Finally — Thighs That Don't Hold You Back
Thigh Lift (Thighplasty) in Ottawa with Dr. Mehrad Jaberi
You know the feeling. Your inner thighs rub together with every step — the chafing, the irritation, the raw skin on a humid summer day. Or maybe you lost a significant amount of weight (which is incredible, by the way) and now you're left with skin that hangs like curtains from your thighs. Shorts? Skirts? A swimsuit? They've been off the table for a while now.
A thigh lift removes that excess skin, smooths the contour, and gives you thighs that actually match the work you've put in. No amount of squats or lunges can tighten skin that's lost its elasticity — this procedure does what the gym simply can't.
Quick Facts
| Procedure Time | 2–3 hours |
| Anesthesia | General anesthesia |
| Recovery | 2–3 weeks off work; 6–8 weeks full activity |
| Results | Long-lasting with stable weight |
| Starting From | $10,000 |
What Is a Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)?
A thighplasty — or thigh lift — removes excess skin and fat from the thighs to create a smoother, firmer contour. It's one of the most transformative body contouring procedures, especially for patients who have lost significant weight or are dealing with age-related skin laxity that makes daily life uncomfortable.
There are different types of thigh lifts depending on where the problem is:
- Medial (Inner) Thigh Lift: The most common type. Targets the inner thigh with an incision hidden in the groin crease. For moderate to severe excess, the incision may extend vertically down the inner thigh. This addresses the skin that rubs, chafes, and hangs.
- Lateral (Outer) Thigh Lift: Addresses sagging on the outer thigh and buttock area. The incision runs along the hip, often as part of a lower body lift. Best for patients with circumferential laxity.
- Combination Approach: When both the inner and outer thigh need attention, Dr. Jaberi can combine techniques for comprehensive contouring in a single surgery.
During the procedure, Dr. Jaberi removes the redundant skin, tightens the underlying tissue, and sculpts a thigh contour that looks natural and proportionate. If there's also excess fat, liposuction can be combined to refine the result further. The goal isn't just cosmetic — for many patients, eliminating chafing and skin irritation genuinely improves quality of life.
Is a Thigh Lift Right for You?
A thigh lift might be your best option if:
- You have loose, sagging skin on your inner or outer thighs
- Significant weight loss left you with excess thigh skin that hangs
- Your inner thighs chafe and cause skin irritation or rashes
- Aging has caused your thigh skin to lose firmness and elasticity
- Exercise hasn't improved the loose skin (and it won't — that's not a failure, it's biology)
- You avoid shorts, skirts, and swimwear because of how your thighs look
- You're at a stable weight and in good overall health
If your main concern is stubborn fat pockets without much loose skin, thigh liposuction alone might be enough — with less downtime and no visible scarring. Dr. Jaberi will give you an honest assessment of which approach will deliver the results you're looking for.
What to Expect — From Chafing to Confidence
Your Consultation
Dr. Jaberi will examine your thighs while you're standing — assessing skin quality, the degree of excess, fat distribution, and where the laxity is worst. He'll determine whether you need a medial lift, lateral lift, or combination, and whether liposuction should be added. He'll also walk you through incision placement, scar expectations, and show you before-and-after photos of similar cases.
This is a two-way conversation. Come prepared with questions, bring photos of your goals if you have them, and be honest about what bothers you most. That's how we tailor the plan to your body.
Surgery Day
The procedure takes approximately 2 to 3 hours under general anesthesia. Dr. Jaberi marks the incision and excision pattern while you're standing — gravity changes everything when you lie down, so standing markings are critical for precision. Excess skin is removed, the underlying tissue is tightened and anchored securely, and the incisions are closed in layers for the best possible scar outcome.
If liposuction is being combined, it's performed first to refine the contour before skin removal. You'll go home the same day wearing compression garments on your thighs. Expect tightness and soreness — that means everything is secured exactly where it should be.
Recovery Timeline
Thighs are swollen, tight, and sore. Walking is encouraged but keep it short and gentle — no wide steps or straining. Sleep with legs slightly elevated using pillows. Compression garments stay on around the clock.
First follow-up with Dr. Jaberi. Drains removed if used. Swelling begins to settle. You can manage light daily activities but avoid sitting for prolonged periods and keep movements gentle. No driving yet.
Most patients return to desk work. Driving resumes around week 2. You'll already notice a dramatically different contour, even with residual swelling. Continue wearing compression garments (4–6 weeks total).
Light exercise resumes — walking, stationary biking. No heavy leg workouts, squats, or lunges yet. Swelling continues fading and your thigh shape becomes more defined. Scars are still pink but beginning to flatten.
Full activity clears — gym, running, all exercise. Scars continue fading from pink to pale over 6 to 12 months. This is when patients say the confidence shift is real: shorts, dresses, swimwear are finally back on the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a standard medial thigh lift, the scar hides in the groin crease — concealed by underwear and swimwear. If you need more extensive skin removal, a vertical scar may extend down the inner thigh. It's visible on the inner leg but fades significantly over 6 to 12 months with proper scar care. Dr. Jaberi uses layered closure techniques to give you the best scar outcome possible. The overwhelming majority of patients say the trade-off between a scar and months of chafing and sagging is no contest.
An inner (medial) thigh lift targets the inner thigh — the skin that rubs together, chafes, and sags inward. The incision sits in the groin crease, sometimes extending down the inner thigh for more extensive cases. An outer (lateral) thigh lift addresses sagging along the outer thigh and hip area, typically through an incision that runs along the waistline. It's often done as part of a lower body lift. Many post-weight-loss patients benefit from both. Dr. Jaberi will assess which approach fits your anatomy and goals.
Only in specific cases. If your skin still has good elasticity and your problem is mainly excess fat, liposuction can deliver excellent results with minimal scarring. But if you have significant loose, drooping skin — the kind that hangs, chafes, or bunches up — lipo won't tighten it. Removing fat from underneath loose skin can actually make the sagging look worse. Dr. Jaberi will do a pinch test and assess your skin quality to give you an honest recommendation on which approach will work.
The first 2 to 3 weeks require the most adjustment. Wide striding, squatting, and heavy leg activity are off-limits to protect the healing incisions. Sitting can be uncomfortable — especially for medial lifts — so a cushion becomes your best friend. Driving is typically restricted for about 2 weeks. Compression garments need to be worn for 4 to 6 weeks. The good news: walking is encouraged from day one, and each week brings noticeable improvement in both comfort and contour.
The excess skin that's removed is gone for good. As long as you maintain a stable weight, your results are long-lasting. Normal aging will bring gradual changes over the years, but you'll always look dramatically better than before surgery. The key is avoiding significant weight fluctuations — gaining and losing large amounts of weight can stretch the skin again. A healthy, consistent lifestyle protects your investment.
A thigh lift with Dr. Jaberi starts at $10,000. The final cost depends on the type of lift (medial, lateral, or combination), whether liposuction is included, and the complexity of your case. A detailed, personalized quote is provided after your consultation — no surprises.
Ready to Reclaim Your Thighs?
You've earned the body you have — now let's make sure it matches how you feel. No more chafing, no more hiding, no more avoiding the clothes you actually want to wear. Book your consultation with Dr. Jaberi today.
Book Your ConsultationOr call us directly: 613-591-1188