Does a crescent thigh lift scar always end up moving down the leg?

Question

I've seen that the crescent or mini thigh lift has a scar only in the groin but it seems like it always moves down the leg. Is this true? Is there a way to prevent that?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question regarding the migration of the crescent thigh scar after a thigh lift or thigh reduction. One of the known risks and complications of the crescent thigh lift is scar migration. However, in experienced hands, crescent thigh scar migration is VERY RARE. The key to the crescent thigh lift/ thigh reduction is the anchoring of the inner thigh flap. I have written papers and presented on this very topic. Personally, I anchor the inner thigh with multiple interrupted permanent sutures to the pelvic periosteum. The pelvic periosteum is that thick layer of tissue just above the pelvic bone. The pelvic periosteum does not move and withstands the forces of exertion and gravity. My crescent thigh lift patients wear their thigh garments for 6 weeks and are not allowed to exercise for about 2 months. 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, President of the American Society of Bariatric 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.)

Phillip Chang, MD · Answer

Hi JODY93150

A limited skin excision ( crescent incision ) procedure for minimal sagging. A limited incision thigh lift is performed using a hidden crescent shaped incision in the groin crease.  The appropriate amount of tissue excess is removed.  This is followed by elevating the remaining tissue to the groin crease.  Liposuction is added if necessary. For more information about this procedure, please visit our website.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The groin incision thigh lift can be very effective for the inner thigh, the posterior thigh, and even the buttocks if loose skin is present. The flaps are anchored to some stronger tissue underneath to prevent migration, though it can still happen if tissues are particularly weak. Consult via email or Skype with a board certified PS to determine which type thigh lift is best for you.

Jonathan Brower, MD · Answer

The crescent/mini thigh lift (a "Type I thigh lift" in body contouring circles) addresses only the vertical skin excess of the thigh. It is effective for skin excess high up in the thigh near the groin, but is vastly underpowered to treat excess beyond about a third of the way down the thigh. It's in patients who undergo this limited procedure when they really need a more aggressive approach - that is, a more extensive thigh lift that addresses the horizontal excess further down the thigh as well. In these patients, the heavy weight of the thigh tissue pulls the scar downward under the force of gravity. Many of us also affix the repair to the deep fascia of the pelvis to anchor the scar in place to prevent the migration you're describing, as well as to prevent spreading of the labia. Good luck!

Does a crescent thigh lift scar always end up moving down the leg?

Answers (4)

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