I Have Wobbly Skin on the Thighs After Weightloss, is Liposuction Enough, or Do I Need a Lift?

Question

During my second pregnancy, I gained a lot weight. Now, one year later, I have lost all the pregnancy weight (20 kg) and I am back in my old jeans! Sadly, the skin on the inside of my legs have become wobbly with light cellulite. This skin is saggy and embarrassing, and I want it gone. Considering my size, and relatively young skin, can liposuction be enough to correct this, so I can have the youthful legs I deserve? Or will a inner thigh lift (groin incision) secure me a more satisfactory result?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding wobbly skin after weight loss, whether liposuction is enough, or whether you need a thigh lift, thigh reduction, or thighplasty. In your description, you mentioned that your skin is saggy, and you want it gone. It appears and sounds like you lost weight and still have excess thigh skin. The only way to remove excess thigh skin is with a thigh lift, thigh reduction, or thighplasty. Liposuction will not remove thigh skin; you may get mild (very mild) skin retraction with liposuction on the thighs. However, with your history of weight loss, I would strongly suggest a thighplasty; in regards to what kind of thighplasty is required, this depends on your plastic surgery consultation. Crescent thigh lifts remove a mild amount of skin in the upper third of the thigh. A much better procedure is a modified or a full thigh lift from an incision to the groin, partially down the inner thigh, or entirely through the knee. During this procedure, an elliptical area of skin and fat is removed. Excess thigh fat is removed.
All in all, you need a consultation with a plastic surgeon. However, I would strongly lean towards an inner thigh lift or a full thigh lift for optimal results. I do not think liposuction will give you the results you need, and I believe you will be disappointed if you only have liposuction. 
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, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic 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 and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It's not unusual for massive weight loss patients to develop significant amounts of loose, saggy skin. This can effect almost any area of the body including the thighs. When this problem occurs, a variety of treatment options exist.After a significant weight loss, your history suggests a large amount of loose, saggy thigh skin. This excess skin occurs in multiple dimensions. Correction of this problem will most likely require a medial lift of the thigh. This procedure removes excess skin in both the transverse and vertical dimensions.The procedure involves an incision in the groin crease which is extended along the inner thigh towards the knee. This procedure can dramatically improve thigh contour. It's associated with excellent clinical results and high levels of patient satisfaction. In contrast, liposuction would result in worsening skin sag, and the need for additional surgery.If you're considering massive weight loss surgery for your thighs, it's important to consult a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area. This surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your anatomic deformity and achieves your aesthetic goals.

Ali Adibfar, MD, DDS · Answer

Hello;

	Liposuction does not improve the laxity of the skin that you are describing.

	According to your description , it seems that you may benefit from a medial thigh lift for more optimal results. Whether this is going to be a short (groin) or long (vertical) scar thigh lift can be decided by your plastic surgeon who should be well trained in any advance body contouring procedure .

	Best wishes.

Kurtis Martin, MD · Answer

Liposuction generally won't correct a loose skin problem in the medial thighs. This would require a longitudinal medial thigh lift (scar down the thigh) or a direct lift in the groin. Either way, the lift will correct the deformities you describe.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If you have wobbly skin, then a medial thigh lift will probably give you the superior result.   The liposuction could possibly make the area worse, but an exam would be necessary to make any concrete recommendations.    Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of body contouring procedures each year.  Look at website before and after photos and decide which surgeon can give the results you desire.

	Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

I Have Wobbly Skin on the Thighs After Weightloss, is Liposuction Enough, or Do I Need a Lift?

Answers (8)