Should I have lipo on inner thigh before having a thigh lift? (Photo)

Question

I have a crescent thigh lift (for the inner thigh) and liposuction for the outer thigh scheduled for September. I think my legs are HUGE. I am just under 5 feet tall and weigh 138. I am reading online that I should have lipo on the inner thigh first and then have the thigh lift in 6 months or so. What are your thoughts? I want the size and appearance of my legs to look a lot thinner than they do now.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

It is always easier for the surgeon to stage procedures including thigh lifts and liposuction.  The liposuction would aggressively remove fat and then a thigh lift would remove excess skin at a later date.  However not everybody can or wants to undergo multiple procedures for this one issue and so there is a preference for single stage treatment, i.e., liposuction and skin excision at the same time.  However, one cannot be as aggressive in the single stage setting.

David N. Hing, MD (retired) · Answer

Your photos suggest that you have significant fat layer thickness in more than just the outer thigh.  Removing only a crescent of skin and fat in the upper thigh will NOT significantly change the fullness in the lower part of your inner thigh.Liposuctioning the thigh to include inner thigh, outer thigh and front of the thigh will reduce the fullness in your thighs from fat, but may produce loose skin that may require and inner thigh lift with a vertical scar extending to the knee, to control the side to side skin loosening that may occur with liposuctioning around the thigh.At the very least, you should consider getting a second opinion, before proceeding with the 9-1-15 surgery, from a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring with liposuction and excisional thigh lift surgery.I hope that this is helpful in defining your options for you.  Good Luck!

Should I have lipo on inner thigh before having a thigh lift? (Photo)

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Should I have lipo on inner thigh before having a thigh lift? (Photo)

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.