Thigh Lift Surgery in Las Vegas, NV
The thigh lift procedure usually involves both liposuction and the removal of excessive skin from either the inner or outer thigh or both.
Dr. Arthur Cambeiro is a board-certified plastic surgeon performing thigh lift surgery in Las Vegas, Nevada. If you live outside of the Las Vegas area, please contact us to learn more about our fly-in program.
The effects of time and gravity can cause the skin of the inner and outer thigh to lose tone. This loss of tone can cause the skin to sag or lose the smooth appearance of an earlier age. This condition can be exaggerated by weight loss (see this page for more information about a full body lift). In general, the inner thighs are affected earlier than the outer thighs.
Along with the sagging skin, the thighs can be an area of fat collection. Excessive fat can produce an unpleasant thigh contour. For many individuals, in particular women, the fatty deposits do not respond to weight loss or exercise. Liposuction for Las Vegas patients, by itself, can improve the contour of the thighs when skin tone is good and excessive fat is the primary problem.
Dr. Cambeiro often combines thigh lifting with a body lift procedure, which usually includes a tummy tuck in Las Vegas and a buttock lift.
How Is Thigh Lift Performed?
- A thigh lift procedure takes between two and four hours, depending on whether both the inner and outer thighs are to be lifted and whether it is part of a body lift.
- Usually, the procedure begins with liposuction, followed by the removal of excess skin.
- The sutures used to close the skin are of the dissolving kind and do not need to be removed.
- Sterile dressings are placed on the incisions, followed by an elastic garment that goes from the waist to just above the knees.
Always discuss all of your concerns and expectations with Dr. Cambeiro before your procedure date.
If you are considering a thigh lift, Las Vegas plastic surgeon Dr. Cambeiro invites you to request a consultation or give our office a call at (702) 566-8300 for confidential and informative answers to all your questions. If you prefer, you can send us an email using our discreet online form.
What Are the Risks/Side Effects of Thigh Lift Surgery?
- Dr. Cambeiro performs a relatively large number of thigh lift procedures for Las Vegas area men and women with generally very good results. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there are complications that can occur and some that are more specific to this operation.
- Some side effects could include: temporary pain, swelling, soreness, and numbness of the buttock area, bruising, and tiredness. Note that all these symptoms are common and may last for several weeks.
- In addition, rare side effects you may experience might include: blood clots, infection, bleeding under the skin flap, and poor wound healing resulting in conspicuous scarring.
- If you smoke, you will need to quit four weeks before your thigh or body lift surgery and not resume for at least two weeks after your surgery. Smoking decreases blood circulation to the skin and impedes healing.
- Any adverse reactions to anesthesia
Meet Arthur Cambeiro, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Voted one of Las Vegas’ top plastic surgeons for 20 consecutive years, Dr. Cambeiro brings impressive credentials to every procedure, including Mayo Clinic training and double board certification. Known for his honest, caring approach, Dr. Cambeiro is deeply committed to patient safety, satisfaction, and consistently exceptional outcomes.
What Happens During the SurgiSpa Thigh Lift Experience?
Dr. Cambeiro will perform a thorough medical and surgical history as well as a focused physical exam. He will need to know all of your medical conditions, current medication regimen including vitamins and herbal remedies. In addition, he will need to know your drug allergies as well as any reactions to medications you have had in the past. If you smoke, you will need to quit four weeks before your thigh or body lift surgery and not resume for at least four weeks after your surgery. Smoking decreases blood circulation to the skin and impedes healing.
Your height and weight will be recorded at each office visit — please note that our office is in Henderson, Nevada, just outside of Las Vegas. In addition, he will assess the tone of the skin of the thighs and determine whether excessive fat is contributing to the patient’s concerns regarding thigh contour. He will then discuss the technique of liposuction and the thigh lift in detail.
Furthermore, Dr. Cambeiro will explain the anesthesia he will use during your procedure. He will address the risks involved in the surgery as well as your expectations of the overall outcome. You will also be given a cost estimate for your procedure.
Your Second Office Visit
You will meet with Dr. Cambeiro approximately two weeks prior to your cosmetic surgery in Las Vegas, at which time any remaining questions you may have regarding the operation will be answered. You will have an opportunity to discuss and receive the following information:
- You will receive a general physical examination to ensure that no new underlying medical problems exist that may interfere with the safety of the surgery. Any infections that you may have should be discussed with Dr. Cambeiro before your operative date.
- You will receive specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery. The instructions will include guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins, iron tablets, and certain medications.
- A list of your medications will be reviewed, and certain medications should be discontinued at least 2 weeks prior to the operation.
- You will be asked to refrain from taking any medications or other substances that could potentially be the cause of surgical complications, such as aspirin, NSAIDs, and vitamin E. These medications interfere with the blood clotting mechanism and can cause bleeding complications.
- Patients with high blood pressure must have their condition well controlled prior to surgery and should plan to take their blood pressure medication right up to the time of their operation.
- Pre-operative digital photographs are taken so that you can see the improvement from your surgery afterwards. You will be asked to sign a photographic consent prior to having any photographs taken. Pictures are usually taken 3 months after your thigh or body lift procedure.
- Dr. Cambeiro will write prescriptions for post-operative antibiotics to decrease your risk of infection and a pain medication for post-operative pain relief.
- You will receive specific instructions regarding the date and time of your procedure before leaving his office.
- You will be instructed not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.
- You will be asked to pay your surgical fee at your pre-operative visit. The fee is determined at the time of the consultation, and is different for every scenario or combination of areas treated.
- Scheduling surgery involves payment of a non-refundable deposit, as there are costs involved with preparing for the operation, and for holding operating room time.
- You will be asked to sign a consent form for the surgical procedure as well as for board-certified anesthesia.
- You will be asked to pre-arrange for somebody to drive you home from the surgery office after your surgery. You cannot operate motor vehicles after surgery, and we will not place recently sedated patients in taxis for transport home. We can arrange for medical transport in the event you cannot find an escort. It is mandatory to have someone stay with you for at least 24 hours after thigh and body lift surgery for your comfort and safety.
I had a great experience with Dr. Cambeiro and his entire team from start to finish. Everyone was professional, kind, and made me feel completely at ease throughout the entire process. Dr. Cambeiro was attentive, took the time to listen to my goals, and answered all of my questions thoroughly. Every step—from the initial consultation to post-care—was smooth and well-organized. I felt supported the whole way through and couldn't be happier with the outcome. Highly recommend!
What Can I Expect on My Thigh Lift Surgery Day?
Dr. Cambeiro will place skin markings on your thighs to direct him during the procedure. You will meet with the anesthesiologist to review your medical history. The procedure will take two to five hours, depending on the amount of work required.
Wear loose fitting clothing that will wash easily in the event they are soiled.
Leave all jewelry, contact lenses, or other valuables at home. Remove all body jewelry from pierced body parts the day of thigh and/or body lift surgery.
Your vital signs will be checked by Dr. Cambeiro's nurse before your operation begins.
What Happens During Thigh Lift Recovery?
- You should not drive until you have a normal return of daily activity and are off any narcotic medications.
- You should avoid strenuous activities such as bending, lifting, and sports for about three weeks.
- Avoid drinking alcohol as it can lead to fluid retention and delay recovery.
- A responsible adult escort must be available to transport you to and from the operation and be available for the first 24 hours.
- During that time, the caretaker will assist the patient in getting up to the bathroom, taking medications, and eating and drinking. During the first 12-24 hours, you stay on a liquid diet and advance yourself as tolerated.
- You will probably feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you will be up and about in 24-48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication.
- Antibiotics are continued for five days after the procedure to lower the risk of infection.
- You should be up and walking on the morning following your surgery, and a light, solid diet should be begun to the point of tolerance.
- If you have a temperature over 99.5 degrees, chills or sweats, a markedly different degree of swelling between sides, and/or increasing rather than decreasing pain—call the office immediately!
- You should be able to return to work within a few days to a week, depending on the level of activity required for your job.
- Dr. Cambeiro will let you know when a good time is to start up your exercises and normal activities.
- You are allowed to bathe 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. Showering is then permitted, but the incisions should not be submerged, as in a tub or pool.
What Can I Expect from My Thigh Lift Result?
- The thighs will feel very tight for several days. In the first few days after surgery, you will feel most comfortable lying flat. Over the next several days, you will gradually be able to sit upright.
- Occasional twinges of pain from time to time may occur during the first several months after surgery. It takes several months for the thighs to regain a normal feel.
- Temporary numbness, particularly just below the incision, is common. The scar often becomes redder several weeks after surgery and begins to fade two to three months later. While the scar will never disappear completely, its appearance is usually very satisfactory. It may take the scar as long as 18 months to reach its final appearance.
To learn more, request a consultation or give our office a call at (702) 566-8300.
The entire staff is extremely friendly and helpful and Dr. Cambeiro is very professional. I‘m very happy with my results and would definitely recommend. They made everything a breeze.
Thigh Lift FAQs
What's the difference between a thigh lift and liposuction alone?
Liposuction removes excess fat but doesn’t tighten loose skin. A thigh lift removes both excess fat and sagging skin, so if your skin has lost elasticity, a thigh lift will give a smoother, firmer result than liposuction alone.
Am I a good candidate for a thigh lift?
Good candidates are healthy adults bothered by loose, sagging thigh skin and stubborn fat that hasn’t responded to diet or exercise, including patients who’ve lost significant weight. A consultation will confirm whether a thigh lift, liposuction, or a combination is right for you.
What's the difference between an inner (medial) thigh lift and an outer thigh lift?
An inner thigh lift targets sagging skin and fat along the inner thighs, which tends to loosen earliest, while an outer thigh lift addresses the outer thigh and hip area. Many patients need both to achieve balanced contouring.
Will a thigh lift leave visible scars?
Some scarring is unavoidable with any skin-removal procedure, but incisions are placed in the groin crease or along the inner thigh where they’re easiest to conceal. Scars continue to fade and can take up to about 18 months to reach their final appearance.
Can a thigh lift be combined with other body contouring procedures?
Yes. A thigh lift is often performed alongside a body lift, tummy tuck, or buttock lift, especially for patients who’ve had significant weight loss and want more comprehensive contouring in a single recovery period.
Is a thigh lift a good option after major weight loss?
Yes. Patients who’ve lost a large amount of weight often have excess, sagging thigh skin that diet and exercise can’t correct, and a thigh lift is one of the most effective ways to remove that skin and restore a smoother contour.
How long does thigh lift surgery take?
A thigh lift typically takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on how much of the thigh is being treated and whether it’s combined with other procedures.
What type of anesthesia is used for a thigh lift?
Thigh lift surgery is performed under anesthesia, and your surgical team will determine the safest option for you based on your health history and the extent of the procedure during your consultation.
Will I have stitches to remove after a thigh lift?
No. Incisions are closed with dissolving sutures, so there’s nothing to remove at a follow-up visit.
What should I do to prepare for thigh lift surgery?
You’ll need to stop smoking at least four weeks before surgery, review your medications and health history with your surgeon, and make sure your blood pressure is well controlled. Your care team will give you a full list of pre-operative instructions.
Will I need someone to help me at home after surgery?
Yes. You’ll need a caregiver available around the clock for the first day or so after surgery, plus a ride home, since you won’t be able to drive until you’re off pain medication and back to normal activity.
How soon can I shower after a thigh lift?
Most patients can shower within about 48 to 72 hours after surgery, though submerging in a bath or pool needs to wait until your surgeon gives the go-ahead.
Will I need to wear a compression garment after a thigh lift?
Yes. You’ll wear an elastic compression garment from your waist to above your knees after surgery to help control swelling and support your new contour while you heal.
How much pain is involved in thigh lift recovery?
Some pain, soreness, and tiredness are normal for the first few weeks, along with swelling, bruising, and possible numbness around the buttock area. These effects are temporary and improve steadily as you heal.
When can I return to work after a thigh lift?
Many patients return to desk-type work within about a week, though this depends on how physically demanding your job is and how you’re healing. Your surgeon will help you decide the right time based on your progress.
When can I resume exercise after a thigh lift?
Strenuous activity, heavy lifting, bending, and sports should be avoided for about three weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will let you know when it’s safe to gradually resume your normal fitness routine.
Is numbness normal after a thigh lift?
Yes. Temporary numbness in the treated area is common and can persist for several months while the nerves heal. It typically resolves gradually on its own.
What are the risks of thigh lift surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks, including bruising, swelling, and soreness that resolve over time, as well as rarer complications such as blood clots, infection, bleeding, or issues with wound healing. Your surgeon will review your individual risk factors during your consultation.