Thigh lift surgery removes excess skin and creates smoother, more contoured thighs following significant weight loss or aging-related skin laxity. Dr. Reza Najafian, board-certified and fellowship-trained at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Oregon Health and Science University, has performed hundreds of body contouring procedures for patients throughout Eugene, Oregon, delivering natural-looking results through personalized surgical planning.
Understanding Thigh Lift in Eugene
A thigh lift addresses loose, sagging skin on the inner or outer thighs that cannot be corrected through diet or exercise alone. This procedure removes excess tissue, tightens the remaining skin, and repositions deeper tissues to create a more toned appearance. Patients in Eugene benefit from accessing specialized plastic surgery care locally, eliminating the need for travel to Portland or other distant cities for consultations and follow-up appointments.
Thigh lift surgery serves as a key component of lower body contouring, particularly for patients who have lost 75 pounds or more. The procedure directly addresses redundant skin that develops when skin loses elasticity and cannot retract after weight reduction.
Common Reasons for a Thigh Lift
Patients most frequently seek thigh lift surgery after bariatric surgery or major lifestyle-based weight loss. The excess skin creates physical discomfort through chafing, skin irritation, and difficulty finding properly fitting clothing. Some patients develop recurrent rashes in skin folds that resist topical treatments. Others experience limitations in physical activity as loose skin interferes with exercise and movement.
Age-related changes also contribute to thigh skin laxity, particularly in patients over 50. Genetic factors influence skin elasticity, meaning some individuals develop more pronounced sagging than others despite similar weight histories.
Benefits of Working With a Local Specialist
Dr. Najafian sees patients at his Eugene practice for all pre-operative consultations, allowing detailed discussions about surgical goals and expectations. Post-operative appointments occur at regular intervals during the first year following surgery, making local access valuable for monitoring healing progress and addressing any concerns that arise during recovery.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
Candidates should maintain stable weight for six to twelve months before surgery. Weight fluctuations of more than 10-15 pounds can compromise surgical outcomes. Patients must have realistic expectations, understanding that thigh lift surgery creates visible scars along incision lines, though these fade significantly over 12-18 months.
Medical conditions including uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding disorders, or active infections may disqualify patients from elective surgery. Dr. Najafian requires medical clearance for patients over 50 or those with significant health histories.
Medical Considerations and Weight Stability
Active weight loss delays surgery timing. Patients should complete their weight reduction goals and demonstrate stability before proceeding. Those considering future bariatric procedures should postpone thigh lift surgery until after completing their weight loss journey.
Lifestyle and Commitment to Recovery
Nicotine cessation is non-negotiable. Smoking restricts blood flow to healing tissues, dramatically increasing risks of wound separation, infection, and poor scarring. Patients must abstain from all nicotine products—including cigarettes, vaping, patches, and gum—for four weeks before and after surgery.
What to Expect From the Procedure
Dr. Najafian performs thigh lift surgery at an accredited surgical facility in Eugene. The procedure typically requires three to four hours under general anesthesia, with exact duration depending on the extent of tissue removal needed.
Incision Placement and Techniques
Inner thigh lifts place incisions within the groin crease where the thigh meets the pubic area. For patients requiring extensive correction, incisions may extend around to the buttock crease. Outer thigh lifts position incisions along the natural hip contour. Dr. Najafian customizes incision placement based on individual anatomy and skin distribution patterns.
Anesthesia and Surgery Duration
Board-certified anesthesiologists administer and monitor general anesthesia throughout the procedure. Surgical drains are typically placed to prevent fluid accumulation during initial healing. Most patients remain in the facility for several hours post-operatively before returning home the same day.
Recovery and Results
Patients should arrange for assistance at home during the first week. Pain levels vary but typically peak within the first 48-72 hours before improving steadily. Prescription pain medication manages discomfort during the initial recovery phase.
Early Recovery Milestones
Walking begins the day of surgery to reduce blood clot risks. Most patients return to desk-based work within two to three weeks, though physical jobs require four to six weeks off. Compression garments worn for six weeks support healing tissues and reduce swelling. Drains typically remain in place for 7-14 days.
Long-Term Care and Lifestyle
Visible improvements appear immediately, though final contours emerge over six months as swelling resolves completely. Scars initially appear red and raised before flattening and fading to thin white lines over 12-18 months. Maintaining stable weight preserves results long-term.
Combining Thigh Lift With Other Body Contouring
Dr. Najafian frequently combines thigh lift with procedures includingarm lift orliposuction when appropriate. Combined procedures address multiple areas during one surgical session, reducing total recovery time compared to staging procedures separately.
Benefits of a Single Surgery Session
Patients undergo anesthesia only once and complete one recovery period, rather than multiple ones. Surgical planning involves making proportional adjustments across treated areas, resulting in harmonious outcomes.
Potential Risks of Multiple Procedures
Extended operating time and larger surgical areas increase physiologic stress. Dr. Najafian limits combined procedures based on patient health status, age, and overall surgical extent to maintain safety.
FAQs About Thigh Lift Surgery
Some of the common questions we receive about thigh lift surgery and recovery include:
How Much Does a Thigh Lift Typically Cost?
Thigh lift costs range from $8,000-$12,000, depending on surgical complexity. Dr. Najafian provides detailed pricing during consultations, taking into account your specific needs.
What Is the Best Age for a Thigh Lift?
Patient health and weight stability matter more than age. Most thigh lift patients range from 35-65 years old, though younger and older patients may qualify based on individual circumstances.
Is a Mini Thigh Lift Worth It?
Mini thigh lifts address localized laxity using shorter incisions. Patients with mild skin excess confined to the upper inner thigh benefit from this less extensive approach. Combining withliposuction addresses both skin and fat concerns.
How Soon Can I Return to Work After Surgery?
Desk jobs typically allow a return within two weeks. Labor-intensive positions require four to six weeks off. Patients who combine a thigh lift with anarm lift may require additional recovery time.
