Unhappy with thigh lift results. How long to wait before revision? (Photo)

Question

lost 120 lbs,wanted extended thigh lift but surgeon insisted on medial groin lift with lipo,stressed this way i could wear bikini.10 days po.Laxity improved but thighs still woobly.still fat on the anterior (didn't even lipo there)and in between.one thigh the incision isn't even on the bikini line but lower so it's visible anyway. He said he did all he could. Wasn't extended thigh lift better anterior thigh lipo shouldn't have been done? How long to wait before revision?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question about how long you must wait for a thigh lift revision.    Thank you for your history and your pictures.    Most plastic surgeons would agree that you should wait at least six months after your original thigh lift before considering a thigh lift revision.    Since you’re only 10 days postop from the thigh lift, it’s too early to determine anything.    You must be patient and wait for the final results from your prior thigh lift surgery before you embark on a new thigh lift.  If you are still dissatisfied with the thigh lift results, consult your plastic surgeon or another board-certified experience thigh lift plastic surgeon.    Analyzing your before picture, most plastic surgeons would suggest anterior, medial,(inner), and a little lateral (outer) thigh liposuction.    This should be combined with a modified longitudinal, vertical medial thigh lift.    During this type of thigh lift surgery, an incision is made from the groin partially down the inner thigh.    The incision stops where the excess skin and fat disappear.    The incision is placed on the inside of your leg along the inseam of your thigh.    By placing the incision on the inseam of your thigh, the thigh lift scar is hidden when your thighs are together.    Fortunately, this thigh surgery can still be achieved, even with your prior crescent or mini thigh lift.      The modified lift with liposuction takes approximately 3 to 4 hours under general anesthesia.    You must wear your medical compression garment approximately 6 to 8 weeks after your revision thigh lift.    Revision thigh lifts are difficult to perform.    Therefore, you must seek a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced with thigh lift revision.    Good luck.   Thank you for your interesting question and your pictures.    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.)

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

After losing a significant amount of weight, it's common to have excess skin and laxity in various areas of the body, including the thighs. A thigh lift can help to improve the appearance of the thighs by removing excess skin and tightening the remaining tissue.

The type of thigh lift recommended by your surgeon may depend on your specific anatomy and concerns. A medial thigh lift with liposuction can be a good option for patients who have excess skin and fat in the inner thigh area. However, it's possible that an extended thigh lift or other technique may have been more appropriate for your individual case.

It's important to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions and give your body time to heal before considering revision surgery. Swelling and laxity can take several months to resolve, so it may be too early to determine the final results of your surgery. It's best to schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to discuss your concerns and explore your options for revision surgery if needed.

Best of luck !

Unhappy with thigh lift results. How long to wait before revision? (Photo)

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Unhappy with thigh lift results. How long to wait before revision? (Photo)

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