What are the best possible treatments for skin maintenance in the inner thigh region? (Photo)

Question

I always had trouble with skin rubbing between my inner thighs, no matter my weight. As I age, I am seeing increasing laxity and stretch marks, which makes the friction worse. I am not sure I want anything as intense as a thigh lift yet, but I would like to find a non-surgical maintenance treatment that could help keep my skin in good shape. However, there are so many - I can't tell which are only for the face and which are suitable for my issues. Suggestions would be appreciated!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding skin maintenance for the inner thigh region. I appreciate your history and the pictures you provided.

Let's take a closer look at your photos. You have excess skin and fat from the groin to the knee. As you have experienced, with weight loss, your thigh fat may decrease or even disappear, but you'll be left with loose thigh skin. Therefore, you'll need the removal of both excess thigh skin and fat. The ideal procedure would involve a vertical medial thigh lift, with an incision from the groin to the knee. Thigh liposuction would be performed at the same time. However, it's best to lose weight before undergoing surgery.

Weight loss can be achieved through a high-protein diet, intermittent fasting, and exercise. If losing weight proves to be challenging, consider injectables like Ozempic, Monjaro, or Zepbound. A medical doctor or plastic surgeon can prescribe these. In the ideal world, it is advisable to lose weight before surgery.

If you cannot lose weight but want to eliminate excess fat in your inner thighs, consider thigh liposuction. While this procedure will only remove thigh fat, isolated thigh liposuction may result in loose skin. At a later stage, you could opt for thigh reduction surgery, which involves an incision from the groin to the knee to remove loose thigh skin and residual fat. However, this would be two procedures (liposuction and then a thigh reduction). Therefore, to avoid two surgeries, it is best to lose weight.

Thigh reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately three to four hours to complete. Usually, thigh reduction surgery includes thigh liposuction. Expect a recovery period of about two to three weeks, during which you'll need to wear compression garments for roughly six weeks. It's also recommended to stay home for about two weeks post-surgery.

Sincerely,
J. Timothy Katzen, MD

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You can have minimally invasive radiofrequency treatments with micro-needling that can help tighten and maintain that area, like Renuvion or BodyTite. Also, treatments with the CO2 laser can also be helpful.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

In reality, your options are limited.
I don’t think you’re gonna find any real relief from non-surgical options.
Thigh lifts don’t have great patient satisfaction, but may be an option for some people.
We simply don’t have great treatments you are seeking.
 there’s no shortage of individuals helping to have tight skin with better elasticity as we age.
Anyone who truly tightens skin without surgical intervention could be a billionaire.
It is the ultimate holy Grail of plastic surgery that is yet to be discovered
Best,
Matt Hagstrom MD

What are the best possible treatments for skin maintenance in the inner thigh region? (Photo)

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