Leg Lift Introduction
Achieving smooth, toned legs can be challenging—even with regular exercise and a healthy diet. Age, weight fluctuations, and genetics can all contribute to sagging skin and unwanted fat accumulation in the thighs and lower body. A leg lift, also known as thigh lift surgery, is designed to reshape and contour the legs by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue for a smoother, firmer appearance.
At Maryland Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Adam Summers and Dr. Christopher Spittler perform advanced leg lift procedures tailored to each patient’s needs. Whether you’re looking to enhance the contour of your inner thighs, outer thighs, or both, a leg lift can help restore confidence in your lower body and allow clothing to fit more comfortably and attractively.
A leg lift is a body contouring procedure that surgically removes excess skin and fat from the thighs and upper legs to improve tone and proportion. It is commonly performed on patients who have experienced major weight loss, resulting in loose, hanging skin that cannot be corrected with exercise alone. The surgery not only reshapes the legs but can also address chafing, skin irritation, and hygiene concerns caused by excess tissue.
Through carefully placed incisions, the surgeon tightens underlying tissue, trims away redundant skin, and may use liposuction to remove localized fat deposits. The result is a smoother, firmer leg contour with better definition and improved symmetry between the upper and lower body.
Various types of leg lifts depends on the patient’s individual needs and medical history. At Maryland Plastic Surgery, your dedicated surgeon will help you choose the best option for you.
This procedure focuses on the upper inner thigh area, where skin tends to be thinner and more prone to sagging. An incision is made in the groin crease, allowing excess skin and fat to be removed and the remaining tissue lifted for a more youthful appearance.
For patients with more extensive skin laxity, a vertical thigh lift may be recommended. This involves an incision running vertically along the inner thigh to remove larger amounts of skin and tissue. It is often chosen by patients who have undergone massive weight loss.
An outer thigh lift targets the lateral portion of the upper legs, lifting and tightening sagging skin that often extends into the buttocks or hip area. This type of lift is frequently combined with lower body lift procedures for more comprehensive results.
At Maryland Plastic Surgery & PURE MedSpa, Dr. Adam Summers and Dr. Christopher Spittler bring decades of experience and artistry to every cosmetic surgery they perform. Known for their precision and natural-looking results, both surgeons take a personalized approach—starting with an in-depth consultation to understand your goals and areas of concern. Whether you’re looking to lift sagging jowls, smooth deep lines, or restore youthful contours, Dr. Summers and Dr. Spittler are committed to helping you look like the best version of yourself. Their reputation for excellence and their dedication to patient satisfaction means you’ll be in the best hands—every step of the way.
A leg lift is not just about aesthetics—it’s about restoring comfort, confidence, and function to your lower body. By removing unwanted tissue and reshaping the legs, patients often feel more confident in their clothing, experience fewer skin-related issues, and enjoy a smoother silhouette.
Benefits of a leg lift include:
Removal of excess, sagging skin from the thighs
Improved tone and contour of the inner and/or outer thighs
Enhanced lower body proportions and symmetry
Reduction of skin chafing and irritation
Increased comfort and mobility in daily activities
Improved fit of clothing and swimwear
Long-lasting results with maintained weight and fitness
The best candidates for a leg lift are individuals who are in good health, have realistic expectations, and are troubled by loose skin or poor contour in the thigh area. This procedure is especially beneficial for people who have undergone significant weight loss or who have excess skin due to aging or genetics.
You may be a good candidate for a leg lift if you:
Have loose or sagging skin on the inner or outer thighs
Are at or near your goal weight and committed to maintaining it
Have stable health and no conditions that impair healing
Do not smoke or are willing to quit before and after surgery
Experience discomfort or hygiene issues due to excess skin
Want a smoother, more sculpted appearance in the legs
During your consultation, Dr. Summers or Dr. Spittler will assess your goals and anatomy to determine the best type of leg lift for you.
LET’S GET YOU STARTED
On the day of your surgery at Maryland Plastic Surgery & PURE MedSpa, you’ll be welcomed into our state-of-the-art surgical suite by Dr. Summers, Dr. Spittler, and our experienced clinical team. Before your procedure begins, we’ll review your surgical plan with you once more — giving you a final opportunity to ask questions or share any last-minute thoughts. Our goal is to ensure you feel completely comfortable, confident, and cared for every step of the way.
A board-certified anesthesiologist will then administer the appropriate anesthesia, which will have been carefully selected and discussed during your consultation to ensure a pain-free, relaxed experience throughout your procedure.
Once your ideal results have been achieved, your surgeon will carefully close the incisions using advanced suturing techniques designed to support healing and minimize visible scarring. In some cases, a small drain may be placed to prevent fluid buildup and support a smoother recovery process.
On the day of your procedure, you will arrive at our state-of-the-art surgical suite, where our team will ensure your safety and comfort throughout every step. After reviewing your surgical plan with your surgeon, pre-operative markings will be made and anesthesia will be administered—typically general anesthesia.
Once the anesthesia has taken effect, incisions will be made according to the type of leg lift being performed. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the underlying tissues are tightened and lifted. If needed, liposuction will be used to further sculpt the area.
Once the desired contour has been achieved, the incisions are closed with sutures and dressings are applied. Compression garments are used to minimize swelling and support the new shape. Most leg lifts are outpatient procedures, allowing you to return home the same day with aftercare instructions and support.
Recovery from a leg lift will vary depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing ability. Most patients can return to light activity within 1 to 2 weeks and resume more strenuous activity after 4 to 6 weeks.
Here’s what you can expect:
Swelling, bruising, and soreness for the first few days
Wearing compression garments to support healing and minimize swelling
Temporary limitations in movement, especially walking and bending
Sutures and any surgical drains typically removed within 1 to 2 weeks
Follow-up visits to monitor healing progress
Gradual return to daily activities and exercise over several weeks
Patients are encouraged to rest and follow all post-operative instructions to ensure smooth healing and optimal results.
FAIR & TRANSPARENT PRICING
The cost of a leg lift at Maryland Plastic Surgery typically ranges from $8,000 to $12,500 depending on the complexity of the procedure, the areas being treated, and whether liposuction is performed in conjunction. Factors such as surgeon experience, anesthesia, and facility fees will also influence the total cost.
During your private consultation, Dr. Summers will perform a detailed evaluation, listen carefully to your goals, and design a customized treatment plan that best addresses your needs. Once your surgical plan is finalized, our Patient Coordinator will provide you with a personalized cost breakdown and discuss available financing options.
For your convenience, we proudly partner with trusted financing providers such as PatientFi, Alphaeon Credit, and CareCredit, making it easier to move forward with your procedure on terms that fit your budget. Whether you choose to pay upfront or through a flexible monthly plan, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
For general pricing estimates on our full range of services, we invite you to visit our Pricing Page.
Yes, a leg lift requires incisions, and these will result in scars. However, your surgeon will place them strategically in the groin crease or along the inner thigh to keep them as hidden as possible. Over time, with proper care and scar management, the scars typically fade significantly and become less noticeable.
Results from a leg lift are long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. While your body will continue to age naturally, the improved contour and tighter skin achieved through surgery will remain significantly better than pre-surgery.
Liposuction is often included to enhance contour and remove small areas of fat that cannot be addressed through skin removal alone. However, it is not mandatory and may not be necessary in every case. Your surgeon will determine whether liposuction should be part of your surgical plan.
As with any surgery, there are risks, including infection, bleeding, asymmetry, numbness, scarring, and delayed healing. At Maryland Plastic Surgery, your safety is a top priority, and our experienced surgeons use advanced techniques and strict safety protocols to minimize risks and promote optimal healing.
Most patients return to non-strenuous work within 10 to 14 days after surgery. If your job requires physical labor, more time may be needed. You will be advised to avoid heavy lifting, squatting, or vigorous activity for at least 4 to 6 weeks to allow full recovery.
Yes. Many patients choose to combine a leg lift with other body contouring surgeries, such as an arm lift, tummy tuck, or body lift, particularly after major weight loss. Combining procedures can reduce total recovery time and deliver more comprehensive results.
Leg lift surgery is typically considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance. However, if excess skin is causing chronic irritation, rashes, or hygiene problems, a case may be made for partial coverage. Our team can guide you through financing options if needed.
Post-operative discomfort is common but manageable. Patients usually experience soreness, tightness, and swelling in the treated areas. Prescription pain medication is provided initially, and most patients transition to over-the-counter options within several days.
Yes, patients are encouraged to take short, gentle walks as early as the day after surgery to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. However, more strenuous walking, bending, or climbing stairs should be limited until cleared by your surgeon.
Weight gain can stretch the skin and compromise your results. Maintaining a stable weight is key to preserving the contours achieved during surgery. Significant weight changes may cause the skin to loosen again and diminish the appearance of your results.
Financing is available to ensure your dream results fit comfortably within your budget.
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