Outer and Inner Thigh Lift?

Question

Hi, is it possible to combine a Liposuction on the outer and inner thigh with a outer and inner thigh lift? or do you need two seperate operations where you have an inner thigh lift at first and in the second one an outher thigh lift? Thank you

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes it is possible to do an inner and outer thigh lift at the same time.  I have done this before on many patients who have a significant amount of both inner and outer excess skin and fat. 
	I think it is unnecessary to do this in two separate surgeries and prefer combining them in one procedure.  The incision is made from the upper and outer hip down to the lateral portion of the knee and then another incision is made from the inseam down to the inner portion of the knee.  An elliptical area is removed from the inner and the outer leg as well as a significant amount of fat.  I have not had issues with blood flow or vascularity to the incisions, upper leg, or lower leg.  In addition I have had no patients with lymph edema with this procedure. 
	I find it a very useful procedure to debulk grade 4 legs with excess skin and fat or both inner and outer thighs.
	Congratulations on your weight loss and good luck on completing your weight loss journey.
	
	Thank you,
	J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It's important to realize that no two patients are ever exactly alike. They have different anatomic findings, aesthetic goals and social situations. For this reasons, it's important to tailor procedures to meet the patient's specific needs.Although it's possible to perform inner and outer thigh lift surgery with liposuction in one setting, the majority of plastic surgeons would stage these procedures. Most surgeons would address the outer thighs by performing a lower body lift as an initial maneuver. This procedure removes excess skin from the lower back and simultaneously lifts the lateral thigh and buttocks in an upward direction. It can be easily performed in combination with liposuction to augment the result.Once fully recovered from this initial procedure, a secondary medial thigh lift can be performed. This procedure removes excess skin in both the transverse and vertical dimensions. It can also be performed in combination with liposuction.If you're considering thigh lift surgery, it's important to consult a board certified plastic surgeon who has experience in this area. This surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your anatomic findings and achieves your aesthetic goals.

Aaron Stone, MD · Answer

In my opinion you are better off doing the outer thigh lift/belt lipectomy first because this tightens the inner thighs a bit. Then when you do the inner thighs it is a lesser procedure than it otherwise would be. Doing them together could result in tension on the medial thigh repair and problems with healing or scarring. Whether or not to do liposuction at the same time would depend on what is being removed and what is being left behind at surgery. That cannot be addressed in this forum given the limitations of an online discussion.
	
	I hope you realize that this format of posting questions and receiving answers lacks the face to face direct communication required for you to make an informed decision regarding your surgery.
	
	My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e. personally see a board certified plastic surgeon in order to receive a formal evaluation and develop a doctor patient relationship.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Outer and inner thigh lifts are cosmetic surgical procedures designed to improve the appearance of the thighs. An outer thigh lift typically addresses the outer and posterior (back) areas, while an inner thigh lift focuses on the inner and anterior (front) regions. Both procedures involve removing excess skin and, in some cases, fat, to achieve a more toned and contoured thigh appearance. It’s important to consult with a skilled plastic surgeon to discuss your specific goals and determine if these procedures are suitable for you.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD · Answer

You can possibly do both simultaneously but it must be done very conservatively and carefully as there is a higher risk of healing problems when aggressive liposuction is combined with aggressive surgical lifting of tissues. Have a careful and detailed consultation with your plastic surgeon. Often, a need for a combination of liposuction with lifting indicates that you are not an ideal candidate for surgery and thus would face a higher risk of complications or failure to achieve your goals.

	Robin T.W. Yuan, M.D.

Outer and Inner Thigh Lift?

Answers (5)