Is a medial thigh lift enough? (Photos)

Question

I had a consultation and the surgeon decided a medial incision would be sufficient, opposed to the lateral incision, with liposuction of my front/inner thighs. I was initially excited, as I prefer the scar from the medial lift, but I am getting concerned. The more I look at my legs and consider them after the liposuction, I’m not sure that incision will be enough. I know it’s easier to tell in person, but I wanted to see if I could get opinions on if the medial incision would work for me.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about whether a medial thigh lift in your situation is enough.  Based on your pictures, limited history, and not a physical examination, I would suggest a vertical medial or inner thigh lift to be combined with thigh liposuction. The vertical medial thigh lift procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The vertical medial thigh lift procedure takes approximately 4 hours. During the vertical medial thigh lift, thigh  liposuction is performed on the anterior, medial and posterior portion of the thigh.  Thigh liposuction allows for optimal thigh reduction. Then, an inner thigh incision is made from the groin to the knee and a large elliptical area of skin fat is removed from the inner thigh. I believe you will obtain optimal results with the vertical medial thigh lift from the groin to the knee. I do not believe you need the incision in the lateral or outside portion of the thigh.  I perform the lateral thigh reductions for patients with “pantaloon thigh deformities”. “Pantaloon thigh deformities” are large pouches of skin and fat on the outer portion of the thigh. In my opinion, you do not have a “pantaloon thigh deformity”.  Therefore, I would suggest you undergo thigh liposuction combined with a vertical medial thigh lift. I believe you will be satisfied with these thigh lift results alone. However, if you are not satisfied with the vertical medial thigh lift, you can always have the vertical lateral thigh lift performed at a later date. However, in my 20 years experience, I have never had a single patient seek lateral thigh lift after a well performed vertical medial thigh lift . Good luck. I hope that I have answered your question regarding whether a medial thigh lift in your situation is enough.  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.)

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on your photos, I recommend a longitudinal thigh lift. This procedure will remove the excess skin and fat to the thighs, giving you the best result possible. I recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon who can create a personalized plan for you. Best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The extended medial (inner) thigh lift is typically reserved for patients who have undergone massive weight loss.  The scar typically extends down the inner thigh so that the scar is difficult to detect upon casual gaze.  This allows for maximal removal of skin and maximal tightening for the entirety of the thigh down to the knee. I have performed many medial thigh lifts with only the groin incision.  I would have to examine you to determine what would be best for you.
The answer to this question depends upon your goals.  While the medial thigh lift is certainly effective in its removal of tissue and correcting issues of skin laxity and reducing size and circumference, the scar produced is often objectionable to many patients.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Los Angeles, CA

Siamak Agha, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. There are many surgeries which I perform that benefit the thighs. A vertical thighplasty, which consists of a medial incision from groin to knee, will help to reduce the size of your thighs and rid of excess skin/tissue from the inner portion. Keep in mind a vertical thighplasty does not necessarily "lift" or smoothen out the skin - it reduces the size of your thighs. You would also benefit from some liposuction of different areas of the thighs. In order to make the front and outer thigh more smooth you would need a front and outer thigh lift which is done through an incision such as a tummy tuck incision. It is best to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon who performs many thigh surgeries. Check out my website for before and after photos. Best of luck! - instagram @drsiamakagha

Joshua A. Halpern, MD, PA · Answer

a medial thigh lift helps to tighten the inner thigh skin. It appears from your picture that you have circumferential lax thigh skin. Some surgeons would perform an outer thigh lift as well. You may be a candidate for a new high tech device that tightens skin without cutting it out. It is called j plasma/ renuvion. It uses radio frequency energy to tighten skin. Please note that it does not tighten skin as tight as a skin excision. (Please see the j plasma/renuvion videos on our page.) i hope you find this information useful. Please see the enclosed video.

Is a medial thigh lift enough? (Photos)

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