Thigh Lifting

Women and men who have loose upper thigh skin and fat that is concentrated in the inner and upper leg can benefit from excisional thigh lipectomy (thigh lift). Sometimes these conditions are inherited. In other instances, substantial weight loss may cause the upper thigh skin to become flaccid. Thigh lift surgery also can tighten muscles that have been separated and weakened by age and weight gain or loss. The procedure may somewhat improve the appearance of stretch marks, especially those located in the upper leg.

Am I a good candidate for excisional thigh lipectomy?
You may be a good candidate for excisional thigh lipectomy (inner thigh lift) if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- excess or sagging inner and upper thigh skin
- an inner thigh that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of your body
- inner thighs that have been separated and weakened by age, weight loss or gain or pregnancy
- excess fatty tissue that is concentrated in your inner and upper thigh skin

If you plan to become pregnant or lose weight in the future, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon. Scarring from previous leg surgery may limit the results of your inner thigh lift.

Your Personal Consultation
During the consultation, you will be asked about the results you would like to achieve from excisional thigh lipectomy. This will help your surgeon to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved.

How will my plastic surgeon evaluate me for excisional thigh lipectomy?
Your plastic surgeon may examine your abdomen, back, leg and buttock areas while you are standing as well as lying down. Your skin tone and the degree of loose skin in these regions will be assessed. Your surgeon also will evaluate the amount of excess fat in these areas and the condition of your leg muscles.

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, pregnancies, previous surgeries and medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information.

Will my insurance help cover the cost of surgery?
Excisional thigh lipectomy, as an aesthetic (cosmetic) procedure, generally is not covered by insurance. Insurance reimbursement may be available for that portion of the procedure that is not cosmetic. Many factors determine your eligibility for coverage, including the specific terms of your insurance policy. A letter of predetermination may be required by your insurance company prior to surgery. Your plastic surgeon or a staff member in your surgeon's office will discuss these matters with you

How Thigh Lift Plastic Surgery Is Performed
Individual factors and personal preferences will determine the specific technique selected to smooth and flatten your thigh and elevate your thighs.

Generally, a horizontal incision is placed just within your bikini line.

To tighten and lift the thighs, the surgeon brings loose underlying tissue and muscle together with sutures.

Lower thigh skin is pulled upward, and the excess is removed. The thigh is lifted to a more youthful and higher position.

Where are the incisions placed?
Generally, a horizontal incision is placed just within the bikini line. The length of the incision, which extends laterally toward the buttock and medially towards the pubic area, depends largely on the amount of skin to be removed. The contour of this incision will vary somewhat according to the structure of your back and the style of bathing suit or undergarments that you prefer. Your plastic surgeon will try to keep the incision within your bathing suit lines, but this may not always be possible.

Skin of the upper thigh that contains stretch marks may be removed as well. Any remaining stretch marks may be somewhat flattened and improved, but you should not expect a dramatic change in their appearance.

The procedure may include tightening of the underlying thigh muscles using sutures.

What are some variations to the common excisional thigh lipectomy technique?

There are many variations both to the design of the incisions and the technique itself. When the amount of loose skin is minimal, a short horizontal incision is all that is necessary. This procedure is called a partial, or "mini," thigh lift plastic surgery.

Sometimes liposuction may be used alone, or in conjunction with excisional thigh lipectomy, to remove abdominal, lower back and buttock fat.

Your plastic surgeon will discuss with you the particular method that he or she recommends for achieving the best result in your particular case

Results of Your excisional thigh lipectomy
Excisional thigh lipectomy will enhance your body contour by making your back firmer and flatter and your buttocks lifted and more youthful in contour. You may find that you feel more comfortable in your clothing and are more confident about your appearance.

The incisions from the procedure will heal and fade over time. It is important to realize, however, that the incision lines will be permanently visible. In some instances, they will eventually be only faint lines. Certain individuals may have incision lines that are more noticeable. Fortunately, the incisions for your excisional thigh lipectomy are usually in locations concealed by most bathing suits and undergarments.

How long will the results last?
Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your thighs should remain firmer and flatter for many years. However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually take their toll. If, after a period of years, you again become dissatisfied with the appearance of your back and buttocks, you may choose to undergo a second procedure to restore a more youthful body contour.