Thighplasty

To see Dr Avery, you will need a referral from your GP or another specialist who knows you well. Some people seek a consultation after speaking with family or friends, or following their own research into plastic surgery.

The initial consultation is an opportunity to discuss your personal reasons for considering surgery, your expectations, and any questions or concerns you may have. Dr Avery will take time to understand your health history and circumstances so that the information you receive is specific to you.

When you arrive at Avery, you will be welcomed by our Care Team and asked to complete a medical history form if this has not already been done. You are welcome to bring a supportive family member or friend with you to your consultation, should you wish, to help you collect and retain al of the information you need to make an informed decision about surgery.

As part of the consultation, Dr Avery will carry out an examination of the area of concern and provide information about whether surgery may be suitable for you. This discussion will include what the procedure involves, the possible risks and complications, and any limitations that may apply in your situation. The aim is to provide you with clear information about what surgery may or may not achieve, and whether it is an appropriate option for you.

Your consultation will also include discussion of the estimated costs associated with surgery.

After your appointment, our Care Team is available to answer any further questions, including those relating to fees and practical next steps.

At Avery, our focus is to provide you with accurate and personalised information to support your decision-making process before, during, and after surgery.

In thigh lift surgery, the condition of the thighs, the degree of laxity, and the amount of excess tissue determine incision placement. In Dr Avery’s practice, the procedure usually involves a vertical incision placed along the inner aspect of the thigh. The incision may extend partway down the thigh or, in some cases, as far as the knee, depending on how much skin and tissue needs to be removed. A groin crease incision may be used in addition to the vertical incision in certain cases.

Removal of skin and fat
Excess skin is excised and the underlying tissue is reshaped. Liposuction may be performed at the same time to reduce localised fat deposits. After tissue removal, the remaining skin is re-draped and sutured into position. Absorbable sutures are generally placed beneath the skin so that they do not need to be removed.

Drains and dressings
Surgical drains may be inserted to remove excess fluid. These are usually removed within a day, though they may occasionally remain longer if fluid output is higher. Dressings are applied, and a compression garment is worn for several weeks to help manage swelling and provide support.

Scarring
All thigh lift procedures result in permanent scars. With the vertical approach, the scar is placed along the inner thigh and may extend toward the knee depending on the amount of tissue removed. In some cases, a groin crease scar is also present. The appearance of scars varies between individuals and cannot be predicted. Scars may fade and soften over time but will not disappear.

All surgery carries risks, including thigh lift surgery. It is not possible to outline every potential complication, but it is important to be aware of both the more common risks and the less common but potentially serious complications. Risks particularly relevant to your circumstances will be discussed in detail at your consultation.

General risks of surgery include:

• Bleeding from the operated site, sometimes requiring transfusion or further treatment.
• Infection, which may require antibiotics or further surgery.
• Allergic reactions to sutures, dressings, antiseptics, or medications.
• Haematoma (collection of blood under the skin), which may require surgical drainage.
• Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism), which can be life-threatening.
• Pain, bruising, and swelling.
• Delayed wound healing or wound breakdown.
• Nausea or other effects related to anaesthesia.
• Permanent scars. Scarring occurs with all surgery, but the extent and appearance vary between individuals and cannot be predicted.
• Higher risk of complications in people who smoke, use nicotine, are obese, or have other significant medical conditions.
• Medications, supplements, or recreational substances may affect surgery and should always be disclosed.
• Surgical results cannot be guaranteed.

Specific risks of thigh lift surgery include:

• Bleeding or haematoma requiring further surgery.
• Infection at the surgical site.
• Asymmetry or irregular contour of the thighs.
• Changes in skin sensation, including numbness or tingling.
• Delayed healing.
• Swelling or development of lymphedema.
• Seroma (fluid collection under the skin).
• Recurrent skin laxity over time.
• Extended hospital stay if complications occur.
• Pain, which may persist beyond the usual recovery period.
• Permanent scars, which vary in extent and appearance.
• Displacement or changes in adjacent structures, such as the vulva or labia.
• Changes in leg or pubic contour or hair distribution.
• Skin loss due to impaired circulation, which may require skin grafting.
• Dissatisfaction with the appearance or outcome, sometimes leading to revision surgery.
• The need for further recovery time if additional procedures are required.
• Blood clots (DVT in the legs or PE in the lungs).

Further information about risks associated with thigh lift surgery can be found through the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).

Several nights in hospital are often required following thigh lift surgery. This allows monitoring of pain, wound healing, and any drains that may have been inserted. A longer stay may be necessary if the surgery is extensive, if other procedures are performed at the same time, or if complications arise.

Time off work and activity
The time required away from work depends on the extent of surgery and the type of work you do. Many people require between two and six weeks off. Those with sedentary or desk-based jobs may return sooner than those whose work involves standing for long periods, lifting, or physical exertion.

Swelling and bruising
Bruising and swelling are expected after thigh lift surgery. These usually improve within two to six weeks, although some residual swelling may persist for longer, especially in the inner thighs. Elevating the legs when resting, wearing compression garments, and limiting strenuous activity can assist in reducing swelling.

Dressings, drains, and garments
Dressings are applied at the end of surgery. In some cases, drains are placed to remove fluid that collects beneath the skin; these are generally removed within a few days, depending on fluid output. A compression garment is usually worn for around six weeks. The garment helps reduce swelling and provides support to the operated area while it heals. It should be worn according to the instructions provided, typically day and night, and removed only for short periods such as showering.

Pain management
Discomfort is expected in the early period after surgery, particularly when standing, walking, or moving the thighs. A tailored pain management plan will be provided before discharge and can be adjusted if needed at follow-up visits. Pain generally lessens over the first few weeks, though recovery experiences vary.

Movement and exercise

• First 2 weeks: Light walking is encouraged to support circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. Activities that stretch or strain the thighs should be avoided.
• Weeks 2–6: Light daily activities can gradually be resumed as tolerated. Exercise and heavy lifting are generally avoided until healing progresses.
• After 6 weeks: Many people can return to more strenuous exercise, although this depends on the extent of surgery, whether other procedures were combined, and individual healing.

Scarring
Thigh lift surgery results in permanent scarring. The location and extent of scars depend on the surgical approach, which may include incisions in the inner thigh, or extending towards the knee. The appearance of scars varies between individuals. Scars may fade and soften with time but do not disappear.

Follow-up
Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to review wound healing, scar progression, and recovery.

The financial aspects of your surgery are as important as the medical elements when planning for surgery. At Avery, the surgeries we offer fall into three different financial categories: Self-funded – aesthetic surgery; self-funded – plastic and reconstructive surgery; and health insured – plastic and reconstructive surgery.

To make sense of these three financial categories, we have created a detailed price guide to help you understand what may or may not be covered by your health insurer/Medicare and your out of pocket expenses.

To download this guide, please click here.

For more information or to book a consultation, please contact our team on 02 4002 4150.

The best time to proceed with any body contouring surgery, such as thigh lift/reduction surgery, is when your weight loss is mostly complete, and your weight has been stable for several months. If you have had surgery to help achieve weight loss, you may be required to wait at least a year before any aspect of body contouring surgery. It is advisable to have surgery once you’ve reached your preferred weight, and you are able to maintain your new weight.

It is possible to have a consultation regarding potential surgery during your weight loss journey, i.e., before your weight loss has stabilised.

The outcome of a thigh lift is influenced by many factors, including the amount of skin removed, individual healing, skin elasticity, genetics, and lifestyle. While excess skin that has been removed will not return, the natural processes of ageing, changes in weight, and differences in skin quality mean that the thighs may change in appearance over time.

Maintaining a stable weight and good overall health can support longer-term stability after surgery, but no procedure can stop the effects of ageing or prevent changes related to lifestyle or body composition. For some people, further procedures may be considered in the future if concerns about laxity or contour recur.

Pain and movement restriction after a thigh lift vary between individuals and depend on the extent of surgery. Discomfort is usually most noticeable in the first few days and is greater when moving the thighs, standing from a seated position, or walking. Pain is managed with a combination of local anaesthetic administered during surgery, prescribed tablets or injections, and physical measures such as dressings, compression garments, and, in some cases, ice packs. A personalised pain relief plan is provided before leaving hospital and adjusted at follow-up if needed.

Movement of the thighs is restricted early in recovery. For the first two weeks, patients are generally advised to avoid stretching the inner thighs or lifting the legs widely apart. Compression garments provide additional support to the surgical site and help reduce discomfort and swelling during this period. Sitting, standing, and walking can usually be resumed soon after surgery, but should be limited in duration and intensity until pain and swelling improve.

Gradual return to normal thigh function usually occurs over four to six weeks, although recovery differs between people. In combined procedures or more extensive thigh lifts, movement may be restricted for longer. Increasing pain, swelling, or difficulty with movement during recovery should prompt a clinical review to ensure healing is progressing as expected.

Yes. All thigh lift procedures result in permanent scars. The most common scar is located along the inner thigh, and in some cases it extends from the groin crease toward the knee. The length and position of the scar depend on the amount of skin removed and the surgical approach used.

The appearance of scars varies between individuals and cannot be predicted. Factors such as skin type, healing response, and the extent of tissue removal influence how scars look over time. Scars often fade or soften, but they do not disappear. Their likely position and extent will be explained during your consultation.

Liposuction is a surgical technique used to remove fat from beneath the skin. It may sometimes be performed together with procedures such as a thigh lift, abdominoplasty, or arm reduction when excess skin is being removed. Like all operations, liposuction carries risks and possible complications. These range from common, temporary effects such as bruising and swelling, to less common but potentially serious complications.

Technology-related risks
Different liposuction methods carry specific risks. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction can occasionally cause heat injury to the skin or deeper tissues. Tumescent or “super-wet” techniques, which use anaesthetic fluid, may lead to lignocaine toxicity (if concentrations are too high) or fluid accumulation in the lungs (if excessive fluid is given).

Fluid-related risks
Significant fluid loss during surgery can cause shock. In some cases, fluid may also collect beneath the skin (seroma), which can require drainage.

Infection and wound healing
Infection within fatty tissue, while uncommon, can be serious and difficult to treat. Healing may be delayed, and friction from the surgical cannula can cause burns, skin damage, or nerve injury.

Appearance-related risks
After liposuction, the skin surface can appear uneven, with rippling or asymmetry. In some people, skin may become loose if elasticity is poor. Permanent scars occur with all surgery, and the appearance of scars varies. Changes in skin sensation, pigmentation, and persistent swelling may also occur.

Deeper structural risks
Rarely, liposuction may damage deeper tissues such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs, or abdominal organs. Blood clots or fat clots can form and travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which is a serious complication. Persistent leg swelling and deep vein thrombosis can also occur.

Other risks
Other possible complications include allergic reactions to medications, ongoing pain, and general anaesthetic or heart- and lung-related complications. In some cases, further surgery may be required to manage complications.

Most people are assisted to stand and walk short distances, such as to the bathroom, within the first day after thigh lift surgery. The exact timing depends on the extent of the thigh lift, whether other procedures were performed at the same time, and how much discomfort or swelling is present.

Early walking is encouraged in hospital to support circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots, but movement will be limited. Steps are usually taken slowly and with support from nursing staff in the first few days. A compression garment is worn to provide support to the operated areas, which may make movement feel tight or restricted.

Walking distances gradually increase over the first two weeks, guided by comfort and recovery progress. It is normal to feel restricted in stride length, sitting, or climbing stairs during this period. As healing progresses, walking usually becomes easier, though recovery varies between individuals and should be guided by your surgeon’s advice at follow-up.

Private health insurance will only apply if a Medicare item number is allocated to the procedure.

• Cosmetic thigh lift: If thigh lift (thighplasty) is performed for cosmetic reasons alone, it does not attract a Medicare item number. In this situation, neither Medicare nor private health insurance provide rebates for the surgery or hospital stay.
• Post–weight loss thigh lift: A Medicare item number (30179) may apply if strict criteria are met. This generally includes significant weight loss with stable weight for at least six months and the presence of redundant skin causing recurrent skin conditions (such as rashes or infections) that have not responded to non-surgical treatment. If an item number is approved, Medicare may contribute to part of the surgical fee, and private health insurance may provide benefits towards hospital and anaesthetic costs, depending on your level of cover.

The eligibility of your procedure for a Medicare item number can only be confirmed at consultation and assessment. Patients are advised to check directly with Medicare and their health insurer to confirm any potential cover and out-of-pocket costs.

Sun exposure can interfere with scar healing and may cause scars to darken or change colour. After thigh lift surgery, scars should be protected from sun until they have matured, which may take 12 months or longer. Protection usually involves clothing that covers the thighs or applying high-SPF sunscreen once the wounds are fully healed.

Artificial tanning products, such as spray tans, should only be considered once all wounds are completely healed and there is no broken skin. The timing can differ between individuals and should be confirmed at a follow-up appointment.