How Much Does a Thigh Lift Cost?

The average cost of a thigh lift (aka thighplasty) is $9,225, according to 426 reviews from RealSelf members. However, the price can range from $5,000 to $23,000.

Find out why the price of this cosmetic surgery can vary so much, what the price includes, whether insurance covers it, and whether actual patients think their body contouring results are worth the money. 

RealSelf Tip: This guide covers the cost of thigh lift surgery, not energy-based, nonsurgical skin tightening treatments, such as Renuvion or BodyTite. Sometimes referred to as a scarless thigh lift (or scarless thigh tuck), these procedures work best for people with mild to moderate skin laxity. Those with more severe sagging, excess skin will see far better results from surgical body contouring.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About a Thigh Lift

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What does the cost include?

The quote you get for the total cost of a thigh lift (which removes excess skin and fat, to smooth and reshape the thigh area) should include:

• The cost of any pre-op tests and required lab work 
• Your surgeon's fee 
• Anesthesia fees
• Facility fees
• Post-surgical care and follow-up visits
• A compression garment, to help minimize swelling and recovery time
• Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication

During your initial consultation with your surgeon, ask for a comprehensive estimate for all of your thigh lift surgery costs. If it doesn’t include any of these items, you’ll still need to work them into your budget.

Why do thigh lift surgery costs vary?

The price you pay for thigh lift surgery will depend on:

1) The type of thigh lift you have

One of the biggest factors in how much you’ll pay is the type of thigh lift procedure you need.

• Mini thigh lift: The cost for a mini thigh lift, which reduces sagging in the inner area of the upper thighs, typically starts at around $5,000. It’s the most affordable option but targets a very specific area, so it’s not a good option for everyone. 
• Inner (medial) thigh lift: The most popular type of thigh lift, an inner thigh lift involves removing excess skin and fat from the inner thigh. It’s more extensive (and expensive) than a mini lift. 
• Outer (bilateral) thigh lift:  An outer thigh lift, often done in combination with liposuction, removes excess skin from the outer thighs, buttocks, and waist. It can be more expensive than a medial thigh lift. 
• Circumferential thigh lift: A circumferential thigh lift, sometimes referred to as a lower body lift, is a more complicated thigh lift—one that encompasses the entire thigh circle in 360 degrees. The surgeon’s fee alone for a lower body lift is $7,924, according to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), but it also provides the most bang for your buck. 

2) Your surgeon's credentials and level of expertise

A thigh lift is a very specialized surgical procedure, and you’ll get the best result from a board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in this surgical body-contouring procedure. 

While the cost of a thigh lift may be higher in the hands of an expert surgeon, the long-term results can be worth it. "Do your research," advises Dr. Timothy Katzen, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California. "Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has done at least 100 thigh lifts and that they have before-and-after photos to prove it." A surgeon's photo gallery can help you form realistic expectations about a procedure and avoid the risk of post-op disappointment, along with the possible need for a costly revision. 

3) Whether you combine a thigh lift with other procedures

Thigh lifts can be combined with complementary procedures, including arm lifts, tummy tucks, liposuction, a panniculectomy, or a butt lift. 

From a safety standpoint, surgical sessions are usually limited to six hours or less, so depending on the skill of the surgeon and the extent of your operation, you may need to stagger your procedures over time. 

However, surgeons generally offer discounted fees for multiple procedures performed in one surgical session. You’d also have just one charge for the operating room and anesthesia. As a bonus, you only have to undergo one recovery. 

That said, the savings may be offset by the cost of an overnight stay in a recovery center, which many providers will recommend after a thigh lift—especially if you're having a combination of procedures. This is especially true after massive weight loss, where the thigh lift incision is often long—from the groin area to the knee—and vulnerable to coming open. You'll need to budget for that extra expense.

4) Where your provider is located 

If your surgeon practices in a major city, you can expect the cost of a thigh lift to be higher than what you’d pay in a more affordable location. Many of the country's most renowned plastic surgeons practice in larger cities affiliated with highly regarded hospitals and teaching institutions, but if you’re willing to travel, you may find significant savings with a qualified surgeon who doesn’t have to cover so much overhead. 

The price-driven trend of traveling abroad for more affordable cosmetic surgery, called medical tourism, is also becoming increasingly popular. While it can make surgical procedures more affordable—for instance, thigh lift surgery in Mexico costs around $4,500, nearly half the average cost in the U.S.—a cheaper option can end up costing you more money if complications occur, or if you end up needing revision surgery to correct a bad cosmetic result. 

If you do decide to travel abroad for thigh lift surgery, be sure to do your homework and pay close attention to patient reviews. It can be more difficult to assess the credentials of surgeons outside of the U.S. 

5) The surgical facility itself

A thigh lift may be performed in a private surgery center or a hospital operating room, and there are significant cost differences between the various options. 

"Generally, surgeons who operate in dedicated outpatient cosmetic surgery centers are able to offer lower facility fees than those who operate in hospitals," says Dr. Richard Bruneteau, a plastic surgeon in Omaha, Nebraska. That's because private surgical facilities don't come with the same fees as hospitals. 

As enticing as the prospect of a lower price tag can be, be sure to check that any surgical facility you’ll be treated in is licensed and/or accredited, prior to having your procedure.

If your thigh lift is performed on an outpatient basis, you'll go home after the procedure. 

If your operation is more complex or combined with other procedures, your provider may recommend that you spend at least one night in a recovery facility, so you can be monitored by medical staff. That stay will come with an extra cost, but it may be important for your safety.

6) Who administers your anesthesia

A thigh lift is performed under general anesthesia, which may be administered by an anesthesiologist (an MD) or a nurse anesthetist (a CRNA).

An anesthesiologist will charge more for their time and expertise, but some surgeons will only operate with their services, for the sake of safety. Others insist on it for patients with underlying conditions, like diabetes.

Is thigh lift surgery worth the money?

Thigh lift surgery has an impressive 87% Worth It Rating from RealSelf members, so a solid majority of those who reviewed their procedure think their results were worth what they paid.

Many reviewers who were happy with their investment say that they hadn't previously enjoyed the full benefits of significant weight loss because of the remaining loose skin and excess fat in their upper legs. Some call their thigh lift results "life-changing" and say that they feel "more comfortable wearing shorts and a swimsuit." 

Among those who say thigh lift surgery wasn’t worth it, several reported side effects or complications like hollowing, excess remaining skin, and difficulty with recovery.

An experienced plastic surgeon will be able to assess whether you’re a good candidate for this procedure. Depending on your situation and goals, they may recommend a less expensive, nonsurgical option or a full lower body lift.

Does insurance cover thigh lift surgery?

In most circumstances, insurance companies do not cover thigh lift surgery or complications arising from thighplasty, because it’s considered an elective cosmetic surgery. 

However, if you have documentation of discomfort resulting from chafing, chronic rashes (that haven’t responded to topical treatments), or other medical issues caused by excess thigh skin, it's worth contacting your insurance company to see whether they will cover a portion of the procedure.

If cost is a barrier, most practices accept financing options like CareCredit. During your initial consultation, ask which options they will accept. RealSelf can also help connect you to vetted lenders.

Thigh lift costs in U.S. states

Browse average thigh lift costs in U.S. states, according to recent RealSelf member reviews (as of July 2023). States not currently listed did not have enough data to include.

Thigh lift costs in major U.S. metros

Average costs according to patient-reported data. As of July 2023, the cheapest metro area in the U.S. to get a thigh lift is Miami, while people tend to pay the most in Los Angeles. Cities not listed did not have enough data to include.