Considering a Thigh Lift? Cosmetic Surgery Expert Explains What You Need To Know

Cosmetic thigh lifts, once considered a niche procedure, are becoming increasingly common in the UK.
According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), the number of thigh lift procedures rose by 24% in 2024.
The procedures are part of a broader shift which is seeing more patients turning to body contouring surgery to complete their weight loss journey or refine results after other procedures.
A report by BAAPS also indicates this rise in both facial and body surgeries. While tummy tucks and liposuction have seen modest growth, arm lifts and eyelid surgery each increased by 13%. Though facial work still dominates, there’s growing interest in full-body contouring.
Dr Manish Sinha, a leading UK plastic surgeon, has seen this shift firsthand.
He said: ‘Its no longer just about the tummy or the face. Thighs, arms, backs, everything is now part of the conversation.”
Here, Dr Sinha breaks down what the procedure involves, why demand is rising, and what patients should think about before committing.
What a Thigh Lift Really Involves
A thigh lift, or thighplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper legs, typically the inner thigh. It’s usually recommended for people who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with loose skin that exercise can’t resolve.
“Some people assume it’s just a type of liposuction,” Dr Sinha explains. “But it’s far more involved. Recovery can take four to six weeks, and patients need to be prepared for limited mobility, visible scarring, and a fairly structured healing process.”
“The operation involves incisions along the inner thigh, which may extend toward the knee depending on the case. Recovery includes wearing compression garments, avoiding strenuous activity, and limiting sitting in the early stages.”
What’s Driving the Demand?
Dr Sinha believes a mix of medical, social, and cultural shifts are driving the rise in demand. “After major weight loss or surgeries like tummy tucks or arm lifts, patients often want their thighs to match the rest of their progress,” he says.
He also notes the role of weight-loss medications. “Drugs like Ozempic or Monjaro can lead to rapid weight loss and skin laxity. In those cases, surgery becomes the next step to help patients feel comfortable in their new shape.”
Social media adds another layer. “It’s no longer just about facial selfies. We’re seeing full-body images, before-and-afters, and that’s putting the spotlight on areas like the thighs.”
Is It Right for You?
Even with growing interest, Dr Sinha urges patients to be realistic about what a thigh lift entails. “This is real surgery, we’re talking tissue removal, drains, stitches, and long-term care. It’s not something to take lightly.”
He often meets patients with unrealistic expectations. “They show me filtered photos from Instagram and say, ‘I want legs like this.’ But they haven’t considered the scars, the recovery time, or what happens if healing isn’t perfect.”
It’s also not a weight-loss procedure. “If someone still has a lot of volume in their thighs, I usually recommend they wait. The best results come when we’re dealing with loose skin, not trying to shortcut fat reduction.”
Prioritise Safety Over Shortcuts
Dr Sinha also warns against travelling abroad for cheaper surgery. “I see far too many patients who come back with complications, infections, open wounds, and poor stitching. What seems affordable at first often ends up costing much more in the long run.”
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has also flagged rising concerns about complications from surgeries performed overseas. Patients often struggle to get proper follow-up care once they return to the UK.
“A thigh lift can be transformative,” Dr Sinha concludes. “But only when it’s done for the right reasons, at the right time, by someone who knows what they’re doing.”