AESTHETIC NEWS
Scars are a big concern for any person considering plastic surgery. A thigh lift, also known as a thigh reduction, is a procedure used to eliminate excess skin and pockets of fat on the inner and outer thighs that can often cause chafing and discomfort. This surgery produces smoother, tighter skin and better-proportioned contours.
For men and women who have noticeable skin laxity in the thighs – usually after significant weight loss or gastric bypass surgery – thigh lift surgery is an excellent option, but one that comes with the tradeoff of visible scars. Of course, all scars will fade and flatten over time becoming much less noticeable, but it’s important to know what to expect before having the procedure.
The position, extent, and length of scars after a thigh lift will depend on the location and amount of excess skin that needs to be removed. Your aesthetic concerns, degree of skin laxity and anatomy will dictate the surgical technique recommended.
For patients who have minimal extra skin in the upper thigh region, a crescent lift may be all that is needed. In this surgery, the incision is almost entirely concealed within the natural fold of the groin. Well-placed incisions in the groin crease can fade dramatically and become almost indiscernible over time.
Those with more extensive skin laxity and sagging knees may need a different type of inner thigh lift, where an incision is placed along the inner thigh from groin to knee – the same location as the inseam on a pair of pants. While this thigh lift scar is much more noticeable, many patients are willing to trade this side effect for redundant, loose skin. Scar management with special creams, laser therapy, and micro-needling can also help smooth and lighten scars.
Both vertical and horizontal thigh lift incisions will produce scars. Patients will have a better idea of what to expect by seeing post-operative photos of previous thigh lift patients and bearing in mind that scars need at least 12 months, sometimes longer, to soften and fade.
As with any kind of plastic surgery, experience and surgical technique are paramount to a successful outcome. For this reason, patients should always consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Dr. Thomas Loeb uses state-of-the-art techniques to perform a wide range of body contouring procedures, including thigh lift surgery. If you want to improve the appearance and shape of your inner or outer thighs — achieving a more youthful look in the process – we invite you to call our Fifth Avenue office to schedule an inner thigh lift NYC consultation with a plastic surgeon who is renowned for his expertise and exceptional results. Call 212-327-3700 or use our online contact form and we’ll get back to you promptly.
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