Do inner thighs sag with age like upper arms; how do I know if this is loose skin or excess fat? How is it treated?

Question

I have never been obese; weight has been stable for many years. I am seeing many changes as I approach menopause, particularly skin laxity. My upper arms suddenly began to sag so horribly I need a brachio to fix them. Now my thighs are suddenly rubbing together at the top despite routinely doing leg lifts, etc 3x a week. Is this inner thigh issue similar to what happens to upper arms w/ skin excision required? How do I know if it's fat vs laxity and how do I fix it?

Misbah Khan MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

inner thighs are a bit tricky with their fat distribution. excess fat can herniate thru otherwise healthy skin and can cause the thighs to rub against one another. it can appear as if you have increased skin laxity but in fact its just extra fat. having said that, its best to have yourself evaluated and take it from there. it could be excess skin AND fat.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your ht and wt, it doesn't sounds like you are overweight, but sometimes it's possible to have extra excess fat even in some places in patients who are not otherwise obese.  I would recommend having an evaluation to determine if it's skin or fat.  Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons. Be certain your surgeon is properly certified.  I've attached a link where you can start your search.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, the inner thighs can sag similarly to the arms. For best results in improving this, I recommend a hi definition procedure like VASER liposuction which can be performed at the same time as a thigh lift, if you're a candidate. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned result. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Poetsjasmine.   I feel your pain! As we age, metabolism slows, making it harder and harder to maintain or lose weight, no matter how much we diet and exercise! Skin also becomes more lax.  If increasing Triceps muscle mass does not improve upper arms, then brachioplasty is your best option. Same philosophy for your thighs.  Sometimes just liposuction can greatly improve upper inner thighs, as this is a problem area for many as it does not respond well to diet and exercise. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  If you have excess tissue laxity in the arms and thighs, then an arm lift and thigh lift are the best options.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Do inner thighs sag with age like upper arms; how do I know if this is loose skin or excess fat? How is it treated?

Answers (6)

Answer: Aging stinks!

Answer: Aging stinks!

Answer: Inner thighs

Answer: Inner thighs

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Do inner thighs sag with age like upper arms; how do I know if this is loose skin or excess fat? How is it treated?

Answers (6)

Answer: Aging stinks!

Answer: Aging stinks!

Answer: Inner thighs

Answer: Inner thighs

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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