We’ve all got different body shapes and things about our bodies we wish were different. However, a universally common part of the body that can be most concerning are the thighs. There are many of us, both men and women, who would like to have slimmer, more toned and firmer thighs!
Another annoying thing about the thighs is they can rub together. And while this is uncomfortable and can even be embarrassing, it can also restrict what you wear. Not only that, the constant friction can lead to infections. Unsightly thighs can also be a result of losing a massive amount of weight and the thigh area is where a lot of sagging skin can end up. We asked Dr Lionel Chang, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, how a thigh reduction might help and who it might be suitable for.
Dr Chang says, “In most women, fat is found throughout the thighs, specifically the inner and outer thighs, the saddlebags and the hips. Some women have fat deposits only on the outer edges of the thighs, while others have fat bulges on the inside. Resistant to diet and exercise naturally; often surgery is the only solution.”
Are you a candidate for thigh lift surgery?
Some of the reasons Dr Chang says you might be considering thigh lift surgery are:
- Excess sagging skin on your thighs and/or buttocks (perhaps as a result of massive weight loss)
- Lots of skin folds hanging in between your legs
- Stubborn, hard to remove fat and skin that won’t budge no matter how much exercise you do.
Dr Chang says there are a few different options for thigh reduction surgery. The three main ones are thigh reduction, upper thigh lift or a medial (inner) thigh lift. He says they are all designed to contour your upper leg area to a more satisfactory shape and get rid of any excess skin. Your surgeon will discuss with you what results you are looking to achieve and should use an approach that will be suit your needs and desired outcomes. Dr Chang says you should be aware “thigh reduction surgery is mostly about getting rid of too much skin. Liposuction can help with small pockets of fat, but if you have a lot of fat, a thigh reduction will not magically get rid of it.”
Thigh reduction surgery is often performed at the same time as other procedures, such as a butt lift or implants, liposuction, a body lift or lower body lift. For anyone having undergone massive weight loss, they will understand that often multiple surgeries are required to bring your body back to where it needs to be, and being able to do more than one at a time definitely minimises stress, cost and recovery time.
What about Thigh Reduction Scarring?
Unfortunately, as with any surgery that requires incisions, scarring is inevitable. Obviously, you want to make sure you have a quality surgeon who is able to minimise any scarring and have the scars in the most unnoticeable place possible. Dr Chang says, “Most thigh lift patients are those for whom the scars are a fair tradeoff to the improvement in body shape.”
Depending on the technique used, you may end up with a vertical scar down the inside of your leg, or where possible your surgeon will try to position a horizontal scar where it runs along your natural skin crease at the top of your leg along your groin area. You should discuss all of this with your surgeon when you have your first consultation so you know what to expect and are happy with the technique being used and why the surgeon is taking that option.
If you’d like to know more about Thigh Reduction, arrange a consult or find out about any other procedures Dr Lionel Chang does, you can contact him on 02 9744 6755.
Further Reading Related to Getting Rid of Excess Skin
- Find the Best Weight Loss Surgeon in Melbourne
- Perth Plastic Surgeon|Tummy Tuck Abdominoplasty
- Body Contouring for Men | Loose Skin After Weight Loss
- Perth Plastic Surgeon|Tummy Tuck Abdominoplasty
- Body Contouring Sydney – Plastic Surgery after Weight Loss
- Best Insights: Tummy Tuck Surgery by Anthony Macquillan