The thigh lift at a glance
- Duration3 hours
- AnaesthesiaGeneral
- Hospital stay1 to 2 nights
- Time off work15 to 21 days
- Result3 months (scars: 12 months)
- Price€4,000 to €8,000
The thigh lift (cruroplasty) tightens loose skin on the inner thighs by removing the excess skin, most often combined with liposuction. It is mainly intended for people who have lost a great deal of weight. The operation takes 3 hours at Clinique Oxford in Cannes, under general anaesthesia, with one or two nights in hospital. The scars, T-shaped or L-shaped, follow the groin crease and the inner thigh. Time off work of 15 to 21 days; result for the shape at 3 months, for the scars at 12 months.
Price: €4,000 to €8,000, on a written quote after consultation (€100).
Liposuction alone or a lift: which technique for which thighs?
| Thigh liposuction alone | Lift with a T- or L-shaped scar | Lift with a transverse scar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for | Excess fat without loose skin, often in younger people | Significant excess skin, most often after major weight loss | Minor to moderate excess skin; not performed by Dr Médard de Chardon |
| Scar | Incisions of 2 to 3 mm | Groin crease and inner thigh down to the knee | Groin crease |
| Duration | 30 minutes to 2 hours | 3 hours | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Anaesthesia | Local anaesthesia with sedation, or general | General | General |
| Hospital stay | Day surgery or one night | One to two nights | Day surgery or one night |
| Time off work | 7 days | 15 to 21 days | 15 to 21 days |
Who is it for?
When the inner thigh has only excess fat, without sagging skin, liposuction alone is enough; this is the usual situation in younger people. When the skin is loose, most often after weight loss, a lift is needed to tighten it. It is combined with liposuction of the thighs or not, as needed.
The lift with a T- or L-shaped scar
This is the technique used when the excess skin is significant, most often after major weight loss. Liposuction of the thighs first reduces the excess fat, then the skin of the inner thigh is tightened and the excess removed. There are two scars: the horizontal limb in the groin crease, and the vertical limb along the inner thigh, from the groin crease down to the knee.
Before: the skin of the inner thighs is loose, often after major weight loss.
- 1Loose skin on the inner thighs
- 2Horizontal scar in the groin crease
- 3Vertical scar along the inner thigh, down to the knee
Why Dr Médard de Chardon does not perform the lift with a transverse scar
This variant places a single scar in the groin crease, for minor to moderate excess skin. Dr Médard de Chardon does not perform it: the benefit is most often clearly outweighed by the drawback of the scar.
Dr Médard de Chardon’s experience
- Surgery after weight loss: arm lift, body lift, abdominoplasty, leg liposuction.
See all before and after photos
How is the operation carried out?
- ConsultationAt the practice, 101 rue d’Antibes, Cannes (€100): examination of the skin and fat of the thighs, choice of technique, written quote. Statutory 15-day cooling-off period.
- Anaesthetic consultationWith an anaesthetist (anaesthesia and intensive care physician).
- OperationAt Clinique Oxford in Cannes, under general anaesthesia, lasting 3 hours, with one or two nights in hospital.
- ClosureDissolvable stitches: no stitches to remove.
- Follow-up visitsDay 7, day 15, month 1, month 3, month 6, month 12.
What is the recovery like?
- Moderate pain and discomfort with everyday movements.
- Result visible straight away; swelling of the thighs and legs for 21 days.
- Compression panty: 4 weeks; compression stockings: 15 days.
- Work: 15 to 21 days; sport: 6 weeks.
- Final result for the shape at 3 months; final scars at 12 months.
Where will you be?
14 days after the procedure
What are the risks?
Like any surgery, a thigh lift carries risks, which are explained in detail at the consultation: a scar that widens or migrates downwards, delayed healing in the groin crease, haematoma, collection of lymph (seroma), prolonged swelling of the legs, changes in sensation, asymmetry and, more rarely, phlebitis (deep vein thrombosis), which is prevented with compression stockings.
Choosing a qualified, experienced and reputable surgeon reduces these risks, and can even eliminate some of them.
Can a thigh lift be covered by insurance?
€4,000 to €8,000
As with the arm lift, cover is possible after a request for prior approval from French national health insurance (Assurance Maladie) if the criteria are met; otherwise, the operation is classed as cosmetic surgery. Price: €4,000 to €8,000, on a written quote after consultation (€100).
Book an appointment: +33 (0)4 93 68 86 68 or Doctolib.
Frequently asked questions about the thigh lift
Is liposuction enough to firm the inner thighs?
Not if the skin is loose. Liposuction removes fat but does not tighten the skin; it is only enough when the skin is firm.
Where are the scars from a thigh lift?
In the groin crease and along the inner thigh, down to the knee. They fade gradually up to month 12.
Why not limit a thigh lift to a scar in the groin crease?
That scar alone allows only a limited correction: the benefit does not justify the scar. Dr Médard de Chardon does not perform this technique.
How long is the hospital stay for a thigh lift?
One to two nights at Clinique Oxford in Cannes.
When can I return to work and sport after a thigh lift?
Work after 15 to 21 days, sport after 6 weeks.
Do I need to wear compression after a thigh lift?
Yes: a compression panty for 4 weeks and compression stockings for 15 days.
How much does a thigh lift cost?
From €4,000 to €8,000, on a written quote after the consultation (€100).