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Thigh Lift New York City with Dr. Cangello
A healthy diet and regular exercise sometimes aren’t enough to attain ideal body contours, especially around the upper legs and thighs. Over time, the soft tissue around the thighs loses skin elasticity and may develop exercise-resistant fat deposits and cellulite. These cosmetic concerns are common in patients who have lost significant weight, particularly after weight-loss surgery or taking GLP-1 medications.1 No matter the cause, however, it can be discouraging for men and women to deal with sagging skin and stubborn fat, especially after committing to a healthy lifestyle.
To help improve lower body contours by addressing excess fat and loose skin, NYC board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Cangello offers a customized approach to thigh lift procedures, treating each patient individually. With exceptional detail paid to creating a natural and youthful shape, Dr. Cangello can help his patients look and feel their best.
To learn more about thigh lift treatment in NYC, contact Dr. Cangello at (212) 644-4416.
What is a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift procedure, also known as thighplasty, is a cosmetic surgery designed to remove excess skin and fat deposits while tightening and smoothing the skin on the inner thigh, outer thigh, or both.2 This surgical procedure is often recommended for patients who have experienced significant weight loss, the aging process, or simply cannot achieve the desired contouring with exercise alone.
There are several types of thigh lifts, including:
Dr. Cangello tailors each procedure to your needs and aesthetic goals.
David L. Cangello, MD, FACS Plastic Surgery New York
Dr. David Cangello is one of the top board-certified plastic surgeons in all of New York City. His approach to treating plastic surgery with an artistic eye has successfully shaped his practice. Dr. Cangello cares about the result of the surgery as much as the patient does. Read more to learn why you should choose Dr. Cangello for your next procedure.
Schedule a ConsultationIdeal Candidates for a Thigh Lift
Healthy men and women who exhibit sagging skin and excess fat on the thighs, despite regular exercise and a healthy diet, are generally qualified for the benefits of this cosmetic procedure. Patients seeking a thigh lift typically have the following aesthetic issues in common:3
- Loose skin on the inner and outer thighs
- Excess fat under the buttocks or near the hips, commonly known as “saddlebags”
- Stubborn fat that persists on the legs despite weight-loss or toning efforts
- Irritation and chafing on the thighs and groin area
Preparing for Thigh Lift Surgery
Before your thigh lift procedure, Dr. Cangello will evaluate your medical history and aesthetic goals. He will discuss what to expect during surgery, including the use of general anesthesia, and talk through realistic expectations. You may be advised to:
- Stop smoking
- Adjust medications that may interfere with healing
- Arrange for help post-surgery, as this is typically an outpatient procedure
In general, patients who see the most benefit from treatment are close to their ideal weight and are committed to a healthy lifestyle. Extreme changes in weight can adversely affect the long-term results of a thigh lift, which is why evaluating one’s health and habits is essential before proceeding with surgery. A thigh lift should not be considered as a replacement for a beneficial diet and exercise routine, but it can significantly complement these for lasting aesthetic improvement.
Your Consultation for a Thigh Lift in NYC
Dr. David Cangello starts all patient treatment plans with informative in-office consultations. These create the perfect opportunity to help patients feel comfortable as they take the first steps toward achieving their cosmetic body recontouring goals. This personal meeting allows patients to learn about what the procedure entails and whether they’re a good candidate. Dr. Cangello is highly rated among patients for their positive experiences both at their initial visit and throughout the surgical experience.
At your appointment, Dr. Cangello examines the treatment area to determine which surgical technique would be most appropriate. He also helps patients explore their full range of surgical options to address their needs. For example, some patients may achieve the desired improvement with a less invasive procedure, such as liposuction. In other cases, excising loose skin in conjunction with liposuction can yield ideal results. By closely collaborating with patients, Dr. Cangello creates customized treatment plans that result in natural-looking enhancements.
Understanding Your Thigh Lift Surgery Procedure
Techniques vary regarding the size and shape of the incision used to remove excess skin and fat. Your treatment plan can include one of the following surgical methods:
This technique targets the inner thigh and is highly recommended for patients who struggle to reduce excess inner thigh fat through diet and exercise. The medial lift is commonly performed to correct skin laxity after massive weight loss. Patients who have a minor to moderate amount of excess sagging skin in the inner thigh, particularly limited to the upper thigh, may be candidates for a mini thigh lift, which minimizes the incision to the groin crease.
The incision used in this approach is located in the groin crease, allowing patients to wear shorts or skirts without concern for visible scarring. Alternatively, patients who have a moderate to severe amount of excess skin or fat in the medial thigh area will also have an incision from the pubic area down to the inner aspect of the knee. Liposuction is often used to remove excess fat in conjunction with a medial thigh lift.
This procedure is recommended for patients who have sagging skin on the outer thigh, particularly in the “saddlebag” or hip area. Often, the sagging skin is present in the posterior part of the thigh near the buttock as well, and the lateral lift targets all these problem areas. This procedure results in a scar that begins in the groin, goes around the hip, and ends up in the buttock crease.
During the initial consultation, Dr. Cangello will discuss which specific technique is best suited to meet the patient’s aesthetic goals.
Thigh Lift Recovery
This post-operative recovery period involves wearing compression garments to reduce swelling and promote skin adherence. Drains may be temporarily placed to prevent fluid buildup. Pain, bruising, and swelling typically subside after one to two weeks. It’s common for patients to experience some discomfort during the first week, but Dr. Cangello will prescribe pain medication to reduce any discomfort. Bruising and swelling should diminish significantly by around one month after surgery.
Most patients return to their regular activities in 4–6 weeks, with follow-up appointments scheduled to monitor their healing progress. Patients will notice a significant improvement in the appearance of their thighs after surgery, with full results becoming evident approximately six months later as residual swelling dissipates. Patients usually notice a smoother, more contoured thigh appearance within weeks, with final results visible at around six months post-surgery.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re ready to restore firmer, more youthful thighs and improve your self-confidence, contact us today to schedule your consultation. Whether you’re considering an inner thigh lift, a lateral thigh lift, or combining your surgery with other procedures, Dr. Cangello will provide a customized plan to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results.
FAQs About Thigh Lift Surgery
Dr. Cangello performs thigh lift surgery in his on-site operating room, which is fully accredited and meets strict standards of the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Dr. Cangello also has operating privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital in NYC in the event that your scheduled procedure requires a hospital visit.
Yes, many patients opt to combine their thigh lift procedure with a tummy tuck, or as part of a mommy makeover or a body lift, to enhance their lower body contours comprehensively. Dr. Cangello will help you determine the best treatment plan based on your goals.
Dr. Cangello is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in thigh lift surgery who offers unmatched expertise and personalized care from his Park Avenue location in New York City. His reputation for aesthetic artistry and natural-looking results makes him a top choice for cosmetic surgery in NYC. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
For additional information about a cosmetic thigh lift and customized body contouring, call Dr. Cangello’s office at (212) 644-4416.
1 StatPearls. Thighplasty. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594236/. Accessed May 27, 2025.
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Thigh Lift. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/thigh-lift. Accessed May 27, 2025.
3 Cleveland Clinic. Thigh Lift (Thighplasty). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25012-thigh-lift-thighplasty. Accessed May 27, 2025.