Crescent thigh lift after bodytite lipo? (Photo)

Question

I had bodytite lipo to inner thighs 13 years ago and my inner thighs really bother me, there are some dents ( which probably can’t be fixed due to skin quality and location) with fat transfer but would a groin incision thigh lift help improve the area and warrant scars? Will scars drop if skin quality is compromised?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding whether you need a crescent thigh lift after BodyTite liposuction. Thank you also for sharing your photo and history. Based on your image and your description, you appear to have excess, loose, and redundant skin in the upper inner thigh area. Importantly, there does not appear to be a significant amount of remaining fat in that area, which makes you a better candidate for skin removal rather than further liposuction or fat transfer.

Regarding your question about fat transfer — although it may help fill in some irregularities or dents, transferring fat to the inner thighs is generally not recommended in cases like yours. It could worsen the appearance by making the thighs appear bulky again and might not yield consistent or long-lasting results due to compromised skin quality.

A crescent thigh lift, also known as a mini or spiral thigh lift, would likely be the most appropriate solution for your concerns. This technique removes a crescent-shaped area of skin and fat from the groin crease, lifting and tightening the inner thigh. One of the key steps in this surgery is anchoring the lower edge of the skin flap to the pelvic periosteum (the lining of the pelvic bone) with permanent sutures. This crucial technique minimizes the chance of the scar migrating downward over time — which is especially important if your skin quality is compromised.

To answer your specific concern: if the flap is not properly anchored, or if the skin is especially lax, the scar can stretch or "drop" down the thigh over time, which can affect both the cosmetic result and your comfort. However, when performed correctly by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, a crescent thigh lift can provide long-lasting, natural-looking results — and the scar typically stays hidden in the groin crease.

Because thigh lift revisions are difficult and scar behavior can vary based on skin type, healing, and surgical technique, it is absolutely essential that you choose a plastic surgeon who has performed at least 100 thigh lifts and has before-and-after photos to share. A consultation will allow your surgeon to examine your skin elasticity and determine whether a crescent thigh lift alone is enough — or if a vertical component may eventually be needed for optimal tightening.

I hope this answers your questions about crescent thigh lift surgery following BodyTite lipo. Please consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in thigh lifts to ensure your procedure is performed safely and effectively.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

it seems like the best approach would be a revision which would totally excise this area and remove the contour problem.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

The saggy skin on limbs is always excess of width and never excess of length. Groin incisions is with purpose of cutting excess of length and groin incisions only let a lot of issues like labia spreading, migration of the labia skin towards the thigh, losing the natural groin  fold which cause underwear being all inside the labia minora. Painful intercourse.  All above irreparable issues. 
So the correct procedure to fix the thigh saggy skin is a vertical incision over the inner thigh to remove excess of width. It will be a tough recovery but at the end, worth it. 
If you get more lipo and tightening procedures you will become worst. 
Be encouraged!!
Dr. Cárdenas

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Crescents are yummy to eat, but they rarely do good with regards to surgical procedures like breast, arm, or thigh lifts. The problem is that, in the cases of the arm and thigh, they tighten parallel to the axis of the limb, but the laxity is actually mostly perpendicular (circumferentially around the limb). This is evident with the pic you posted of yourself doing a 'fire hydrant' post; you can see your skin is doubling over on itself in the circumferential orientation. Worse, as you pointed out, overzealous skin resection with a crescent thigh lift produces scar drift, and worse, labial traction. A common malpractice lawsuit involves this issue. Either do the right thing, or don't do anything surgically or non-surgically. The right thing to do is have a formal thigh lift with it's axially oriented J-shaped scar that travels along the inner thigh.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Based on your photos you will not likely get the desired results from a crescent thigh lift.  In order to address the excess skin a vertical incision must be made.  These come with their own set of pros and cons.  See a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more.

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