Was told I don't need lipo before thigh lift? 170 pound weight loss (Photo)

Question

I'm confused because I have a lot of circumferential fat on my thighs, but when I had a consult, I was told I shouldn't lipo it (even staggered) because then he wouldn't get an accurate result during my thigh lift. He said it was mostly extra skin, but this is a lot, and it's heavy and hard/jiggly if that makes sense? I assumed if I got lipo before, he could get more skin off. He said he could lipo it after the lift if I wanted. Wouldn't that leave more loose skin?

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello !

It's important to understand that liposuction and thigh lift procedures address different issues. Liposuction is designed to remove excess fat, while a thigh lift is designed to address excess skin and improve the overall contour of the thigh. In some cases, liposuction may be used in conjunction with a thigh lift to achieve optimal results, but it depends on the individual case and the extent of excess fat and skin.

Based on what your surgeon told you, it sounds like your excess tissue is primarily skin rather than fat. Removing the excess skin is the main goal of a thigh lift, so in your case, liposuction may not be the most effective solution. Liposuction could potentially compromise the ability of the surgeon to remove the excess skin, resulting in a suboptimal outcome.

If you do decide to proceed with liposuction after the thigh lift, it is possible that some additional loose skin may result, but this can usually be addressed with additional skin removal procedures if necessary.

Regarding the circumferential fat on your thighs, your surgeon may have determined that the excess tissue is not fat but rather skin, which can be difficult to remove with liposuction alone. It's important to trust your surgeon's professional judgment and to discuss any concerns you may have with them.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding circumferential fat around your thighs. You are correct. I would suggest you have liposuction 360 circumferentially around your thighs. This will reduce fat around your thighs and make the secondary thigh lift easier. It does not make sense to have the thigh lift and then to have potential fat removal for a secondary procedure. This will leave loose skin, requiring a third thigh lift. Therefore, I would suggest one possibly circumferential thigh liposuction. This will reduce the circumference of the leg. This will also improve the thigh lift, and you will achieve better results. It is doubtful you will need touch-up lipo after your thigh lift. Therefore, I would not suggest a thigh lift, and then lipo but rather a liposuction and then the thigh lift. I hope I helped to answer your question regarding circumferential fat around your thighs. Thank you for your excellent question. 
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Congrats on your weight loss! With a massive weight loss patients usually are left with a significant amount of excess skin. In person exam is essential. Based on limited photos, it appears that you may benefit from a medial thigh lift and possible lateral thigh lift with some liposuction. All the details will be discussed at the consultation after the physical exam is conducted

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