Dr. Shell and his staff are respectful. The staff is awesome and kind. I love the welcome when you come in, and when you leave, they are very helpful. I love the staff and am joyous and happy when I come there. They know what they are doing and are not mean people at all. I recommend my family to go there.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift, also known as thighplasty, is a specialized body contouring procedure designed to reshape and tighten the upper legs by removing excess skin and fat. This treatment is often sought by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or are noticing changes in skin elasticity due to aging. At Shell Cosmetic Surgery Center in Memphis, Dr. Dan Shell III—a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 50 years of experience—offers this procedure with refined techniques to help patients achieve smoother, firmer thighs that enhance their overall silhouette.
What Is a Thigh Lift?
The thigh lift procedure focuses on correcting sagging tissue and restoring shape to the inner or outer thighs. During the surgery, Dr. Shell makes carefully placed incisions, typically hidden along the inner thigh crease or bikini line, to provide discretion while maximizing results. Through this access, he removes excess skin and fat and tightens the underlying tissue for a more youthful, sculpted leg contour. Ideal candidates for this procedure are individuals in good overall health who have maintained a stable weight and are realistic about their expected outcomes. Recovery generally involves wearing compression garments and allowing several weeks for healing and tissue stabilization.
Benefits of a Thigh Lift
Thigh lift surgery offers substantial aesthetic and personal benefits. Patients often notice a visible improvement in the firmness, shape, and proportion of their legs. This procedure can reduce sagging, smooth the skin, and improve the way clothing fits and feels. In addition to enhancing leg definition, many patients report increased self-confidence as they regain comfort in their appearance. When performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Shell, the procedure produces natural-looking results that are both dramatic and subtle, enhancing the legs without compromising the harmony of the body’s overall contour.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
The best candidates for a thigh lift are those who have sagging skin or excess tissue on their thighs due to weight loss, aging, or genetic predisposition. Candidates should be non-smokers, in stable health, and close to their goal weight. During a private consultation, Dr. Shell will assess your specific concerns and determine whether this procedure is appropriate based on your skin quality, lifestyle, and personal goals.
The Procedure and Recovery Process
Your thigh lift journey begins with a thorough consultation. Dr. Shell will review your medical history, examine your thigh area, and discuss your aesthetic goals. This evaluation allows him to create a custom surgical plan that addresses not only skin laxity and excess fat but also balance and proportion relative to your entire lower body.
For best outcomes, patients receive detailed preoperative instructions well in advance of surgery. These may include lifestyle modifications, medication adjustments, and practical planning for postoperative care. This preparation helps reduce surgical risk and contributes to a more comfortable and successful recovery.
On the day of surgery, Dr. Shell performs the procedure using modern, minimally disruptive techniques. By removing redundant skin and carefully sculpting the area, he enhances thigh contours while keeping incisions as discreet as possible. Liposuction may be used to fine-tune the shape and definition of the legs.
Recovery involves resting, wearing compression garments, and following personalized care instructions to reduce swelling and encourage proper healing. The team at Shell Cosmetic Surgery Center provides close support throughout your recovery with scheduled follow-ups and continuous access to expert guidance. Most patients return to light activity within two to four weeks and resume full activity shortly thereafter.
Maintaining the results of your thigh lift depends on a healthy lifestyle. With stable weight management and good nutrition, the improvements can be long-lasting. Dr. Shell and his team remain available to provide advice and support to help you preserve your results over time.
What to Expect from Your Results
After a thigh lift, patients can expect slimmer, more sculpted upper legs and firmer skin that better reflects their hard work and wellness journey. In addition to physical transformation, this procedure often brings a boost in self-esteem and comfort in fitted clothing. While scarring is a natural part of the healing process, Dr. Shell takes great care to position incisions where they are least visible, and these typically fade significantly over time with proper postoperative care.
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Why Choose Dr. Dan Shell III?
Choose Dr. Shell for trusted, personalized cosmetic surgery. His highly regarded clinic specializes in body contouring, facial rejuvenation, and breast enhancement. Discover expert cosmetic solutions that put your beauty and wellness first. Schedule your consultation today!
Professional Credentials:
- MD from University of Mississippi School of Medicine
- Board Certified by American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
- Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Member, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
- Member, Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
- Over 50 years of surgical experience
- Outstanding Resident Award recipient (1981)
Dr. Shell and his entire staff will forever hold a place in my heart for their kindness, patience, and ability to handle a patient like myself!
From the initial consultation to almost a year later, they all have been a dream! Dr. Shell and his entire staff will forever hold a place in my heart for their kindness, patience, and ability to handle a patient like myself! If no one has said this to you all lately, thank you for everything! My life has forever changed!
Dr. Shell did an abdomen revision for me several years ago. He did such an excellent job and I recommended him to other friends as well
Dr. Shell did an abdomen revision for me several years ago. He did such an excellent job and I recommended him to other friends as well. Thank you again Dr. Shell and staff!
The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the doctor is very experienced and caring
I received a drainless tummy tuck. I am happy with my results so far. I am only 2 months postoperation. I am so happy I chose to stay close to my home rather than travel somewhere farther. I am able to get all the postoperation care that I need. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the doctor is very experienced and caring. I love my belly button, lol.
I love Dr. Dan Shell and his entire crew! Very professional and knowledgeable about his job
I love Dr. Dan Shell and his entire crew! Very professional and knowledgeable about his job. Whatever he tells you, believe it and follow it, and he’s going to make it happen. I am 6 days post abdominalplasty, and I am in love with my results! Dr. Dan is this BEST!!
Dr. Shell & his staff welcomed me in with open arms
After being turned down by multiple surgeons here in Memphis for a simple removal, Dr. Shell & his staff welcomed me in with open arms. The environment is clean & professional. I felt comfortable and feel like I made a great decision reaching out to him & his staff. I’m soooo happy & relieved right now. Thanks a lot, Dr. Shell & nurse!
Dr. Shell was incredible, and I went from consult to operation in just a little over 24 hours
I had piercings that were embedded in my face and had to be cut out. Dr. Shell was incredible, and I went from consult to operation in just a little over 24 hours. I am very grateful for him and the entire staff at the surgery center. Thank you so much, Dr. Shell.
DR. SHELL YOU ARE THE BEST!!
I love Dr. Shell I had surgery and I was so terrified but in true Dr. Shell fashion he came in made me laugh and the next thing I knew he was done. I’m loving what I see so far still swollen but excited to see the end result. Brandi is great she is always willing to answer questions and to put your mind at ease. No need to go to other states or over seas when we have and outstanding plastic surgeon right in Memphis, TN. DR. SHELL YOU ARE THE BEST!!
Dan Shell did an INCREDIBLE job with my plastic surgery
Dan Shell did an INCREDIBLE job with my plastic surgery. I was super nervous the day of surgery, but everything he said and did made the experience one of the easiest things I had done. He is very knowledgeable and experienced, and has a reason for the ways he does things. It was a bit of a leap of faith to trust him but 10/10 I would do it again. He and his staff have been so helpful and given me all kinds of advice and support. I read complaints of people have to wait to see him – I never once have had this issue.
My healing process has been so, so easy, and the scarring is minimal – not even a factor. I am beyond happy with the work Dan Shell did and would recommend him to anyone.
If you want a place to go where people care about you and look out for your best interests, and best health, go see Dr. Shell
Dr. Shell, and his staff are absolutely amazing. Brandi is hands down the best ever! His nurse is amazing too! Every staff member exceeded my expectations. They sealed the deal in my decision to chose Dr. Shell as my doctor. If you want a place to go where people care about you and look out for your best interests, and best health, go see Dr. Shell.
Love Love Love Dr. Shell & Staff!
Complimentary Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
A thigh lift is a surgical procedure that removes loose skin and fat from the upper thighs to enhance contour and skin tightness. This surgery is well suited for individuals who are close to their goal weight but experience stubborn sagging that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise.
Following surgery, patients typically enjoy smoother, firmer, and more proportionate thighs. Many experience a renewed sense of confidence, especially in wearing fitted clothing or swimwear. Results are designed to be long-lasting when supported by healthy living.
Most patients need between two to four weeks of recovery before returning to normal daily activities. Temporary swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort is normal and manageable with medications. Dr. Shell provides a detailed post-surgical care plan tailored to your needs.
Scarring is a part of any surgical procedure, but Dr. Shell places incisions in discreet locations—such as the inner thigh or bikini line—where they are easily hidden. With time, these scars fade and become significantly less noticeable.
To get started, patients can reach out to Shell Cosmetic Surgery Center via phone or the contact form on the website. During the consultation, Dr. Shell will provide a personalized assessment and surgical plan that reflects your goals and anatomy.
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