For many people, the appearance and heaviness of their upper legs become increasingly problematic as they age. Not only do the thighs remain stubbornly resistant to diet and exercise after massive weight loss, but fat cells, cellulite, and excess sagging skin can accumulate on the thighs. The result is that you seem heavier and older, which can negatively affect your self-image and self-esteem.
Fortunately, plastic surgery offers the ideal solution to this challenge in the form of thigh lift surgery. Thigh lift surgery, together with liposuction, is an excellent way to achieve firmer, better contoured, and more attractive and contoured upper legs. A thigh lift, or thighplasty, coupled with liposuction, is beneficial for those uncomfortable with excess loose and saggy skin caused by substantial weight loss. The combined procedures can remove this excess skin, fat, and tissue to tone and refine the upper legs perfectly for that next pool party next summer!
There are various techniques available to plastic surgeons which allow them to customize the thigh lift procedure to the precise needs of each patient. Your surgeon at The Maryland Institute of Plastic Surgery will work with you to develop a personalized surgical plan that suits your unique goals and needs so you can enjoy slimmer, firmer, and more attractive legs.
Two popular procedures for reshaping the upper parts of the legs are thigh liposuction and the thigh lift. Let’s start by looking at the differences between the two procedures and how a combination of the two can achieve smoother, shaplier, and younger-looking legs.
Thigh Liposuction
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure designed to slim and contour specific areas of the body by removing excess localized fat deposits. In experienced hands, the procedure is an effective way to reshape the thighs permanently and help keep fat from returning.
During liposuction, a thin tube known as a cannula is inserted by your surgeon into a small inconspicuous incision in the treatment area. The cannula is then used to loosen fat deposits, which are sucked out of the area. At the end of the procedure, the incisions are closed with tiny sutures.
Thigh Lift
While liposuction may be an ideal solution for many patients unhappy with the fat deposits on their thighs, it may not be the best solution for everyone. People who have recently gone through significant weight loss or multiple pregnancies find that they may not have excess fat on their thighs, but instead, they have excess sagging skin that is resistant to diet and exercise. In this case, a thigh lift may be the better option.
The thigh lift procedure is performed under general anesthesia. After making a discreet incision, your surgeon will remove excess skin and fat while at the same time tightening the underlying muscles for a more toned look. The incisions are then closed with sutures.
Thigh Liposuction vs. Thigh Lift
If diet and exercise have not helped you get rid of your stubborn pockets of fat around the thighs, and provided your weight is stable, and you’re in good health, you might be a good candidate for one or both of these procedures.
Typically, if the skin around your thighs is youthful with some elasticity, then you should be able to benefit from liposuction to remove excess fat deposits. If the skin of your thighs has lost elasticity or is stretched, then this could be effectively corrected by a thigh lift.
During your consultation, it might be found that it will be most beneficial for you to have both procedures, usually liposuction followed by a thigh lift a few months later.
Ask Our Professionals in Maryland About a Thigh Lift, Plus Liposuction
To learn more about how you could benefit from a thigh lift together with liposuction, we invite you to contact our board-certified plastic surgeons. Schedule your consultation at The Maryland Institute of Plastic Surgery by calling us at (410) 744-0900 or messaging us on our website. We look forward to speaking with you soon!