Thigh Lift versus Thigh Liposuction

The thigh area can be one of the most troublesome spots from which to lose weight. Whether you desire a thigh gap between the legs or more lean muscle than fat as a result of regular “leg days” in which you focus on leg weights at the gym, toned thighs can be difficult to achieve, even with a regular exercise routine and a sensible diet that is low in fat. Part of this difficulty is due to the fact that the thighs are one of the first places where excess fat will accumulate. This means that the thighs will be one of the last areas to show improvement from a combination of diet and exercise.

Our staff here at Jefferson Plastic Surgery sees a number of prospective patients who have expressed an interest in improving the shape and size of their thighs, as well as reducing the amount of loose tissue and skin following dramatic weight loss. To that end, it is important to understand the various options that are available to help them meet their goal of improving the appearance of their thighs. Two of the most popular types of cosmetic surgery for the thighs are discussed below: Thigh liposuction and thigh lift. Although these two procedures can be combined, each addresses a distinct problem with the thighs.

Thigh Liposuction

A thigh liposuction procedure removes excess pockets of stubborn thigh fat that have not properly responded to a combination of a balanced, low fat diet and regular exercise. In this procedure, the surgeon will first make a series of small incisions in the area of the thighs from which the fat will be removed. He will then insert a hollow metal rod (called a cannula) through the incisions and gently vacuum out the excess fat.

There are several optional techniques that can be used to remove fat more effectively and efficiently. These can range from lasers, to ultrasound, to vibrating cannulas. Another option is what is known as tumescent liposuction. A series of injections containing a topical anesthetic and epinephrine are made at the targeted area. This will cause the fat cells to swell and move closer to the skin surface, making them easer to remove.

Thigh Lift

A thigh lift tightens up loose skin, tissue, and muscle following dramatic weight loss. Once the skin is stretched past a certain point, it will lose its elasticity. In the case of the thighs, there is almost invariably excess skin, tissue, and loose muscle structure left behind after weight loss.

In a thigh lift, incisions are made in the thighs to lift away the skin and tissue. Any loose muscles are tightened before the excess skin and tissue are removed, and the remainder is sutured back into place. This can be done to either the inner or outer thighs. This procedure can also be done with lifts to other parts of the body, such as the hips, buttocks, and knees. However, the abdominal region is the most popular area for a lift procedure.

In some cases, the surgeon may opt to combine a thigh lift with liposuction to both tighten up loose skin and tissue, and remove stubborn areas of fat. This can be determined when you come in for your consultation visit.