Thigh Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Eau Claire and Wisconsin

A thigh lift is a surgical procedure that aims to eliminate excess skin from around the inner and outer thighs. The thighs are a prominent part of the body and can greatly influence your appearance and self-esteem. Several factors, such as weight loss, aging, and more, can result in sagging skin in this region. A thigh lift can help refine the upper legs and alleviate chafing. If you are feeling self-conscious about your thighs, feel as though bottoms do not fit in a flattering way, and want to feel more comfortable in your skin, a thigh lift may be a good fit for you.

Dr. Dax Demaree of Premier Surgical Arts is a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, boarded by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, and in general surgery by the American College of Osteopathic Surgery. He has over ten years of experience. Throughout his practice, he has established a strong reputation for achieving consistent, exceptional results for his body-contouring patients.

If you are ready to learn more about thigh lifts, we encourage you to schedule a consultation online or call our Altoona office at (715) 575-5800.

About Thigh Lifts

A thigh lift is a popular cosmetic procedure that is performed to redefine and reshape the thighs/upper legs. Also referred to as a thighplasty, this procedure consists of removing skin from around the thighs that can accumulate and persist after undergoing a major weight loss, or may simply occur as a result of the natural aging process or due to other factors.

There are several techniques that Dr. Demaree can use when performing a thigh lift to focus on either the outer thighs, inner thighs, or both:

  • Medial Thigh Lift: An inner thigh lift, also known as a medial thigh lift, is optimal for addressing sagging skin in the inner region of the legs. (1) This approach
  • Lateral Thigh Lift: A lateral thigh lift, or outer thigh lift, aims to address concerns along the outer thighs and hips.

Benefits

Undergoing a thigh lift offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Improved Figure: A thigh lift can create a more balanced, slimmer, and proportionate appearance.
  • Enhanced Confidence: Many patients experience an improvement in their confidence after seeing the results of their thigh lift, often feeling more comfortable wearing clothing that shows off their legs.
  • Enhanced Mobility: By removing excess skin, you may experience more ease of movement and general comfort.
  • Customized Approach: Each thigh lift procedure is tailored to fit your unique needs and anatomy, ensuring that the results match your desired appearance.
  • Long-Lasting Effects: With a healthy lifestyle, the results of a thigh lift can last for several years.

Candidates

  • Ideal candidates for a thigh lift:
  • Have excess skin in the thigh region.
  • Maintain good overall health and do not have underlying medical conditions that could affect recovery or results. Hold realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure.
  • Are nonsmokers or are willing to stop using nicotine before surgery.

Dr. Demaree determines each individual’s eligibility during a personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

Because each thigh lift procedure is personalized, you must attend a personal consultation so that Dr. Demaree can develop your treatment plan. During your consultation, he will meet with you to explain what a thigh lift entails and learn more about your medical history, current concerns, and your desired results and outcomes.

To schedule your personal consultation at our Altoona office, please submit our online contact form or call our office directly at (715) 575-5800.

Preparation

Dr. Demaree will provide you with a set of preparation instructions. These instructions may vary depending on the details of your treatment plan—each is designed to support a seamless recovery and the best possible results. They might include:

  • Discontinue using blood-thinning medications and supplements as directed.
  • Stop using nicotine several weeks in advance.
  • Arrange for transportation to and from the procedure.
  • Arrange at-home assistance throughout your initial recovery period.
  • Pick up any prescriptions or other medications beforehand.

Recovery

Dr. Demaree and his team will provide at-home wound care instructions for you during your consultation, so that you understand how to care for your incisions as you heal. They will also be available throughout your recovery to support and guide you, answering any questions you may have.

When recovering from your thigh lift, it is common to experience temporary effects such as swelling, bruising, or tenderness. These effects typically subside on their own, but may also be mitigated using medications as prescribed by Dr. Demaree as directed. The day after your surgery, you may slowly start walking around to help improve your circulation, which can enhance your healing. After about two weeks, you may return to your career after being cleared by Dr. Demaree, but you will need to continue avoiding high-impact or physical activities for longer. The typical recovery period lasts between six to eight weeks, but this can vary.

Results

Immediately following your procedure, you will be able to notice an improvement in the sculpt of your thighs. The full results of your thigh lift will become more apparent as any residual swelling diminishes, revealing more defined upper legs. The results can last for several years, but it is important to continue to practice healthy lifestyle habits. Fluctuations in weight can alter the effects of your procedure.

Corresponding Procedures

Dr. Demaree can combine several different procedures to help you address multiple parts of the body at once and achieve more comprehensive results. Some of the most popular procedures include:

Liposuction

If needed, Dr. Demaree may perform liposuction during a tummy tuck to remove bothersome fat deposits found in your thighs. (2) He will first inject a tumescent solution into the targeted areas; this mixture consists of epinephrine, saline, and a local anesthetic to help minimize any bleeding, swell the fat cells, and further numb the treatment area. He will then create a small incision near the treatment site and insert a thin tube called a cannula. He will gently move the cannula back and forth to break up the fat deposits before gently suctioning them out of the thighs.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that is performed to retighten the abdominal muscles and eliminate excess skin and fat from around the midsection. Also known as an abdominoplasty, this procedure is often performed to redefine one’s figure after significant weight loss or pregnancy. Dr. Demaree can perform a tummy tuck to create a smoother, flatter, and more toned figure, as well as repair separated core muscles.

To learn more about the other treatments and procedures we offer, we encourage you to read Dr. Demaree’s blog!

Cost of Thigh Lifts in Eau Claire

Dr. Demaree will discuss the cost of your thigh lift with you after your treatment plan has been developed. We understand that aesthetic procedures are an investment and believe that each patient should have affordable access to their services, which is why we have partnered with several reputable lending companies to offer flexible financing options.

To learn more, we invite you to schedule your consultation online or by calling (715) 575-5800.

Schedule Consultation

FAQ

What is the typical recovery time after a thigh lift?

The full recovery time will vary between patients, but most patients can return to their careers and other light activities after about two weeks. Light walking and careful movement can resume as soon as the day after the procedure. Patients must refrain from more strenuous activities until Dr. Demaree improves.

Will there be noticeable scars after my thigh lift?

While you may initially notice some scarring, it will fade considerably over time. Dr. Demaree carefully chooses the incision locations to make them as inconspicuous as possible.

Who is considered an ideal candidate for a thigh lift?

Ideal candidates for a thigh lift typically include those with excess skin around their thighs. Dr. Demaree and his team will determine each potential patient’s candidacy during their personal consultation. Patients with stubborn fat deposits in the thighs that they would like to address may benefit from a combined procedure with liposuction.

Are the results of a thigh lift permanent?

While the results are long-lasting, changes in weight or age-related factors can impact the results of your procedure over time. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help support your results in the long term.

Can I combine my thigh lift procedure with another?

Yes, many patients choose to combine their thigh lifts with other cosmetic procedures for more comprehensive results. Common procedures include liposuction and a tummy tuck. For more information and personalized suggestions, we recommend that you schedule a consultation with Dr. Demaree.

References

  1. Bell D, Winters R. Thighplasty. Nih.gov. Published July 17, 2023. Accessed July 25, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594236/#article-149361.s4
  2. Gentile P, Gigliotti S, Colicchia G, et al. Medial thighplasty: Horizontal and vertical procedures after massive weight loss. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2012;5(1):20. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.94330