Will a thigh lift with a scar in the groin crease make a big difference with the smoothness of my thighs? (Photo)

Thank you for your question. This can be a challenging area for contouring for many reasons. First, you have fat deposits which have created contour irregularities. Secondly, you have loose skin that is making the fat deposits more visible. Third, the direction in which the excess skin exists is around the leg and not as much up and down. Fourth, gravity pulls down. Although liposuction would decrease the amount of fat, it would likely leave more skin contour irregularities and looseness. It is possible that removing skin within the groin and lifting the thigh in a crescent type excision, may improve the contour, but this would be limited to the upper portion of the thigh only. If, however, the bulk of mass is circumferential around the thigh, this will be of limited benefit. In such cases, the only solution is to remove the skin along the inner thigh which would, necessarily, leave a vertical scar. This is analogous to performing an arm lift where excess skin and fat extend along the entire portion of the arm requiring a longitudinal excision with a scar along the under surface of the arm from the armpit to the elbow. It is not unreasonable, however, to have a wedge excision and see how you would do as you would not be burning any bridges should you need further surgery in the future, but this of course, would require two separate procedures. I hope this helps and have a wonderful day. Dr Kayser - St. Clair Shores

Thank you for your question and photographs.  Liposuction can help with the 'bulkiness' of your thighs but will not improve the cellulite or 'ripply' appearance.  A thigh lift with the only incision in the groin crease will help with the upper, inner portion of the thigh only.  A concerted effort must be made by your surgeon to keep the scar above the underwear line. Be sure to see an experienced board certified plastic surgeon.