomy to determine the optimal surgical approach.
The Procedure — What to Expect
Dr. Ferguson performs thighplasty at his AAAHC-accredited surgical facility in Honolulu under general anesthesia. The procedure takes approximately two to three hours depending on the extent of correction.
Medial (inner) thigh lift is the most common approach. An incision is placed in the groin crease, extending along the inner thigh as needed. Excess skin and fat are excised, and the remaining tissue is elevated and redraped to create a smooth inner thigh contour. The incision is positioned to be concealed by underwear and swimwear.
Vertical thigh lift is appropriate for patients with more extensive skin excess — typically following major weight loss. A vertical incision extends from the groin crease down the inner thigh toward the knee, allowing for greater tissue removal and reshaping. This approach produces a longer scar but achieves dramatically improved thigh contour.
Outer (lateral) thigh lift addresses skin laxity on the outer thigh and may be combined with a body lift for circumferential lower body contouring.
Liposuction is frequently combined with thighplasty to address residual fat deposits and refine overall thigh contour.
Recovery and Results
Days 1–3: Compression garments are worn to minimize swelling and support the surgical sites. Mild to moderate discomfort is managed with prescribed medication. Walking is encouraged immediately but should be slow and deliberate. Drains may be placed and are typically removed within five to seven days.
Week 1: Most patients can return to light desk work within seven to ten days. Swelling and bruising in the thigh area are normal and resolving. Dr. Ferguson monitors healing with scheduled follow-up.
Weeks 2–4: Swelling progressively diminishes. Patients can resume most daily activities but should avoid strenuous lower body exercise. Walking distance can increase gradually.
Weeks 4–8: Compression garments are typically discontinued at four to six weeks. Full exercise including lower body workouts resumes at six to eight weeks with clearance from Dr. Ferguson.
Months 3–6: Scars mature and fade. Final thigh contour becomes apparent as all swelling resolves. Groin crease scars are well-concealed; vertical scars on the inner thigh fade progressively over the first year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will thighplasty leave visible scars?
Yes, but Dr. Ferguson places incisions strategically to minimize visibility. The groin crease incision is hidden by underwear and swimwear. When a vertical incision is needed, it is placed on the inner thigh — a surface that faces the opposite leg rather than outward. Scars fade significantly over six to twelve months.
Can liposuction alone tighten my thighs?
If your primary concern is excess fat with good skin elasticity, liposuction or SmartLipo may produce excellent results. However, if you have significant skin laxity — particularly after major weight loss — liposuction alone cannot remove loose skin and may worsen the appearance. Dr. Ferguson evaluates your skin quality during consultation to recommend the right approach.
How long does a thigh lift last?
Results are long-lasting with weight maintenance. The excess skin removed during thighplasty will not return. Normal aging continues, but patients maintain substantially improved thigh contour for years to come.
Can thighplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Thighplasty is commonly combined with other body contouring procedures such as tummy tuck, brachioplasty, or body lift — especially for patients following major weight loss. Dr. Ferguson coordinates combination procedures to minimize total recovery time when safe to do so.
How much does thighplasty cost in Honolulu?
Cost depends on the technique used, the extent of correction, and whether liposuction is included. The Ferguson Clinic provides detailed pricing after Dr. Ferguson evaluates your anatomy during consultation. Financing options are available.
Why Choose Dr. Ferguson for Thighplasty in Honolulu
Thigh lift surgery requires a surgeon who understands body contouring as a three-dimensional discipline — not just removing tissue, but reshaping proportions. Dr. Ferguson’s certification by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery gives him the comprehensive body contouring expertise this procedure demands. His AAAHC-accredited facility in Honolulu provides the highest safety standards, and his more than 25 years of surgical experience ensure that your thighplasty is performed with the precision and judgment that produce reliable, proportionate results.
Schedule a consultation for thighplasty at The Ferguson Clinic in Honolulu. Call (808) 521-1999 or book online.