Considering a thigh lift but not sure about the scar. Is it placed around the upper leg in a circle or perpendicular?

Thank you for your question regarding considering a thigh lift where the scar is placed. A longitudinal vertical thigh lift, as the name implies, requires a vertical incision on the inner thigh. The type of thigh lift performed will depend on where your excess skin and fat concern you most. I will attach a video of a thigh lift procedure that I commonly perform. You can also see my website for different thigh lift results. Please seek an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of thigh lifts and has photos to show. Thank you for your question regarding considering a thigh lift and not being sure where the scar is placed.

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, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Thigh lift incisions are dependent upon the extent of skin that needs to be removed. Typically they extend down the inner thigh and within the fold of the inner thigh. The length of the incision within the fold and down the thigh will vary. The best place to begin is a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

Thigh lifts scars are within the middle of the thigh and sometimes travel up into the groin crease, or inguinal fold between the thigh and the central pelvic area. The scar may either be longitudinal down the leg from above the knee to the inguinal crease in a hockey-stick type orientation (this is typical), straight along the inside of the thigh (sometimes), or horizontal in the upper inner part of the thigh (rare). Where the scar is located is really best decided based on the preoperative anatomy, changes that one wants to make and goals that they share with their surgeon for after the procedure.

The placement of the scar in a thigh lift procedure can vary depending on the specific technique used and the individual's anatomy and goals. There are several common approaches to thigh lift surgery, each with its own scar placement:1. Medial Thigh Lift: In a medial thigh lift, the incision is typically placed in the groin crease, extending downward toward the inner thigh. This allows the plastic surgeon to remove excess skin and fat from the inner thigh area. The resulting scar is usually well-hidden within the natural contours of the groin and inner thigh.2. Lateral Thigh Lift: A lateral thigh lift focuses on addressing sagging skin on the outer thigh and hip area. The incision for a lateral thigh lift is usually placed along the outer hip or flank, extending downward toward the thigh. The scar may be positioned along the underwear or swimsuit line for concealment.3. Inner Thigh Lift: An inner thigh lift targets sagging skin and excess tissue on the inner thigh. The incision is typically placed in the groin crease, extending downward along the inner thigh. The scar may extend to varying lengths depending on the extent of the lift required.4. Bilateral Thigh Lift: A bilateral thigh lift involves lifting and tightening both the inner and outer thighs. The incisions for a bilateral thigh lift may combine elements of both medial and lateral thigh lift techniques, resulting in scars in the groin crease and along the outer hip/thigh area.In most cases, plastic surgeons strive to place incisions in locations that can be easily concealed by clothing or within natural body contours to minimize visible scarring. Additionally, they may use techniques such as layered closure and meticulous suturing to promote optimal wound healing and minimize scar visibility over time.During your consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, they will evaluate your individual concerns, anatomy, and goals to determine the most appropriate thigh lift technique and scar placement for you. They can also discuss scar care techniques and potential scar management options to help minimize the appearance of scars post-operatively.

Thanks for your question. It really depends on the surgeon and how they choose to do the operation. For me, I always do a thigh lift with keeping the scar in the groin crease. This way it is well-camouflaged compared to one that travels down the length of the thigh towards the knee. Take care.