Thigh lift and labia distortion disaster. Can this be fixed? (Photo)

Question

Had a mini thigh lift with groin incisions that deformed my vulva because of the wrong place incisions. I was left with horrible scars and loose skin. So I had a second consultation and a second thigh lift, this time a spiral thigh lift. I had the second operation 3 months ago and this one was supposed to fix my labia spreading, however I feel like it’s worse. Is this normal? Can it be fixed or not?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for whether your labial distortion following the revision thigh lift performed approximately six months ago is normal.  Thank you for your history and your pictures.  It is not normal for your "outer lips to completely disappear when you open your legs." The flattening of the labia majora may be due to the thigh lift or the thigh lift revision.  Regarding treatment, I would not suggest any further thigh lifts or crescent thigh lifts.  I would focus more on the labia.  Most plastic surgeons agree that fat transfer can best correct the area.  Fat is typically harvested from the abdomen or a superior iliac crest.  Then, the collected, purified fat is transferred into the labia majora.  Thank you for your interesting question regarding lab distortion six months after a thigh revision.  When seeking revisions, please consult with an experienced thigh lift plastic surgeon.  Since thigh lift revisions are difficult, please consult with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon specializing 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, contact an experienced plastic surgeon.   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, MD, MBA.  (President of  the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, 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, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

It is much too early to consider any revision. Try doing some gentle massage of the inner thigh skin for now.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Thigh lift surgery is fairly complex.
It’s not easy and straightforward at all.
Overall, patient satisfaction for thigh lift surgery is kind of a mixed bag.
There are people who are happy with the outcomes, and there are a substantial number of people who still have some issues or concerns afterwards.
There are correct way to do the procedure to minimize the chance of labial spreading.
The technique was first promoted by a doctor named Dr. Lockwood. his technique improved the outcomes of the thigh, lift procedure and minimized the chance of labial spreading.
It’s difficult to know if you’re a surgeon used the Lockwood technique or not.
Most plastic surgeons know about the technique and at least attempt to use it.
Thigh lift surgery is not as common as for example tummy tuck surgery.
There aren’t that many plastic surgeons who’ve done enough thigh lift surgery to really mastered this procedure.
Provider selection is very important for all procedures and becomes more important to for procedures that are complex and not easy or straightforward.
If your second revision couldn’t improve the situation then it is unlikely a third revision is going to improve your outcome.
I’m guessing the motivation to do a third surgery is probably quite low.
 You’re still a bit early out from the procedure and you need time to let your scars heal.
Your tuck incision looks a bit uneven and you have hypertrophic scar formation.
You may want to talk to your provider about suggestions for managing the scar.
 I personally usually have people use silicone tape or silicone sheeting when they form hypertrophic scars during the first year.
Generally, these procedures should be considered fairly permanent and irreversible.
Things usually gets better with time.
Best, 
Mats Hagstrom MD

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