Medical & Standard Thigh Lift Surgery Costs – What to Expect
- Dr Duncan Taylor's Practice
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read

What to Expect and How Eligibility May Affect Your Total Out-of-Pocket Costs
If you’re considering a thigh lift, it’s important to understand the potential costs involved — and how Medicare or private health insurance eligibility may reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
A thigh lift removes excess skin and tissue from the upper legs to improve comfort, skin tightness, and contour. It’s most commonly sought by patients who have experienced significant weight loss, have stubborn fat deposits, or want to address age-related changes in skin elasticity. At Dr Duncan Taylor’s practice, we provide clear, personalised guidance at every stage, starting with what to expect financially.
Medicare Rebate Eligibility for Thigh Lift Surgery
Some patients may be eligible for a Medicare rebate if the procedure is performed for medical (not cosmetic) reasons. To qualify for a Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item number, you must meet specific clinical criteria, generally related to skin laxity following significant weight loss that causes skin irritation, discomfort, or limits movement.
Eligibility is assessed during your consultation with Dr Taylor and may require supporting medical documentation. If approved, and if you hold private hospital insurance, your insurer may contribute towards hospital-related costs, depending on your level of cover.
Please note: If liposuction is included as part of the procedure, that component is considered cosmetic and is not eligible for Medicare or health fund rebates.
Surgical Costs
Medial Thigh Lift (Groin Incision Only)
From $10,000 – Surgeon’s Fee only
Additional Liposuction (if required)From $3,000 – Surgeon’s Fee only
Other Costs to Consider:
Anaesthetist Fee – Out-of-pocket costs will apply
Hospital Fee – May be fully covered by comprehensive private health insurance if your surgery is performed for medical reasons.
If uninsured, hospital fees will apply.
If the liposuction component is required, this is considered cosmetic and a hospital fee will apply regardless of insurance. From $2,000 – $4,000 depending on the hospital.
Garments – Knee-length compression shorts (purchased by the patient).
Standard Thigh Lift (Groin + Vertical Incisions)
From $14,000 – Surgeon’s Fee only
Additional Liposuction (if required)From $3,000 – Surgeon’s Fee only
Other Costs to Consider:
Anaesthetist Fee – From $5,600 out-of-pocket.
Hospital Fee – May be fully covered by comprehensive private health insurance if your surgery is performed for medical reasons.
If uninsured, hospital fees will apply.
If the liposuction component is required, this is considered cosmetic and a hospital fee will apply regardless of insurance. From $2,000 – $4,000 depending on the hospital.
Garments – Knee-length compression shorts (purchased by the patient).
Summary of Estimated Costs
Procedure | Surgeon’s Fee | Liposuction (Optional) | Anaesthetist Fee | Hospital Fee (Uninsured/ Cosmetic) | Garments |
Medial Thigh Lift | From $10,000 | From $3,000 | TBA | $2,000–$4,000 | Knee-length compression shorts |
Standard Thigh Lift | From $14,000 | From $3,000 | TBA | $2,000–$4,000 | Knee-length compression shorts |
Next Steps
Every surgery is unique. During your consultation, Dr Duncan Taylor will:
Assess your eligibility for a Medicare and/or health fund rebate
Provide a detailed, personalised cost estimate
Explain the surgical plan, expected recovery, and potential risks
For more information on thigh lift surgery, including recovery expectations and associated risks, please click here or contact our rooms to arrange a consultation.