Why are some thigh lift scars in the groin crease?

Question

Why are some thigh lift scars in the groin crease and some appear to be an inch or so lower than the groin crease?

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

It is very important to consider the excess of skin which is developed after weight loss, is always an excess of width, never a pure excess of length because the patients thighs did not become shorter, thighs became slimmer, so the Correct Thigh Lift should be done through a Vertical Medial or outer  Thigh Lift to eliminate and tighten the excess of width, the groin component is only to eliminate the dog ear in the area and remove the small length excess and importantly to anchor the skin flap  to Gracilis muscle tendon to prevent scar migration and end up with the labia skin down in the thigh and importantly to prevent spreading of the vagina, exposure of urethra etc.Dr. Cárdenas

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding why there are some thigh lift scars in the groin crease.    Different incisions are made for different patients with different thigh indications and concerns. There are multiple ways to decrease the size and width of the thigh. Options include thigh liposuction, groin or crescent thigh lift, modified longitudinal thigh lift, modified T thigh lift, vertical inner or medial thigh incision from the groin to the knee, vertical lateral thigh incision from the hip to the outer knee, and complete thigh lift with an incision from the groin to the knee then to the ankle. Patients who are optimal candidates for the groin crease or crescent thigh lifts are patients who have isolated fat in the upper 1/3 of the inner thigh.  This thigh excess is in the upper thigh.  These patients have moderately good thigh skin elasticity.  Also, they have no associated fat around the knee.  For these patients, the crescent thigh lift or groin thigh lift is optimal. The benefits of the crescent thigh lift or groin thigh lift are that the thigh lift scar is hidden and significant skin and fat can be removed from the upper inner thigh.  One disadvantage of the crescent or groin crease incision is that there is potential for labial spread if the suturing is not appropriately performed.  Also, there is a potential migration of the groin thigh lift scar from the groin crease down to the inner thigh.  The crescent thigh lift does not affect any other areas of the thigh except the upper 1/3 of the inner thigh.  That means, if you have excess skin and fat around the knee, the groin crease incision thigh lift will not affect the knee area. Thank you for your question regarding why are some thigh lifts placed in the groin. I specialize in thigh lifts.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the thigh reduction.  If you have any more questions regarding the thigh lift, thigh reduction, vertical thigh lift, medial thigh lift, spiral thigh lift, crescent thigh lift, or thigh lipo, please contact my office.   Please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing thigh lifts. Do your research.  Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 thigh lifts.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  There are multiple approaches for thigh lift.  At your consultation, we would discuss your concerns and determine which approach would be best for you.   We would love to meet with you to discuss your options. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Every surgeon has his or her own style and technique for procedures. I recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon, who can assess you in person and explain exactly where your incisions will be based on  your surgery plan. Best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The groin incision thigh lift can be a very powerful tool to improve skin laxity along the inner thighs. The beauty of its design is that the scar can be hidden in the groin crease so that some of these scars are almost undetectable. At the same time, done correctly, inner thigh laxity to the level of the mid-thigh can be improved dramatically.  The groin incision inner thigh lift will not improve the skin near the knees. Some patients may require an incision that extends for a small distance down the inner thigh, which is very difficult to see when placed appropriately.  Any additional improvement near the lower part of the thigh and knee will involve an extended medial thigh lift (extended inner thigh lift).

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Thighplasty scars have the tendency to migrate secondary to tension vectors. The goal is to anchor the flaps to the fascia. However, it is important to remember that time and gravity are undefeated and over time changes will occur.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
RealSelf Verified Member
RealSelf Top 100
RealSelf
Hall of Fame

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
The scars for a traditional thigh lift can migrate down because of the stretch of the tissues. When the stretch is less and anchoring to the proper fascia has been done, there is less of tendency for scars to migrate. Please find an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All The Best!

Joshua A. Halpern, MD, PA · Answer

there are different techniques one can use in order to lift the thighs. Before i get into these i would like to share with you and exciting new technology that is used to tighten thigh skin without cutting it out. It’s called Renuvion/j plasma this uses radio frequency energy to tighten skin without cutting it out. (Please see the jplasma/renuvion videos on our page). Some surgeons will make incisions above the groin crease, others make it in the groin crease and some make it below the groin crease. In addition there is a technique to also tighten the excess horrizontal thigh skin resulting in a vertical scar along the inner aspect of the thigh. I hope you find this information useful. Please see the enclosed video.

Why are some thigh lift scars in the groin crease?

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