Restore a smoother contour to your thighs by addressing extra fat cells and redundant, loose skin. Dr. David Morwood, our board-certified plastic surgeon, develops a custom-designed approach for every individual patient. Depending on your anatomy and goals, thigh lift may involve liposuction, skin excision, or a hybrid approach to achieve optimal improvement.
In Dr. Morwood's Words:
In general, shorter incisions mean smaller amounts of skin can be removed. In general, longer incisions mean greater amounts of skin can be removed.
David T. Morwood, MD, FACS
The Truth About Plastic Surgery: An Educational Guide for the Consumer
This Procedure Treats:
- Loose, excess skin along the inner or outer thighs
- Skin laxity and sagging following significant weight loss or aging
- Chafing, rashes, and discomfort caused by skin-on-skin contact
- Lack of thigh contour and definition
- Difficulty with physical activity or clothing fit due to excess tissue
Smooth Inner and Outer Thigh Contours
A thigh lift is a body contouring procedure that reshapes the inner or outer thighs by addressing redundant fat cells and extra, loose skin. Dr. Morwood uses a custom-designed plan, selecting between the “closed approach” (liposuction), the “open approach” (skin excision), or a hybrid technique combining both. You may require excision when the skin lacks resilience and will not contract. Incision patterns vary, from crescent scars in the groin crease to longer T-shaped or hockey stick incisions, depending on how much skin must be removed.
Thigh Lift Treats:
- Excess, loose skin of the inner or outer thighs
- Redundant fat cells that affect thigh contour
- Poor skin tone that does not contract after liposuction
- Sagging tissue following massive weight loss or aging
- “Saddlebags” or outer thigh fat deposits
- Inner thigh fullness and friction between the thighs
- Irregular or disproportionate thigh shape
- Loose, stretched “envelope” of skin after fat removal
What to Expect From a Thigh Lift With Dr. Morwood
Dr. Morwood begins by marking the areas of redundant fat and excess, loose skin, and designing a custom approach. You are brought to the operating room, where liposuction may be performed using small access incisions and narrow cannulas in a crosshatch technique. When indicated, he proceeds with the open approach, making carefully planned incisions to excise skin and fat. The remaining tissue is elevated and secured, sometimes anchored to fascia, while preserving the lymphatic channels. Incisions are then carefully closed.
Thigh Lift FAQs
Will Liposuction Alone Work for My Thighs?
You may be a good candidate for the “closed approach,” which involves only liposuction, if you have extra fat cells but your skin has good tone and resilience. In this situation, your skin may “bounce back” and contract after fat removal. However, if your skin lacks elasticity or has been stretched, liposuction alone may result in more noticeable loose, redundant skin.
Why Would I Need Skin Excision Instead of Liposuction?
When you have extra, loose skin, removing fat alone will not correct the problem. In fact, it may worsen the appearance by emptying the “envelope” of the skin. In these cases, Dr. Morwood may recommend the “open approach” to remove excess skin and reshape contours.
Will I Have Visible Scars After a Thigh Lift?
Yes. When skin excision is performed, the tradeoff is permanent, visible scars. These may be curved in the groin crease, extend down the inner thigh, or form a T-shaped pattern. Longer incisions allow greater skin removal, while shorter incisions limit the level of correction.
Have More Questions?
Learn More About Thigh Lift in The Truth About Plastic Surgery: An Educational Guide for the Consumer
If you are considering contouring your thighs, you can gain a deeper understanding by reading The Truth About Plastic Surgery: An Educational Guide for the Consumer by Dr. Morwood. He explains the “closed approach” and the “open approach,” and helps you understand the important trade-offs between removing redundant fat cells, excising excess skin, and accepting permanent, visible scars.
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Refine Your Silhouette With a Thigh Lift in Monterey
Dr. David Morwood is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 34 years of experience and fellowship training in microsurgery. When you meet with him, you can expect a detailed consultation focused on your anatomy, skin quality, and goals. He will listen carefully, evaluate the presence of redundant fat cells and extra skin, and develop a custom-designed approach tailored to you. You will also review before-and-after results and discuss realistic expectations. Schedule your private consultation for a thigh lift in Monterey today.
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