After major weight loss, or as skin loses elasticity with age, sagging of the inner thigh does not respond to exercise and can cause chafing when walking. In this guide New City Clinic explains thigh lift surgery.
Who is a thigh lift for?
The procedure suits people whose weight has been stable for at least six months and who have marked excess skin on the inner or outer thigh. If the concern is mainly fat and skin quality is good, liposuction alone may be enough; where there is sagging, a lift is needed. The two are often planned together.
How is the surgery performed?
Surgery takes 2–3 hours under general anaesthesia. In an inner thigh lift the incision is hidden in the groin crease; where sagging extends towards the knee, a vertical incision on the inner thigh may also be needed. Excess skin and fat are removed and the remaining tissue is lifted and secured. The position and length of the incision are discussed with you clearly beforehand.
A Thigh Lift: cost in Turkey and what is included
The price depends on the technique, the extent of the procedure, the hospital, the length of stay and any procedures planned together, which is why a single figure quoted without an examination or photo assessment is misleading. After a physician has reviewed your case, New City Clinic sends you an itemised written quote. It lists hospital, surgeon and anaesthesia fees, pre-operative tests, medication, any compression garment or support bra, accommodation, airport–hotel–hospital transfers and interpreting separately; flights are not included unless stated. When comparing clinics in Istanbul, look beyond the price: check that the hospital is licensed by the Ministry of Health, what the surgeon specialises in, and how follow-up is handled once you are back home.
A Thigh Lift with New City Clinic
New City Clinic is an authorised health tourism intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye. When you contact New City Clinic about a Thigh Lift, a physician first reviews your photos and medical information, and you then receive a written treatment plan with an itemised quote. Once you arrive in Istanbul, the New City Clinic team organises your airport welcome, accommodation, hospital appointments and interpreting. Your procedure is performed by a specialist physician at a Ministry of Health approved partner hospital, and follow-up continues after you return home.
Recovery timeline
First 1–2 days
A hospital stay; legs are kept slightly raised and short walks are taken.
Weeks 1–2
A compression garment is worn; avoid long periods of sitting and movements that spread the legs.
Weeks 4–6
Garment use ends; sport resumes gradually with your physician’s approval.
Months 6–12
Scars mature and fade; the legs take their final shape.
Accommodation and transfers
On request, New City Clinic organises your airport–hotel–hospital transfers and your stay at partner hotels close to the hospital. The same can be arranged for a companion; details are set out in writing in your quote.
Aftercare
Medication and check-ups
Take the medication your physician prescribes as directed and attend your planned check-ups.
Smoking and alcohol
Both slow healing; avoid them before and after the procedure for the period your physician advises.
Movement and rest
Short walks support circulation; wait for your physician’s approval before strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
When to get in touch
Contact your New City Clinic coordinator straight away in case of high fever, increasing pain, redness or anything unexpected.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the scar?
Usually in the groin crease, in the area covered by underwear. If a vertical incision is needed, it runs along the inner thigh.
Can it be combined with liposuction?
Yes, they are often planned together: fat is reduced first and excess skin is then removed.
When can I walk?
Short walks are encouraged from the first day; they support circulation and reduce the risk of clots.
Deciding on a Thigh Lift is a confident step when it is taken with the right information and the right team. You can book a free consultation with the New City Clinic team for your questions.
This article is for general information; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
