CRANTFORD COSTA PLASTIC SURGERY
247 Calhoun St.
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 722-5904
Fax: 854-201-2400
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Skin Clinic hours:
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Advanced drainless thigh lift with Dr. Clayton Crantford featuring the avulsion thighplasty technique — a lymphatic-sparing approach that eliminates surgical drains, reduces swelling, and accelerates recovery in Charleston, SC.
SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION or call (843) 350-5356A thigh lift (thighplasty) is a body contouring procedure that removes excess skin, fat, and tissue from the thighs to create a smoother, more toned appearance. Performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Clayton Crantford at Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic in Charleston, SC, this procedure addresses sagging, loose skin that does not respond to diet or exercise.
What sets Dr. Crantford’s approach apart is the avulsion thighplasty technique — an advanced, drainless method that uses aggressive liposuction beneath the planned resection area to spare the lymphatic vessels, nerves, and blood vessels that run superficial to the deep muscle fascia. By preserving these critical structures, the avulsion technique dramatically reduces the risk of seroma, lymphedema, and lymphocele while eliminating the need for surgical drains entirely. Patients benefit from a faster, more comfortable recovery with significantly fewer complications.
Considering a thigh lift? Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and learn about our drainless approach.
REQUEST A CONSULTATIONThigh lift surgery addresses a variety of concerns. Here are common reasons patients choose this procedure.
Significant weight loss — whether through bariatric surgery, GLP-1 medications, or lifestyle changes — often leaves excess, hanging skin on the thighs that cannot be addressed through exercise alone. A thigh lift restores shape and proportion to your new body.
Natural aging and genetics can cause skin to lose elasticity in the thighs, leading to sagging and a loss of tone. A thigh lift tightens and smooths the inner and outer thigh for a more youthful, firmer appearance.
Excess thigh skin can cause chafing, rashes, skin irritation, and difficulty finding clothing that fits properly. Beyond aesthetics, a thigh lift improves daily comfort and physical activity.
Patients who have achieved their goal weight but feel their thighs are disproportionate to the rest of their body. A thigh lift creates balance and harmony with the overall silhouette.
Dr. Crantford uses the avulsion thighplasty technique — an advanced approach that delivers superior outcomes with fewer complications.
Aggressive liposuction beneath the resection area avulses tissue from the deep fascia, preserving lymphatic vessels, cutaneous nerves, and blood vessels critical for healing.
By preserving lymphatic drainage pathways, fluid accumulation is dramatically minimized, eliminating the discomfort and maintenance of traditional surgical drains.
Published research shows the avulsion technique reduces lymphocele and seroma rates from over 23% to under 3%, while preserving nerves for better sensation.
Without drains and with preserved lymphatic function, patients experience less swelling, less discomfort, and a significantly faster return to daily activities.
From consultation to recovery, Dr. Crantford guides you through every step.
Dr. Crantford evaluates your anatomy, skin quality, and goals to develop a customized surgical plan. He explains the avulsion technique so you understand the benefits of a drainless approach.
Performed under general anesthesia in our Joint Commission-accredited facility. The avulsion technique combines liposuction with tissue removal to spare lymphatics, creating smoother contours without drains.
Without surgical drains, recovery is more comfortable from day one. Compression garments are worn for 4–6 weeks. Most patients return to light activity in 2–3 weeks and full activity by 6–8 weeks.
Most patients can return to light desk work within 2 to 3 weeks after a drainless thigh lift. Because the avulsion technique eliminates surgical drains and preserves lymphatic function, patients typically experience significantly less swelling and discomfort compared to traditional approaches. Compression garments should be worn 24/7 for the first 4 to 6 weeks to optimize results.
Full activity, including exercise and strenuous workouts, can typically resume at 6 to 8 weeks. Final results continue to improve as swelling resolves over 3 to 6 months. Dr. Crantford’s ERAS protocol optimizes every phase of your surgical experience — from pre-operative preparation to tailored anesthesia techniques and post-operative care. For detailed recovery guidance, visit our thigh lift recovery page.
The cost of a thigh lift varies based on several factors unique to your procedure.
Procedure type: Medial thigh lift vs. vertical/extended thigh lift, and whether liposuction is included
Combined procedures: Whether combined with a tummy tuck, body contouring, or other procedures
Extent of correction: The amount of excess skin and tissue being removed, which affects surgical time and complexity
Financing options: We partner with PatientFi and CareCredit to offer affordable monthly payment plans
Considering combining procedures? Many patients pair a thigh lift with a tummy tuck, liposuction, arm lift, or post-bariatric body contouring.
DISCUSS YOUR OPTIONSDr. Clayton Crantford brings board-certified expertise and a philosophy of personalized, patient-centered care to every thigh lift procedure. He is one of the few surgeons in the Charleston area offering the drainless avulsion thighplasty technique, reflecting his commitment to the most advanced surgical methods available.
When you choose Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic in Charleston, SC, you’re choosing a surgeon who listens to your goals, respects your concerns, and guides you toward a result tailored to your unique anatomy and aesthetic vision. Located in historic downtown Charleston on Calhoun Street, we serve patients from throughout the Lowcountry and across South Carolina.
Board-certified plastic surgeon with specialized training in body contouring and the avulsion thighplasty technique
Drainless approach reduces seroma rates from over 23% to under 3% compared to traditional thigh lift techniques
Joint Commission-accredited surgical facility with the highest patient safety standards
ERAS Rapid Recovery protocols for faster healing and minimal downtime after thigh lift surgery
Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic is proudly located in historic downtown Charleston at 247 Calhoun Street, serving thigh lift patients from throughout the region. Whether you’re in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, James Island, West Ashley, Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, Daniel Island, Goose Creek, or anywhere across South Carolina, Dr. Crantford provides board-certified expertise and personalized care for your thigh lift.
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Take the first step toward firmer, more contoured thighs. Dr. Clayton Crantford and the team at Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic are here to answer your questions and guide you through every stage of your transformation.
SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION (843) 350-5356
