I Have Thick Thighs That Rub Together When I Walk. What Are Some Options?

   Liposuction may be a reasonable alternative, but an exam will be necessary to determine if this is appropriate.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Liposculpture of the medial thighs will prevent your thighs from rubbing together. You can also consider the lateral sides as well if you wish to trim and shape the outside of the thighs as well. Usually I will perform circumferential liposuction to improve the all around shape of the thighs. You should schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more about your options.


Jaime Perez, MD
Liposuction Specialist
Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa

There are a few options, best to have an examination or pictures. Least invasive would be coolSculpting to freeze the fat in this area and get about a 25% reduction. Laser liposuction SmartLipo is surgical but minimally invasive and provides some skin tightening as well. Most invasive would be a medial thigh lift where the skin and fat are surgically removed. Please look for a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area for a  comprehensive evaluation. 

This is a particularly vexing problem for many women. The key element in evaluating a patient is whether the skin is loose. If not, then you should get a good improvement from liposuction, which can be performed on both the inner and outer thighs. If your skin is loose, however, liposuction would exchange one problem for another and excisional thigh surgery might be indicated. This can only be determined in a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Inner thigh rubbing may be treated with liposuction if the leg skin is not too loose. Sometimes, skin excision is required.