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Thigh Lift vs. Thigh Liposuction: Picking the Best Surgery Option

By Dennis Hurwitz on September 23, 2016

LiposuctionA woman's athletic leg's

The Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery is proud to serve the people of Pittsburgh, offering the latest skin care and surgical enhancement procedures available. We've built a strong reputation for results in anti-aging rejuvenation and advanced body contouring and sculpting. We have various options available that can meet your needs, and we'd be happy to compare them for you during a consultation.

For example, if you have issues with the look of your thighs, we may suggest a thigh lift surgery (thighplasty) or liposuction that targets the thighs. Let's take a moment to go over both and when one option may be more ideal than the other.

About Thigh Lift Surgery

Thigh lift surgery is a procedure that helps address loose skin and sagging skin around the thighs. There are two ways that a thigh lift can be performed:

  • Outer/Lateral Thigh Lift – This form of thigh lift surgery is perfect when there's an issue with sagging skin in the front and outer portions of the thigh.

  • Inner/Medial Thigh Lift - This form of thigh lift surgery is perfect when there's an issue with sagging skin in the inner thigh.

Both surgeries involve incisions carefully hidden in and around groin and leg area. Through these incision, excess fat and tissue can be removed and the skin pulled tighter in order to reduce drooping.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Thigh Lift Surgery?

The best candidates for thigh lift surgery are people who experience significant sagging of the skin associated with major weight loss. This may have come about through natural means or as a result of childbirth, bariatric procedures, or the natural aging process. Candidates for the surgery should be in good health overall and have realistic expectations about the risks, benefits, and results of the surgery.

About Thigh Liposuction

Thigh liposuction is a surgery that is performed to remove pockets of fat that will not respond to a healthy diet and regular exercise. Since spot reduction does not work, liposuction is a type of targeted cosmetic fat removal. Liposuction can be performed on nearly any part of the body in which excess fat is an issue.

There are different variations on liposuction, some of which may involve special liquid and/or special cannulas (the metal tube inserted into the skin to extract fat). The ideal form of liposuction can vary but will be tailored to the patient.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Thigh Liposuction?

The best candidates for thigh liposuction are people who suffer from excess fat in the inner, outer, or frontal portion of the thigh. They should be in good general health and have realistic expectations about the nature of the procedure. For instance, patients must understand that liposuction is not intended for weight loss but rather cosmetic fat removal purposes. While patients will lose weight during surgery, it should not be consider a go-method for the sole purpose of losing weight.

When Thigh Lift Surgery May Be Better Than Liposuction

Thigh lift surgery is better for patients who need their skin tightened. Only the lift procedure is designed to reduce wrinkles and sagging.

When Thigh Liposuction May Be Better Than Thigh Lift

Thigh liposuction tends to be more ideal when a patient's primary issue is unwanted fat of the lower extremities. While liposuction cannot tighten your skin, it can sculpt a much trimmer and athletic and toned figure.

Learn More About Your Body Contouring Options

To learn more about your many options for body contouring and sculpting, be sure to speak with an experienced cosmetic plastic surgeon today. The team here at the Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery will help you look your best and feel great.

Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology and amenities to ensure your comfort and privacy during your visit. We are located in the heart of Pittsburgh and serve patients from all over the world. When you are ready to take the next step, contact us to schedule your consultation with Dr. Davila or Dr. Hurwitz. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals of looking and feeling your best.

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