Thigh Lift
Weight loss, aging, and genetics can all lead to skin laxity and contour irregularities in the thighs—an area where many patients find that diet and exercise simply aren’t enough. A thigh lift addresses these concerns by removing excess skin, tightening tissue, and refining contours to restore comfort, proportion, and confidence.
Dr. Shermak has not only helped many thigh lift patients in Baltimore/Lutherville, Maryland, but she sees patients from around the world as an international expert in Thigh Lift surgery. She is a consummate authority on body sculpting, having lectured extensively on the national and international circuit, and having contributed to scientific journals and textbooks on the topic. If you’re ready to feel more comfortable in your skin, a consultation with Dr. Shermak is the first step in understanding what’s possible.
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Dr. Shermak’s innovative techniques create slim, streamlined contours that make clothes fit better, enhance the cosmetic appearance of the upper legs and lower buttocks, and boost self-confidence while minimizing the appearance of scars. Please read more about what to expect from the procedure below.
A thigh lift addresses excess skin, fat, and contour irregularities of the thigh, smoothing and tightening the skin to achieve a more toned appearance. A thigh lift is a powerful operation that may be performed in conjunction with abdominoplasty, a back lift, and/or outer thigh liposuction. While diet and exercise play a role in achieving a healthy lifestyle, they are rarely sufficient to combat the excess fat and skin in the thigh area that often creates frustration for clients. A surgical approach can bring long-lasting improvement and relief.
There are different approaches to a thigh lift, depending on the patient's presentation, with scars varying from those that fall in the creases of the pubis and under the buttock to scars that travel between the pubis and the knee, possibly extending skin removal directly above the knee. The approach taken is agreed upon by the patient, who will understand how to best achieve his/her goals. Dr. Shermak has presented and published the largest series of thigh lifts performed for significant weight loss using her new and innovative technique called the APEX thigh lift, which achieves hidden scars and impactful results of the regions of the inner and upper thigh, as well as the banana roll region under the buttocks.
A thigh lift is performed under general anesthesia at our local Baltimore outpatient medical center or in the hospital if an overnight stay is anticipated. Surgery typically takes between 2.5 and 4 hours, depending on the extent of the work required. Excess skin and tissue are surgically excised. Typically, there are no bandages or drains.
A thigh lift is designed to address loose, sagging skin and soft tissue irregularities along the inner or outer thighs and lower buttock/upper thigh regions.
These concerns often develop after major weight loss, pregnancy, or simply with age, when the skin loses elasticity and fails to contract. Many patients also seek treatment for persistent skin irritation or chafing caused by folds or friction. Some may experience contour deformities or asymmetry after prior surgeries or trauma. Dr. Shermak’s approach not only tightens and smooths the skin but can also refine the overall shape and proportion of the thighs, thereby improving both comfort and confidence.
A thigh lift can offer both aesthetic and functional improvements. Patients often report that their thighs no longer rub together uncomfortably and that they feel more confident wearing fitted pants, skirts, or swimwear. Clothing fits more easily, and movement feels freer. From a cosmetic standpoint, the procedure creates a firmer, sleeker silhouette that better reflects the effort many patients have already invested in their health. With Dr. Shermak’s precise techniques and unparalleled experience, patients can expect beautifully contoured thighs with natural transitions and minimal visible scarring.
Good candidates for a thigh lift are men and women in good mental and physical health who are non-smokers. A thigh lift is suitable for patients who have undergone massive weight loss and for individuals who suffer from loss of skin elasticity due to age, pregnancy, or heredity.
A thigh lift is not a treatment for heavy thighs with significant fat; liposuction may be a preferred option in such cases. All clients should have realistic expectations for improvement rather than perfection.
Surgery is most oftenbe performed as an outpatient procedure, typically in conjunction with other body lifting procedures. One may experience discomfort, which is proactively addressed by Dr. Shermak and her team. Patients are up and walking within hours of surgery but require recuperation for several weeks, possibly longer, depending on the extent of the surgery.
Most people return to regular activities and resume work after 2-4 weeks. Swelling and numbness may take months to resolve. Because the thighs are so instrumental in our everyday activities, such as sitting, squatting, bending, and using the bathroom, these actions may be limited during recovery from a thigh lift.
Dr. Shermak will provide you with detailed instructions on how to navigate your healing process as safely and comfortably as possible, and deal with the unique challenges that arise. Follow-up visits will help facilitate a smooth transition to total recovery.
After a thigh lift, patients often describe feeling lighter, more mobile, and far more confident in both fitted clothing and everyday movement.
You’ll notice a visible improvement in contour immediately after surgery, with smoother, tighter skin replacing areas of sagging or irregularity. As swelling gradually subsides over the following weeks, your final shape becomes more defined, with optimal results seen around 3 to 6 months post-op.
In addition to improved aesthetics, many patients experience enhanced comfort, as they no longer deal with skin chafing, irritation, or the self-consciousness that can accompany excess tissue. Clothes fit better, body proportions feel more balanced, and walking, exercise, or simply crossing your legs may feel easier. Results are long-lasting when supported by a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, offering not just a transformation in how you look, but in how you feel in your own body.
With over 26 years of experience in plastic surgery, Dr. Michele Shermak is a renowned expert in body contouring, including thigh lift surgery. Since opening her practice in January 1999, she has helped numerous patients in Baltimore and Lutherville, MD, achieve slimmer, more sculpted legs with her innovative and personalized surgical techniques.
Dr. Shermak is a recognized authority on body sculpting, having lectured extensively on national and international platforms and contributed to scientific journals and textbooks on the subject. Her pioneering approach to thigh lift surgery, including hidden scar techniques and customized treatment plans, makes her an international expert and ensures natural-looking, transformative results while minimizing visible scarring.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon and a director on the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) Board of Directors since 2022, Dr. Shermak stays at the forefront of surgical advancements, bringing cutting-edge techniques and unparalleled expertise to every procedure, while also focusing on advocating for public safety in plastic surgery.
Contact us today to schedule your personalized consultation and take the first step toward achieving smoother, firmer thighs with expert care.
Yes. Thigh lift surgery is often performed in conjunction with procedures such as abdominoplasty, liposuction, or a lower body lift to achieve a more comprehensive, optimized body contouring outcome. Dr. Shermak will help determine the safest and most effective surgical plan tailored to your needs.
Liposuction may be used in conjunction with a thigh lift to reduce volume and enhance contours. However, if there is significant skin laxity, liposuction alone is not sufficient. In this case, surgical skin removal performed during a thigh lift is necessary for optimal results.
The type of incision depends on the amount of skin that needs to be removed and its location, as well as scar acceptance level. Patients with more extensive skin laxity may benefit best froma vertical incision along the inner thigh, while others with more localized concerns may benefit from a hidden groin incision. Dr. Shermak will explain your best option during your consultation.
Thigh lift is more focused on the inner thigh region where patients will experience skin excess and laxity. The APEX, limited incision thigh lift will also address the fullness underneath the buttock region, known as the banana roll. The outer thighs may be addressed at the time of thigh lift surgery, either with liposuction to reduce fat deposits and smooth contours or with a lower backlift or body lift to pull up a loosened outer thigh region.
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry, delayed healing, or blood clots. With her full understanding of potential risks, Dr. Shermak employs meticulous surgical techniques and offers comprehensive aftercare support to minimize risks and facilitate a smooth recovery.
Shermak, M. A. (n.d.). Thighlift after bariatric body contouring surgery. Bariatric Times.
Shermak, M. A. (2007, September 10). Thighlift after bariatric body contouring surgery. Bariatric Times.
