Recovery from Groin Crease / Crescent Thigh Lift - What's the Timeline?

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding recovery after a groin crease (crescent) thigh lift compared to a full thigh lift. It’s great to hear that your skin laxity isn’t severe enough to require a vertical thigh lift, as the groin crease incision typically has a shorter recovery time and less visible scarring.

For a groin crease thigh lift, the incision is placed along the natural fold of the groin and is used to remove excess skin from the upper inner thighs, tightening and lifting the area. Since this technique does not extend down to the knee like a full vertical medial thigh lift, the recovery is generally faster.

Here’s a general recovery timeline:

First 1–2 weeks: Expect swelling, bruising, and tightness. Walking will be slow, and you’ll need to avoid excessive leg movement to prevent tension on the incisions. Most patients take about 1 to 2 weeks off work depending on their job.
Weeks 3–4: Swelling begins to subside, and light daily activities can be resumed. You will still need to avoid squatting, excessive stretching, or heavy lifting.
Week 6: Most plastic surgeons allow patients to gradually resume workouts around this time, avoiding high-impact movements like running or heavy lower-body weightlifting. Activities like walking, cycling, and gentle yoga are usually allowed.
Weeks 8–12: By this point, you should feel much more comfortable with movement, and most activities can be resumed, but listen to your body and avoid overstretching the thigh area.
6+ months: Scars will continue to fade and flatten, and final results become more visible as all residual swelling resolves.
Wearing compression garments for at least 6 weeks is crucial to help reduce swelling and support healing. Most surgeons recommend avoiding prolonged sitting and squatting movements in the early recovery period to prevent incision strain.

Since everyone heals differently, be sure to follow your plastic surgeon’s specific post-op instructions before resuming workouts. If you feel tightness, pulling, or discomfort, ease back into activity gradually.

Good luck, and I hope this helps answer your question regarding the recovery timeline for a groin crease thigh lift!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Dear Friendly958319,

I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.
It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.


Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery