Can a thigh lift affect my vagina?

Question

I have read about this recently does a thigh lift cause vagina lips to spread shouldn't your doctor know this and be cautious about this? What is better than maybe liposuction, does it work for thighs and stay off?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding can a thigh lift affect your vagina.  Not all thighplasty or thigh lifts affect the labia and vagina. There are six different thighplasties or thigh lifts.  Of the six different thigh lifts, only the crescent or the spiral thigh lift can cause labial spread and increase the introitus or opening of the vagina.  Any incision lateral to the labia can cause labial spread during the healing phase.  During the crescent thigh lift, the labia can be spread laterally, and the hidden groin incision can migrate down the inner thigh.  As the scar pulls, the labia minora and majora are spread laterally, and the vagina is exposed.  Labial spread, introitus exposure, and scar migration are known complications of the crescent thigh lift.  Therefore, when performing the crescent or spiral thigh lift, the inner thigh flap must be anchored to the pelvic periosteum, not just soft tissue.  If the medial or inner thigh flap is just anchored to soft tissue, this can lead to labial spread.  Therefore, most plastic surgeons skilled in performing the crescent thigh lift anchor the medial thigh flap to the pelvic bone. 
Thank you for your question regarding can a thigh lift affect your vagina.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the thigh reduction.  If you have any questions regarding the thigh lift, thigh reduction, vertical thigh lift, medial thigh lift, spiral thigh lift, crescent thigh lift, or thigh lipo, please get in touch with a thigh lift expert.  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 150 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.  (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.)

Craig Harrison, MD · Answer

There are multiple variations on medial thighplasty and some are more prone to the development of eversion of the labia.  This can aggravate vaginal dryness.  Your surgeon should be aware of the risks and techniques to avoid this labial spread.  Another option to consider is liposuction combined with some radiofrequency skin tightening.  You surgeon would be able to determine which procedure is best for your anatomy and goals.  Best wishes.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question, Jewelie.
There are instances that the labia is pulled apart after a medial thigh lift, although it can be avoided by a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon.
That’s why it’s important that you look for a reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon to do your thigh lift.  Make sure that you go for a consultation as well so that he can give you more personalized recommendations.
Best of luck!

Onelio Garcia Jr, MD, FACS · Answer

A formal thigh lift with some assisted Vaser lipo, should not affect the appearance  of your labials or vagina.  The thigh lift should be closed without any tension.  Please seek the opinion of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

What you described is not an expected outcome of surgery from good plastic surgeons.  That is why choosing right surgeon matters. Liposuction is not suitable for all thigh issues. Thigh lift is also not suitable for all thighs. You need to see a plastic surgeon in consultation to know what is the right approach for you.

John Dean, MD · Answer

When an inner thigh lift is done correctly the pull of the lifted inner thigh tissue is anchored to the ligamentous rigid structures of the adductor magnus muscles  and not to the mobile soft parts of the introitus part of the vagina. If this anchoring isn't done,  a person can definitely have traction placed on the labia majora and they will open up with leg movement.

Can a thigh lift affect my vagina?

Answers (6)

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