Thigh lift in Turkey: inner and outer techniques, recovery and how long to stay
A thigh lift removes loose skin and fat from the thighs, most often the inner thighs after major weight loss. It takes 2–3 hours under general anaesthetic with usually one night in hospital; plan 8–10 days in Istanbul. Sitting and walking are uncomfortable for the first weeks.
Updated 30/10/2026 · general information, not medical advice
Key facts
Typical ranges for a healthy adult (sources at the bottom of the page). Your surgeon or dentist sets your own plan after examining you.
What it is
An inner thigh lift removes skin through a scar in the groin crease, sometimes extended vertically down the inner thigh. An outer thigh lift is usually part of a lower body lift. Liposuction may be added to reshape.
Techniques
Inner (medial) thigh lift
Scar in the groin crease; for limited looseness.
Vertical inner thigh lift
Adds a scar down the inner thigh for more looseness.
Outer thigh / lower body lift
Circumferential scar; after massive weight loss.
With liposuction
Removes fat before tightening.
Who it suits
Usually a good candidate
- Loose thigh skin after weight loss
- Stable weight
- Accepting visible scars
Think twice / discuss first
- Still losing weight
- Smoking
- Mostly fat with good skin (liposuction may be enough)
Your stay in Istanbul, step by step
- Day 1Consultation and markings.
- Day 2Surgery (2–3 hours) and one night in hospital.
- Days 3–8Hotel rest, compression garment, careful walking.
- Days 8–10Check-up before flying; clot prevention for the journey.
Recovery timeline
- Weeks 1–3Swelling; limited sitting and spreading of the legs.
- Weeks 2–3Back to desk work.
- Week 6Exercise usually resumes.
- Months 6–12Scars mature.
Risks and complications
- Wound separation, especially in the groin
- Scar widening or migration
- Seroma
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Leg swelling
This list is not exhaustive. Your surgeon should explain the risks that apply to you, in writing, before you consent.
Cost: what drives the price
The type of thigh lift, liposuction, hospital stay and package determine the price.
Few Istanbul facilities publish prices for this treatment on their own website, and we only show prices that facilities publish themselves. Ask for a written, itemised quote.
Questions to ask the clinic
- Inner or vertical thigh lift – where will the scars be?
- Do I need liposuction?
- What clot prevention do you use for the flight home?
- How long until I can sit normally?
Clinics in Istanbul for this treatment
These 6 Istanbul facilities from our cosmetic surgery list are among the most searched from the UK. Check with each one that it performs this exact procedure, who the surgeon is, and where it takes place.
Esteworld
Cosmetic surgery · Hair transplant
Istanbul Aesthetic Center
Cosmetic surgery · Hair transplant
Estetik International
Cosmetic surgery · Hair transplant · Dental treatment
Vanity Estetik
Cosmetic surgery
Hisar Intercontinental Hospital
Multi-specialty hospital · Cosmetic surgery
Acıbadem
Multi-specialty hospital · Cosmetic surgery · Hair transplant · Dental treatment
All cosmetic surgery clinics →
Related treatments
Frequently asked questions
How long should I stay in Turkey after a thigh lift?
Usually 8–10 days.
Is a thigh lift painful?
Discomfort is moderate for the first weeks, especially when sitting; it is controlled with medication.
Will my scars move?
Groin scars can drift downwards over time; ask how the surgeon anchors the tissue.
Sources: ASPS – Thigh lift; NHS – Cosmetic surgery abroad (accessed 30/10/2026).