A thigh lift or thighplasty is designed to remove large amounts of skin and fat from the hips and thighs. Thigh lifts are usually performed under a general anaesthetic. The nature of this operation necessitates long cuts and, inevitably, long scars. Elliptical segments of skin and underlying fat are removed from the thigh areas. The remaining skin and tissue are lifted to achieve a tightening and smoothing effect. Although the operation is often combined with liposuction, it is aimed primarily at the tightening of skin and deep tissue. The length of the scar will depend on how much excess skin a person has; scars may extend across the outer and inner thighs. There is a significant amount of pain and discomfort during the healing process following a thighplasty, but this can usually be controlled effectively with painkillers. Recovery generally takes two weeks or longer. Private costs for a thighplasty (thigh lift) can be in the range of £5,000 to £6,000.