After significant weight loss, excess skin on the inner thighs can cause more than cosmetic concerns. Many people experience persistent rashes, recurrent infections, hygiene difficulties, and restricted movement during everyday activities.
In specific cases, Medicare Australia may contribute to the cost of a thigh lift (thigh lipectomy) when the procedure is required to manage medical issues rather than for appearance alone.
This guide explains the Medicare criteria, referral process, and assessment pathway for patients considering a thigh lift with Dr Mark Kohout, Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon (FRACS) in Sydney, NSW.
When a thigh lift may be medically indicated
Following major weight loss, skin on the inner thighs may lose elasticity and hang loosely.
This can lead to:
- Ongoing skin irritation or chafing
- Recurrent fungal or bacterial infections
- Difficulty maintaining hygiene
- Ulceration or maceration in skin folds
- Discomfort during walking or physical activity
When these issues are documented by a GP and persist despite non-surgical care, a thigh lift may be considered medically necessary.
Medicare eligibility for a thigh lift
Medicare provides rebates for thigh lipectomy under strict medical criteria. The procedure must address functional or health-related issues, not appearance alone. Eligibility generally requires the following:
- Documented weight loss
At least 5 BMI units must be lost from the pre-weight-loss baseline.
Example: A person 170 cm tall would need to lose approximately 14.5 kg to meet this requirement.
- Stable weight for 6 months or more
Weight stability confirms that symptoms are ongoing and helps support more reliable outcomes.
- Evidence of medical complications
Records must show that excess thigh skin is causing:
- Recurrent infections or intertrigo
- Chronic skin irritation or breakdown
- Difficulty with hygiene or mobility
- Trial of conservative treatment
Before surgery can be considered, at least 3 months of non-surgical management should be documented. Examples include:
- Antifungal or antibacterial creams
- Barrier creams or dressings
- Supportive or breathable garments
- Hygiene measures
If these measures fail to relieve symptoms, surgery may be reviewed for medical necessity.
- Specialist plastic surgery assessment
A surgeon such as Dr Mark Kohout will assess whether the findings and documentation meet Medicare’s requirements. Clinical photographs are usually included in the submission.
Relevant Medicare Item Number
A thigh lift may fall under MBS Item 30169 – Lipectomy, one or two non-abdominal areas.
This item may apply when:
- There has been a documented weight loss of at least 5 BMI units
- Weight has remained stable for at least 6 months
- Redundant skin causes medical problems such as rashes or infections
- Non-surgical treatments have failed
The final decision depends on the MBS descriptor and Medicare’s criteria at the time of assessment. A rebate is not guaranteed and each case is assessed individually.
The referral and assessment pathway
Step 1: Visit your GP
Your GP will:
- Record pre-weight-loss and current BMI
- Confirm a reduction of at least 5 BMI units
- Verify stable weight for a minimum of 6 months
- Document medical issues and non-surgical treatments
- Provide a referral to Dr Mark Kohout in Sydney, NSW
Step 2: Consultation with Dr Mark Kohout
During your consultation in Sydney, NSW, Dr Kohout will:
- Examine the thigh area
- Review medical history and GP documentation
- Take clinical photographs if appropriate
- Discuss options, risks, and recovery
- Consider whether your case may meet Medicare criteria
Step 3: Supporting documentation
Documentation commonly includes:
- GP referral and medical history
- Weight loss and stability records
- Notes confirming failed conservative management
- Surgeon’s assessment and photographs
Thigh Lift Surgery Before and After Images
About the thigh lift procedure
A thigh lift (thigh lipectomy) involves removing redundant inner thigh skin and tightening surrounding tissues to reduce chafing and skin irritation. The aim is to improve comfort and hygiene where excess skin causes persistent medical problems.
Like any operation, there are risks such as infection, wound healing delay, seroma, asymmetry, changes in sensation, and scarring. These are discussed in detail during consultation with Dr Kohout.
Recovery overview
Recovery time varies based on individual healing and the extent of surgery.
- First 2 weeks: Wound care and limited movement with compression garments.
- Weeks 2 to 6: Gradual return to light activities.
- Weeks 6 to 12: Resume regular activity as advised.
Scar maturation continues over several months.
FAQs About Thigh Lift
Does Medicare cover a thigh lift?
Medicare may provide a rebate when a thigh lift is performed to treat medical problems such as recurrent infections or hygiene issues after significant weight loss. Procedures performed for cosmetic reasons only are not covered.What Medicare item number applies to a thigh lift?
MBS Item 30169 can apply to a thigh lift when strict criteria are met, including documented weight loss, weight stability, and failed conservative management. Item numbers and criteria may change over time, so they are always checked at the time of assessment.Do I need to lose a specific amount of weight before qualifying?
Yes. Medicare requires a documented loss of at least 5 BMI units from your pre-weight-loss baseline and stable weight for at least 6 months.What evidence do I need for Medicare eligibility?
Your GP and surgeon must provide medical records, photographs, and documentation showing ongoing medical problems and unsuccessful non-surgical treatment over a minimum of 3 months.What are the main benefits of a thigh lift in medically indicated cases?
When excess thigh skin leads to health issues, a thigh lift may help relieve skin irritation, reduce moisture trapping, and support better hygiene and movement. Outcomes vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed.How long is the recovery period?
Most people take several weeks to return to normal activities. Wound care, compression garments, and gradual increases in movement are part of the recovery plan advised by your surgeon.What should I bring to my consultation with Dr Kohout?
Bring:• Your GP referral
• Weight loss and stability records
• Notes about medical issues related to thigh skin
• Details of previous treatments
• Any relevant clinical correspondence or photographs
Medical References
- A Comprehensive Review of Medial Thighplasty: The Role of Liposuction in Reducing Complications and Optimizing Patient Outcomes https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11989391/
- Thighs lift in the post-bariatric patient – A systematic review https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1748681524005618
- Thighplasty – StatPearls https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594236/
- Medial thighplasty: Current concepts and practices https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0294126015001405
- Thigh Lift (Thighplasty): Types, Surgery, Recovery & Scars – Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25012-thigh-lift-thighplasty
- Complications After Thigh Lift Surgery—Common, but Usually Minor – Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/complications-after-thigh-lift-surgery%E2%80%94common-but-usually-minor-reports-plastic-and-reconstructive-surgery
- Medial Thigh Lift in the Massive Weight Loss Population: The Rennes University Center Experience (From systematic review) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1748681524005618
Next steps with Dr Mark Kohout in Sydney, NSW
If you experience skin irritation, infections, or hygiene difficulties due to excess thigh skin after weight loss, the first step is to visit your GP for assessment and referral.
You can then arrange a consultation with Dr Mark Kohout, Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon (FRACS) in Sydney, NSW, for an individual evaluation and discussion of whether your condition may meet Medicare’s criteria for consideration.
Further Reading
- Read Dr Kohout’s Blog on Managing Thigh Lift Scars: A Guide
- Read Dr Kohout’s Blog on Recovery After A Thigh Lift
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Experienced Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Mark Kohout
A qualified plastic surgeon who operates with care and integrity, based in central Sydney with over 20 years of experience in the cosmetic field. His extensive training and experience assures patients they are in highly trained surgical hands. Dr. Kohout is a dedicated, friendly professional who is committed to providing the high quality care, support and results, alongside his compassionate team.
Dr Mark Kohout (MED0001133000)
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Specialist registration in Surgery – Plastic Surgery