Thigh lift in Vienna
In brief
In a thigh lift, Dr. Handl removes excess skin and fat, usually on the inner thighs. The operation takes about 60 to 150 minutes and is performed under general anaesthesia; one to two nights in the clinic are recommended. Depending on your job, you are fit for work again after two to three weeks, and sport is possible after three to six weeks. Prices start at €8,900.
- Medical review
- This text was medically reviewed by our team on 6 October 2026
- Specialists for this treatment:
-
Dr. Markus-Johannes Handl
Dr. Victor Boulgaropoulos
- Cost:
- from €8,900
At a glance
- Location
- Practice
- Outpatient or inpatient
- inpatient
- Duration of the operation
- about 60-150 minutes
- Type of anaesthesia
- general anaesthesia
- Inpatient stay
- 1-2 nights (recommended)
- Recovery phase
- depending on your job, about 2-3 weeks
- Personal care / showering
- after about 10-14 days
- Sport
- after about 3-6 weeks, strength training after about 6-8 weeks
- Final result
- after about 3-6 months
- Special notes
- sun and sunbeds only with sun protection for 1 year
Thigh lift
Lifting surgery for sagging thighs
Many patients in Vienna suffer from sagging thighs caused by natural ageing, weight loss or insufficient skin retraction after liposuction. These changes can cause not only aesthetic impairment but also physical complaints such as chafing, skin irritation or pain when walking. A thigh lift is an effective way of counteracting these problems and increasing patients' self-confidence and well-being.
In a thigh lift, the excess tissue is removed. Depending on the starting point and the extent of the desired lift, a short incision is made in the groin crease or a long incision along the inner thigh. The choice of incision depends on various factors such as the amount of excess skin, the size of the area to be treated and the patient's preferences and goals.
During the procedure, the skin is detached from the underlying tissue layers, excess fat is removed and the remaining skin is tightened. If necessary, the thigh muscles and connective tissue can also be tightened. After the procedure, the wound is carefully closed and patients receive special compression garments to optimise the result and reduce swelling.
After a thigh lift, patients need to allow a few days to weeks for recovery. It is important to follow the treating doctor's instructions precisely to support recovery and avoid complications. As a rule, patients can return to work after about two weeks but should avoid sport and physically strenuous activities for about six weeks.
The result of a thigh lift is a slimmer and firmer thigh area that blends harmoniously with the rest of the body. Patients can feel more comfortable in their skin again and wear clothes they previously avoided. If you suffer from sagging thighs, you can contact Dr. Handl in Vienna to find out more about the possibilities of a thigh lift and your individual options.
Surgical methods
Thigh lift by Dr. Handl and his team
A thigh lift, also known as a crural lift, can be performed in various ways. Which method is chosen depends on the patient's individual circumstances and goals.
Inner thigh lift
In an inner thigh lift, excess skin and fatty tissue on the inside of the thighs are removed. For this, an incision is made from the groin to the knee area to remove excess tissue. This method is particularly suitable when the excess skin lies mainly on the inner thighs.
Outer thigh lift
In this method, the excess skin on the outer side of the thighs is removed. For this, an incision is made from the hip to the knee area, through which excess skin and fatty tissue can be removed. This method is particularly suitable for patients with excess skin on the outer thighs.
Vertical thigh lift
The vertical thigh lift is a technique in which a vertical incision is made on the thigh to remove excess tissue. This method is suitable for patients who need a large amount of excess skin removed.
Combined thigh lift
In some cases, a combination of the methods above can be used to achieve an optimal result. Which method or combination of methods is most suitable is decided according to the patient's individual situation.
The choice of surgical method is always discussed and decided individually between the patient and the treating doctor. It is important to note that each method has its own advantages and disadvantages and that choosing the right method is crucial for the success of the operation and the result achieved.
Preparation, risks and aftercare
Preparation
A thigh lift is particularly worthwhile when your weight is stable. In the consultation, Dr. Handl plans the incision with you, usually on the inside of the thigh up to the groin. Before the operation under general anaesthesia, a health check and an anaesthesia briefing take place. After consulting us, avoid blood-thinning medication and nicotine.
Risks
As with any operation, bruising, swelling, secondary bleeding, infection and wound-healing problems can occur. The anaesthetist discusses the risks of general anaesthesia with you beforehand.
Because of its position near the groin, the wound is under more strain, and wound-healing problems and fluid collections (seroma) occur more often than in other parts of the body. The scars can widen or move down slightly. Changes in skin sensation and slight asymmetries are also possible. To protect against thrombosis, you start moving early.
In the informed-consent consultation, Dr. Handl discusses all risks in detail and in relation to your personal situation.
Aftercare
One to two nights in the clinic are recommended. Afterwards, you wear compression trousers that prevent swelling and support the skin. Showering is possible after about 10 to 14 days, and depending on your job you are fit for work again after two to three weeks. Sport is possible after three to six weeks, strength training after six to eight weeks. The final result shows after three to six months. Protect the scars from the sun and sunbeds for a year.
Frequently asked questions
When is a thigh lift advisable?
When severely sagging, excess skin is felt to be bothersome. This is often the case due to natural ageing or major weight loss. A thigh lift can also be performed together with liposuction, or afterwards if the skin does not retract by itself. A lift makes sense once a stable body weight has been reached. Prerequisites are good general health and not being pregnant.
Can a thigh lift be combined with liposuction?
In some cases, it can make sense to combine a thigh lift with liposuction to achieve an optimal result. Dr. Handl will be happy to advise you in detail in a personal consultation.
What are the risks of a thigh lift?
Like any surgical procedure, a thigh lift carries risks, for example wound-healing problems or scarring. In the consultation, Dr. Handl informs you in detail about all the risks of a thigh lift.
Will there be visible scars after a thigh lift?
Dr. Handl pays particular attention to keeping scars inconspicuous. Depending on the starting point and the extent of the desired lift, a short incision is made in the groin crease or a long incision along the inner thigh. The incision is positioned so that the scar is barely visible later on.
Is the procedure painful?
Because the procedure takes place as an inpatient under general anaesthesia, it is not felt to be painful. In the first days after the procedure, pain can occur, which can be managed with painkillers. Pain perception varies from person to person.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure takes about 60 to 150 minutes.
What do I need to consider before the procedure?
Before an operation, it is important to avoid medication that affects blood clotting where possible (e.g. aspirin). You should also largely avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Nicotine can reduce the blood supply to organs and delay wound healing, so we recommend giving up cigarettes as far as possible during the treatment phase. You will find out more in your consultation with Dr. Handl.
What do I need to consider after the procedure?
After the procedure, you stay in the clinic for 1 to 2 nights to recover. Before your discharge, Dr. Handl goes through everything necessary with you. It is important to take it easy physically after the operation. After about 14 days, the stitches are removed at a check-up and normal bathing is possible again. Sport is only allowed again after 4 weeks. In the following months, please make sure the scar is not exposed to direct sunlight in order to achieve an aesthetic scar.
When can I do sport again after a thigh lift?
You should avoid sport for the first 4 weeks after the procedure.
When are the stitches removed?
After about 14 days.
How long will I be off work after a thigh lift?
That depends on your job. Desk work is possible again after just a few days.
When will the final result be visible?
A change can be seen immediately after the procedure. It takes about another 3 weeks for swelling or bruising to subside. Because the scar takes about a year to heal completely, the final result can only be assessed after this time.
What happens if I gain weight after a thigh lift?
Essentially, nothing happens except that the skin tissue will stretch again. The scars cannot tear open, but depending on the stretching they could become wider.
Personal consultation
Tell us what you would like to discuss. We will get back to you within two working days to arrange a personal consultation with Dr. Handl.
Prefer to call? +43 1 877 20 20
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