Medial vs. Bikini line incision thigh lift?

Thank you for your inquiry regarding the differences between a medial thigh lift and a bikini line thigh lift. Congratulations on your successful weight loss journey!

Thigh lifts are a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that can be an excellent way to enhance your weight loss results. There are various types of thigh lifts available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.

A medial thigh lift involves removing more skin and tightening the thigh area. While this procedure results in tighter thighs, the downside is that it leaves a longer scar. The scar is located in the inseam of your thighs, which is visible when your thighs are together. However, when you're wearing a bikini, the scar may be visible if you're sitting cross-legged.

On the other hand, a bikini line incision involves making a smaller incision that is hidden by your bikini line. This approach has the advantage of a more hidden scar, but it can be technically challenging for an inexperienced plastic surgeon to perform. Additionally, if performed incorrectly, this type of incision can lead to shifting of the scar or labial spread, which is a potential complication. This procedure is also generally more painful than a medial thigh lift.

Overall, when comparing these two types of thigh lifts, a medial thigh lift usually results in maximum outcomes. Given your significant weight loss of 60 pounds, a medial thigh lift may be the best option for you. Finally, it's worth noting that hypertrophic scarring is exceedingly rare with either type of incision.

The answer to your question is not so straightforward. The type of thigh lift or the planned incision really has to do with how much excess tissue you have and its distribution in your thighs. Basically, some people can get away with just a bikini line lift if their laxity is more vertical or the skin just hangs low. If the laxity is more severe, a patient may benefit more from the medial thigh lift because that addresses laxity in both the vertical and horizontal planes of the thigh. In terms of scarring, I do not have a great answer for you. If you are prone to hypertrophic scarring I would caution you with either incision type. The bikini line lift scar may be easier to hide except for when you are in underwear or a bathing suit where as the medial thigh incision really cant be hid unless you are wearing pants long enough to cover the incisions.