Types of Thigh Lifts

There are several different types of thigh lifts that target certain areas for specific results. During your thigh lift surgery consultation, your surgeon will discuss with you your treatment options and the results you can expect from thighplasty. This consultation will help determine what, if any, type of thigh lift surgery is right for you.

Inner Thigh Lift

As indicated by its name, an inner thigh lift targets the inner thigh. This type of thigh lift helps people who have trouble eliminating excess fat from this area of the body through diet and exercise. An inner thigh lift may also be used to treat reduced skin elasticity caused by the aging process or extreme weight loss. During an inner thigh lift, an incision is made at the junction of the thigh and pubic area. A wedge of skin, and possibly fat, is then removed and the skin in tightened to provide an improved leg contour and enhanced skin elasticity. During your inner thigh lift consultation, an experienced surgeon will thoroughly discuss your individual case and possible risk factors.


             

Bilateral Thigh Lift

The bilateral thigh lift procedure is designed to tighten skin on the front and outside of the leg. During a bilateral thigh lift, the surgeon makes an incision at the top of the leg where the lower edge of a bikini bottom or pair of underwear would be. A certain amount of skin is then removed before the surgeon pulls the remaining skin up and attaches it to the same area. In this way, a bilateral thigh lift serves to tighten skin along both the right and left side of the leg. This procedure is especially helpful to those who have excess skin after an extreme weight loss. During your consultation, a surgeon experienced in bilateral thigh lift will determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure.

                
 

Medial Thigh Lift

A medial thigh lift reduces excess skin and fat on the upper portion of the inner thigh. It is designed for patients who are dissatisfied with the shape of their legs or who would like to remove excess skin after an extreme weight loss. During a medial thigh lift procedure, an incision is made in the groin that goes to the back of the crease of the buttock. Skin in then lifted and excess skin and fat are removed to improve the shape of the leg and tighten the skin. If you are interested in a medial thigh lift, an experienced surgeon will discuss with you your goals for treatment and determine if you are a candidate for this or any other thigh lift procedures.

          
 

Will a Thigh Lift Leave Visible Scars?

Thigh lifts do leave scars. However, thigh lift scars are usually located in a relatively inconspicuous location and, in the minds of many patients, pale in comparison to the benefits provided by the procedure. In many cases, thigh lift scars are easily concealed by underwear or bathing suits. If you are considering thigh lift surgery but fear the prospect of scars, an experienced thigh lift surgeon can discuss this possibility, as well as any other potentially negative aspects of the procedure so that you can make an informed decision. Scars are, unfortunately, one aspect of thigh lift surgery that patients must weigh against the benefits of eliminating excess fat and skin tissue.