Thigh liposuction

Thigh liposuction removes localised fat from the inner and outer thighs. Me Clinic's plastic surgeons perform the procedure to address fat deposits that have not responded to diet and exercise, and to reduce disproportion between the thighs and the rest of the body.

Areas treated

Inner thighs - the medial thigh, where fat is common and often resistant to exercise.
Outer thighs - the lateral thigh and the area sometimes called saddlebags.
Upper thighs - including the area beneath the buttock crease.

Inner and outer thighs are typically treated together and are quoted as a combined area. Outcomes vary depending on individual anatomy, skin quality and the volume of fat removed. Individual results may vary.

Fat versus skin

Liposuction removes fat. It does not remove excess skin.

The inner thigh in particular is an area where skin quality matters, because the skin there is thinner and less elastic than elsewhere on the body. Removing a significant volume of fat from an area with poor skin elasticity can leave the skin loose rather than smooth.

Where loose skin is the primary concern - common after major weight loss - a thigh lift is the relevant procedure. A thigh lift removes skin and leaves a longer scar than liposuction. Your surgeon will assess your skin quality at consultation and advise which applies. This assessment matters more on the thighs than on most other areas.

What the procedure involves

A cannula is inserted through small incisions and attached to a suction device to extract fat. Incisions are placed discreetly, often in the groin crease or behind the knee.

It is usually performed as a same-day procedure and can be done under local or general anaesthetic depending on the volume being removed. Larger volumes and treatment of both inner and outer thighs generally require a general anaesthetic. See local or general anaesthesia.

Suitability

Assessment at consultation establishes whether you are a suitable candidate. A good candidate is in good general health with realistic expectations, has localised fat with reasonable skin elasticity, and is at a stable weight.

Liposuction is a contouring procedure rather than a weight loss method, and is generally appropriate for people within about 30 percent of their ideal body weight. Smokers have an increased risk of complications.

Costs

The surgeon's fee for inner and outer thighs is around $10,000 as a combined area. Where only one aspect is treated, the single-area range of $4,000 to $8,000 applies.

Hospital, theatre and anaesthetist fees are additional; anaesthetist fees range from $800 to $1,200 per hour where a general anaesthetic is used. As at September 2024 and including GST, a consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon is $350.

See liposuction costs for the full breakdown.

Recovery

You need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours where a general anaesthetic is used.
Compression garments are worn to reduce swelling and assist recovery.
Expect swelling and bruising, settling over the following weeks. The thighs can swell more noticeably than some other areas because of gravity.
Avoid exercise for the first two weeks; gentle walking is encouraged and helps circulation.
Most people return to work after two to three weeks and to their usual exercise routine by around six weeks.
Domestic flights are usually fine at around two weeks; wait six to eight weeks for international flights and before swimming.

Most patients are seen at seven to ten days, then at six to eight weeks, three months, six months and twelve months. The final contour becomes clearer over several months as swelling resolves.

Risks and complications

All surgical procedures carry risks and potential complications, including infection, bruising, swelling, pain, scarring, bleeding and haematoma, seroma, contour irregularity, changes in sensation from nerve damage, anaesthesia complications and blood clots. Liposuction can be traumatic for internal organs, and visceral perforation, while uncommon, is a recognised risk.

Contour irregularity is a particular consideration on the thighs, where the skin is thinner and irregularities can be more visible than on the abdomen or back.

Risks are discussed with you in detail during the consultation process, and you are given written information to take home. Please read our information on the risks and complications of cosmetic surgery before proceeding.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Referral and cooling-off period

Since 1 July 2023, all patients are required to have a GP referral before seeing a plastic surgeon or doctor about cosmetic surgery. For any cosmetic surgery there is a compulsory one-week cooling-off period after your second consultation before surgery can be booked.

See thigh lift, liposuction, or liposuction costs.