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What Are the Possible Complications of Thigh Lift Surgery?

asked 1 year ago by Sloane M. in New York, NY
Latest answer by Susan E. Downey, MD
Question viewed 583 times
Tags: age 45-54, complication

I am a very fit 49-year old with very loose inner thigh skin from previous lipo (and some loose frontal thigh skin from age and long-ago weight loss) who has been thinking of inner thigh lift surgery for a long time. This scares me more than other plastic surgery procedures however - the downtime, the scarring, etc. Is there anyone who has had a good outcome from this surgery, What are the possible complications vs advantages? Also, can any plastic surgeon do this surgery or just a specialist?

9 answers to What Are the Possible Complications of Thigh Lift Surgery?

+2

Complications after Thighplasty

As with any surgical procedure there can be complications with a thighplasty. In some cases there can be separation and delayed healing up near the groin area. Bleeding (hematoma) and seromas can also occur. The most common problem following a thighplasty is visible scarring and even poor scarring . In cases where there is a lot of excess skin and fat the scars extend the length of the thigh from the groin down to the knee. In... more
Susan E. Downey, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

drdowney.com

+2

Thigh lift complications

Thigh lifts are effective operations to remove the excess skin of the inner thigh. The outer thigh generally needs a lower body lift or a posterior body lift to address the redundancy. The most common complications of this group of surgeries are small wound separations. It is rare to have a major separation. Other complications include fluid formation under the skin and fat, bleeding, infection, loss of blood supply to the skin and poor scarring. Medial thigh lift scars can also migrate... more
Sepehr Egrari, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+2

Possible complications after thigh lift

In my experience, the two biggest complications are residual leg swelling and noticeable scarring.  However, with good technique the risk of both of these can be minimized.
Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+2

Thigh lift surgery-- risks and benefits

Your question regarding the pros and cons of a thigh lift is an excellent one.  The purpose of the inner thigh lift is to remove excess hanging skin and fat, and the tradeoff is an incision, either a straight one up the inside of the leg, or one hidden in your inner thigh crease, or a combination of the two.  While this procedure can create a nice result for lots of patients, I think there are some real risks involved with it that you need to be aware of, the 2 biggest being... more
Shahram Salemy, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Complications of a thigh lift

First of all, most patients are very happy after thigh lifts.  Yes, like with all surgery there can be complications. More common things are unfavorable scarring, wound healing issues, and fluid collections.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Thigh Lift Complications

Issues that can follow inner thigh lift are collections of blood or fluid under the skin, infection, and pulling or stretching of the labia over time.  A surgeon experienced with weight loss patients is probably your best bet when contemplating this type of surgery.
John LoMonaco, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Thigh Lift-risks/benefits

An inner thigh lift is an excellent solution for excess inner thigh skin from weight loss, liposuction, or natural redindancy.  Although massive weight loss patients will require a long scar along the inner thigh, many patients can be treated with hidden scars in the groin and perineal (region between the groin and buttocks) areas.  The scar can be designed to be hidden inside the panties or bikini bottoms.  Initially after surgery there may be a fair amount of skin... more
Bruce Genter, MD

Abington Plastic Surgeon
+1

Thigh Lift Surgery should be done by an experienced Plastic Surgeon

The essential first step for any cosmetic surgery patient is to find the right Plastic Surgeon.  First, you want to look for someone who has American Board of Plastic Surgery certification (in US) or Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (in Canada) certification in Plastic Surgery.  The next step is find that Plastic Surgeon who does these procedures regularly, not just once in a while.  More of theses the surgeon did, more experience he has and more likely... more
Martin Jugenburg, MD

Toronto Plastic Surgeon
+1

Possible Complications of an Inner Thigh Lift

Regarding:  "What Are the Possible Complications of Thigh Lift Surgery? I am a very fit 49-year old with very loose inner thigh skin from previous lipo (and some loose frontal thigh skin from age and long-ago weight loss) who has been thinking of inner thigh lift surgery for a long time. This scares me more than other plastic surgery procedures however - the downtime, the scarring, etc. Is there anyone who has had a good outcome from this surgery, What are the possible... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

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