At a thigh lift consultation, ask about the surgeon’s specialist registration and qualifications, which type of thigh lift they recommend and where the scars will lie, whether you are at the right weight for surgery, which hospital they operate in, how wound problems are managed, what aftercare is included and what the revision policy is. A good surgeon will give specific, balanced answers and explain the trade-off between improvement and scarring honestly.
About the surgeon and hospital
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery?: a good answer is yes, which you can check online on the GMC register.
- Do you hold FRCS (Plast)?: this is the UK specialist qualification in plastic surgery.
- Are you a member of BAAPS or BAPRAS?: membership shows engagement with professional standards in plastic surgery.
- Where will the operation be performed?: it should be in a CQC-registered hospital with overnight facilities and an on-site team.
- Who is the anaesthetist?: the answer should be a named consultant anaesthetist.
Mr Nassab is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register (GMC 4704243), holds FRCS (Plast) and sits on BAAPS Council.
About your suitability
- Is your weight stable enough?: a good answer considers your weight history and may suggest waiting if you are still losing weight.
- Is a thigh lift better than liposuction for you?: expect a clear explanation based on your skin quality and fat distribution; see our comparison.
- Do any health conditions increase your risk?: diabetes, smoking and nutritional issues after bariatric surgery should all be discussed.
- What result is realistic?: improved contour and comfort, not a perfect or scar-free thigh.
About the operation and scars
- Which type of thigh lift is recommended?: an inner thigh lift with a groin scar, or a vertical extension down the inner thigh, with reasons why.
- Where exactly will the scars be?: the surgeon should show you on your own body, including how visible they might be in swimwear.
- How is scar migration prevented?: a good answer describes anchoring the lift to deeper tissues.
- Will liposuction be combined?: and, if so, why and what it adds.
- How long does the operation take?: and will you stay overnight?
About recovery and aftercare
- How much time off work is needed?: usually two to three weeks for desk work, longer for physical jobs.
- What garments are needed and for how long?: typically around six weeks.
- How are wound problems handled?: minor separation in the groin is relatively common; ask who will dress it, where and how often.
- What follow-up is included?: wound checks and reviews over several months should be listed in writing.
- Who is available out of hours?: you should have clear emergency contact details.
The thigh lift recovery guide sets out a typical timeline.
About risks and revision
Ask the surgeon to explain the specific risks for you, including wound separation, scar widening, seroma, leg swelling, numbness, asymmetry and blood clots, and how each is reduced. Ask what happens if you need further surgery, such as a scar revision or tightening of residual loose skin, and what that would cost. A good answer is transparent about the chance of needing a touch-up and sets out the policy in writing. Read more about thigh lift risks.
About cost
Ask for a written quote showing exactly what is included: surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital and theatre costs, garments and follow-up. Thigh reduction with Mr Nassab costs from £12,000. The £150 consultation is separate. Ask about finance: Chrysalis Finance may be available, with Reza Nassab Ltd acting as a credit broker, not a lender. See the thigh lift cost guide.
Warning signs to look out for
Be wary of providers who offer heavily discounted packages abroad with no local aftercare, pressure you to pay a deposit on the day, dismiss your questions about scars or complications, or cannot tell you who will see you if a wound breaks down. Take time to decide, bring a friend or relative, and consider a second consultation. Cosmetic surgery is for adults aged 18 and over.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many consultations should you have before a thigh lift?
Many people find two consultations helpful: one to learn about the options and a second to ask remaining questions before deciding.
What should you bring to a thigh lift consultation?
Details of your weight history, any weight-loss surgery or medication, medical conditions, medicines and any previous surgery.
Should you ask to see before and after photographs?
It is reasonable to ask to see clinical photographs during the consultation to help understand typical results and scars.
Is it normal for a surgeon to recommend waiting?
Yes. If your weight is still changing or your health needs optimising, waiting can give a safer and longer-lasting result.
