Thigh Liposuction vs. Thigh Lift

I want to get plastic surgery to improve/reduce my thighs, and I'm having trouble figuring out whether I need liposuction or a thigh lift.

My thighs are large (larger than what would be expected for someone of my size), but they aren't smooth. On the inner thighs (the area I want done), there is some wrinkling that almost gives the appearance of sagging. I'd assumed it was fat, because I thought excess skin could only be caused by a large weight loss, which I haven't had.

Is this true? I'm in my early 20's and wondering what type of procedure I should seek.

Sort: Date | Helpful
14 answers to “Thigh Liposuction vs. Thigh Lift”

A: Thigh surgery for excess thigh skin and fat

J. Vicente P. Poblete, MD

Biggest determinant wis amount fo fat/volume relative to the amount of skin excess. If the main problem is fat and it is lovalized to either inner thigh or outer thigh or both and the skin relatively tight, then liposuction alone may help. If there is significant bulk.volume, then better to stage this- ... more

A: Thigh Lift or Lipo?

Ricardo Rodriguez, MD

First of all, a consult is essential, for there is a "touch and feel" element on the Doctor's part as to what he can accomplish with his techniques. Having said that, a few comments: 1 Excercise will not tighten your skin, neither will liposuction 2 Lipo will change the contour of the thigh, but not... more

A: You shouldn't decide what you want before you see experts for their advice

Sutton Graham II, MD

S112308: It will not be necessary for you to pick a therapy (lift or lipo or combo) before you have in-person consultations with experienced plastic surgeons. They can assess your general health, body proportions, the condition of your skin and subcutaneous fat, and the laxity or support.  With these... more

A: Thigh contouring options

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD

Liposuction and removal of excess skin of the thighs are both good options to contour them.  Sometimes, both are done!  A lot depends on whether you have just loose skin or loose skin and excess fat.  Either way, you can get a great result.  Talk with several plastics surgeons to get an... more

A: Can't tell without pictures

G. Gregory Gallico III, MD

Excision of thigh tissue, a thihg lift, is usually done after weight loss to decrease the very loose skin on the inner thighs. The thigh lift leaves fairly prominent scars on the inner thighs, which might be worse than the loose skin you have now. A liposuction of the thighs will remove fat, but will leave the... more

A: Liposuction vs a lift for the legs

Steven Wallach, MD

This is something that can be evaluated during your consultation.  Liposuction can be performed to debulk the legs but excessive treatment may cause skin laxity especially if the skin was of poor quality.

A: usually liposuction leads to more loose skin

W. Tracy Hankins, MD

Normally, liposuction leads to more loose skin.  However, there are several technologies now which can tighten skin, from Thermage, to laser liposuction to Velashape.  If there is too much laxity, a thigh lift can still be the best alternative.  try to find a surgeon who is well versed and... more

A: You may need both

Christopher L. Hess, MD

The medial thighs can be a difficult area to treat.  If there is significant contour irregularity it is likely due to both skin and fat.  Without a picture my guess is that you will need both liposuction and a thigh lift.  If there isn't significant skin that needs to be removed the thigh lift... more

A: This requires a lot of judgement.

George J. Beraka, MD

HI! You really need to be examined by an expert in cosmetic surgery.  In general, since you are young and have not lost a lot of weight, I would say that circumferential (all around) liposuction of the thighs is what you need. But what you describe in your inner thighs really needs to be evaluated... more

A: liposuction

Trevor M. Born, MD

Dear 112308 You ask a very good question.... and it really can only be answered with a consultation and a physical examination. There may not be a perfect solution for the irregularity of your skin.  A medial thigh lift can help but unless you have a lot of skin laxity you may be trading for a scar that... more

Post your question

Thigh lift before & after photos

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.