Will my vagina be different if if I get a thigh lift? (photos)

Question

Lost a lot of weight and I need plastic surgery to feel confident about my body. I am considering full body lift but I am afraid the operation for thigh lift and upper body lift will change my genital area and give me pain during intercourse.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether your vagina will be different if you get a thigh lift or thigh reduction. Congratulations on your weight loss!  Great job!! A 360 circumferential lower body lift includes a tummy tuck, mons lift, pubic reduction, hip lift, hip reduction, buttock lift, and buttock reduction.  Often, I combine the 360 circumferential lower body lift with a thigh lift surgery.  This is possible if the patient is deemed medically  healthy. There are several different types of thigh lifts. In your case, I would suggest a modified, inner or medial thigh lift.  The modified, inner or medial thigh lift would include thigh liposuction and an incision from the groin partially down the thigh. In your case, based on your pictures, I would make the incision to the point where the thigh skin starts to reattach to the inner thigh or where the “thigh sag stops”.  I do not think I need to go to the knee with your thigh lift.  Compared to the crescent or groin thigh lift, the vertical medial thigh lift minimizes any chances of altering the vaginal region. Compared to the crescent or groin thigh lift, with the vertical medial thigh lift, there is little tension applied to the vaginal area. However, if you are considering a crescent or horizontal thigh lift with an incision in the groin, this thigh lift approach can alter the vagina and labia.  During the crescent or groin thigh lift, inner thigh tissue dissection is taken to the lateral borders of the labia.  Then, the inner thigh is sutured to the structures underlying the labia.  Labial spread can occur as a complication after the crescent thigh lift if not performed correctly.  During the crescent thigh lift, tension can pull on the entrance to the vagina (introitus) and separate the labia. Therefore, if you are concerned about labial spread and the vaginal area during a thigh lift, please avoid the crescent or groin thigh lift. Indeed, also a crescent or groin thigh lift would not be optimal for you based on your thighs. Therefore, I would consider the limited incision or modified, vertical medial thigh lift. Thank you for your question regarding changes in the vagina and labial region with a thigh lift. 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.)

Siamak Agha, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your photo and question. Congratulations on your weight loss!You appear to be a good candidate for a vertical thighplasty, which is also known as a thigh reduction. This leaves a vertical scar from groin to knee and addresses inner thigh excess tissue and skin. Because the vertical thighplasty is is so close to the labia, it may pull on the labia skin slightly. Every patient is different, and it depends on the amount and quality of skin/tissue to both the thighs and labia. Be sure to see a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in weight loss surgeries and/or has performed many thigh surgeries. -instagram @drsiamakagha

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

Unfortunately You are correct in you fear. Thigh lift when is done only through a groin incision and tighten the thigh skin towards the groin fold only, there is a risk of ending with pulling down the labia skin, spreading the vagina (in severe cases) and ending with issues during intercourse and this is almost irreparable. The thing is you must understand, the excess of skin after weight loss, is an excess of width and not an excess of length, so the excess must be treated with a Vertical incision and a small groin component JUST to prevent the dog ear and anchor the flap to the Gracillis tendom (inner muscle).  So, the risk is definitely much lower. In my opinion it is always fair that patients must know all of these details. Be encouraged. Dr. Cardenas

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

While not an absolute, there can be some degree of labial traction secondary to thigh lift tension. This can result in a slightly parted appearance due to the pull of the healing thigh lift incision. This rarely has any functional impacts (i.e. painful intercourse/dyspareunia)As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
RealSelf Top 100
RealSelf
Hall of Fame

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss! Thank you for your question and photos. A thighplasty should not affect your vagina or lead to painful sex. I recommend you consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in this procedure to discuss your goals, examine you, explain the techniques in further detail, and show before/after photographs to get you a better idea of the type of results you can expect. Good luck!

Will my vagina be different if if I get a thigh lift? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Thigh lift and labial traction

Answer: Thigh lift and labial traction

Answer: Will my vagina be different if if I get a thigh lift?

Answer: Will my vagina be different if if I get a thigh lift?

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Will my vagina be different if if I get a thigh lift? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Thigh lift and labial traction

Answer: Thigh lift and labial traction

Answer: Will my vagina be different if if I get a thigh lift?

Answer: Will my vagina be different if if I get a thigh lift?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Thigh Lift

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