Medial Thigh Lift in Gig Harbor, WA
Reshape and firm the inner thighs with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Melissa Larsen, serving Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and the greater Puget Sound area.
Medial Thigh Lift
Loose, sagging skin on the inner thighs is a frustrating concern that affects patients at many stages of life — from those who have experienced significant weight loss to those simply noticing the natural changes that come with aging. When the inner thighs rub together, chafe, or prevent you from feeling comfortable in shorts, swimwear, or everyday clothing, it can quietly affect your confidence and quality of life.
A medial thigh lift removes excess skin and tightens the inner thigh to create a smoother, firmer contour. When combined with liposuction, it can also reduce stubborn fat for a more complete and balanced result.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
A medial thigh lift may be right for you if you:
Have loose, sagging, or excess skin on the inner thighs
Have experienced significant weight loss and are at or near a stable goal weight
Notice inner thigh skin that doesn't respond to exercise
Experience chafing or discomfort due to excess inner thigh skin
Are bothered by the appearance of your thighs in clothing or swimwear
Are in good overall health with realistic expectations
During consultation, Dr. Larsen assesses your skin laxity, tissue quality, and personal goals to determine whether a thigh lift, liposuction, or a combination approach will best achieve your desired outcome.
Procedure Overview
Surgery is performed at an accredited outpatient facility and patients return home the same day.
Duration: 1–3 hours, depending on the extent of correction
Anesthesia: General
Technique: Removal of excess skin and tissue; liposuction may be incorporated to address stubborn fat deposits
Incisions: Typically placed in the groin crease, extending along the inner thigh as needed — positioned to keep scarring as discreet as possible
The length and placement of incisions depend on the amount of skin being removed. Dr. Larsen will discuss scar placement and what to expect in full during your consultation.
Recovery
Recovery requires some modifications to daily routine, particularly in the first few weeks. Here's what to expect:
Week 1 Swelling, bruising, and tightness in the thighs are normal. Walking is encouraged but should be gentle and limited. A compression garment is typically worn. Avoid prolonged sitting or positions that place tension on incisions.
Weeks 1–2 Bruising fades and swelling gradually improves. Most patients return to desk work and light daily activities. Avoid stairs, squatting, and any strenuous lower body movement.
Weeks 3–4 Mobility continues to improve. Light activity may resume as directed by Dr. Larsen. Most patients feel significantly more comfortable by this point.
Week 6+ Most normal activities and exercise can fully resume. Scars will continue to mature and fade over the following months.
Dr. Larsen provides detailed postoperative instructions and follow-up visits throughout your recovery to monitor healing and answer any questions.
Results
A medial thigh lift creates a firmer, smoother inner thigh contour — with results that are immediately visible and long-lasting when weight remains stable.
Swelling and bruising resolve over the first few weeks
Final contour becomes fully apparent at 3–6 months as swelling fully subsides and scars continue to mature
Scars fade significantly over time, typically becoming much less noticeable within 12–18 months
Many patients find that clothing fits better, chafing is eliminated, and they feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies
Maintaining a stable weight after surgery helps preserve your results long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have visible scars? Scarring is a natural part of any thigh lift. Dr. Larsen places incisions in the groin crease wherever possible to keep them as hidden as can be, and scars typically fade considerably over time. The extent of scarring depends on how much skin is being removed. This is an important part of the conversation during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.
Can liposuction alone achieve the same result? Liposuction is effective at removing excess fat but does not address loose or sagging skin. For patients with significant skin laxity — whether from weight loss or aging — a thigh lift is typically needed to achieve a smooth, toned appearance. In many cases, both are used together for the best result.
How long should I wait after weight loss before having a thigh lift? Dr. Larsen recommends waiting until your weight has been stable for at least 6 months before proceeding. This ensures the most lasting and predictable result, and reduces surgical risk.
Can a thigh lift be combined with other procedures? Yes. Medial thigh lift is frequently combined with other body contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck, arm lift, or breast lift — particularly as part of a post-weight loss body contouring plan. Dr. Larsen will help you determine what can safely be addressed in a single surgery versus staged over time.
What does a medial thigh lift cost? Pricing depends on your individual surgical plan and whether liposuction is incorporated. Financing options are available —learn more here.
Meet Dr. Melissa Larsen, MD
Dr. Melissa Larsen is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon serving patients in Gig Harbor and the greater Tacoma area. She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and completed her six-year Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Integrated Residency at Oregon Health & Science University. Dr. Larsen is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and is committed to personalized care that achieves natural, balanced results. Learn more about Dr. Larsen →
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Larsen to discuss your goals, review your options, and find out if a medial thigh lift is right for you.