Nearly 91% of women are unhappy with their bodies. One body part they feel more self-conscious about is their thighs.
When it comes to achieving the ideal thigh contour, you can either consider thigh liposuction or thigh lift, or both. These procedures offer different approaches to addressing common thigh concerns like excess fat and loose skin. If you’re trying to decide which one is the right choice for you, you’ve come to the right place.
Below, we explore how thigh liposuction and thigh lifts differ. Keep reading to find out which one is right for you.
What Is Thigh Liposuction?
Thigh liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to remove excess fat from the thighs. It is an effective way to address stubborn fat deposits in the saddlebags, inner thighs, or knee areas. As a result, you can reshape and enhance your body’s contours.
The procedure involves the use of small tubes called cannulas. These tubes are inserted under the skin to suction out excess fat. Incisions from the procedure are minimal, usually measuring only 3 to 4 millimeters. They are so small they almost never require sutures.
There are various techniques for performing thigh liposuction. Each technique is tailored to target specific areas of the thighs. These include:
- Inner Thighs Liposuction: It involves removal of excess fat from the inner thighs
- Outer Thighs Liposuction: This targets the outer thighs or saddlebags
- Inner Knees Liposuction: Performed with inner thigh liposuction to refine your legs
If you’re considering this surgery to address unwanted fat, consult with a qualified cosmetic surgeon. They will help you determine the best type of liposuction for achieving your body goals.
Ideal Candidates for Thigh Liposuction
Thigh liposuction is an effective fat-removal procedure. However, not everyone is an ideal candidate for it. To achieve the best results, here are some criteria to define the best candidate for thigh liposuction:
- You struggle with localized, stubborn pockets of fat in the thigh areas unaffected by weight loss.
- You must be in good overall health, and your BMI should be below 30.
- You should maintain a stable weight for at least six months.
- You must have limited excess skin.
- You should not have medical conditions that impair healing or increase surgery risks.
- You should be a non-smoker.
- You must be committed to leading a healthy lifestyle.
During your consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will assess you to determine if you are a good fit for the surgery.
What Is a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift is an effective solution for loose skin and unwanted fat in the thigh area. This surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the inner and/or outer thighs. It aims to restore slim and smooth contours to the upper legs.
Your cosmetic surgeon will perform the surgery under local, twilight, or general anesthesia. The procedure can take about 2 to 3 hours to complete.
There are different types of thigh lifts. These techniques include:
Inner Thigh Lift
It involves making incisions on the inside of the leg. Some patients may need incisions in the groin crease. For others, they may require incisions from the groin crease to the knee.
Incision length varies to address specific problematic areas. It can extend around the back or front of your thigh.
Outer Thigh Lift
This surgical procedure involves larger incisions and more extensive scarring. Incisions start near the groin and wrap up and around the hip.
Outer thigh lift scars are more visible than inner thigh lift scars. However, your surgeon can make strategic incisions to ensure they can be covered under most clothing and swimsuits.
Ideal Candidates for Thigh Lift Surgery
A suitable candidate for a thigh lift procedure should meet specific criteria to ensure a successful outcome. Here’s a breakdown of who makes a good candidate:
- You want to get rid of the loose, saggy, and wrinkled thigh skin.
- You should be in good general health with a BMI of 30 or less.
- You should have a relatively stable weight.
- You should be a non-smoker.
- You should have realistic expectations.
- You should be willing to accept extensive, sometimes unpleasant looking scars.
Suitability for thigh lift surgery can vary from person to person. Consult a qualified cosmetic surgeon to know if you’re a good fit for the surgery.
Thigh Liposuction vs. Thigh Lift: Key Differences
Thigh liposuction and thigh lift both aim to enhance the aesthetics of your thighs. However, they have distinct differences. Below are key distinctions between thigh liposuction and thigh lift:
Purpose of the Procedure
Thigh liposuction is primarily a fat-removal procedure. It targets excess fat deposits in your thighs, contouring and slimming them. It doesn’t address loose skin concerns.
On the other hand, thigh lifts address loose skin and sagging in the thigh area. It is an ideal procedure if you’ve lost a lot of weight or have wrinkled skin due to aging.
Surgical Approach
Thigh liposuction involves small incisions through which a cannula is inserted to suction out fat. It is a less invasive procedure.
However, thigh lifts require larger incisions to remove excess skin and tissue. The surgery is usually more invasive.
Scarring
If you prefer minimal scarring, thigh liposuction is an ideal procedure. It often leaves smaller, inconspicuous scars. Additionally, the scars can fade over time.
On the contrary, thigh lift results in more noticeable scars due to the larger incisions. Luckily, you can minimize the scarring with good post-operative care.
Recovery Time
The recovery for thigh liposuction is often shorter. It can take about two to three weeks to recover. For thigh lifts, recovery takes about six weeks, however the scars will take 12 to 18 months to get their best.
Possible Plastic Surgery Combinations
You can combine thigh lipo with a tummy tuck or arm lipo for comprehensive body contouring. On the other hand, thigh lifts are usually a standalone procedure. Combining it with other surgeries may increase the risks of surgery.
Expected Results
After a thigh Liposuction, you can enjoy enhanced thigh contours as it reduces fat volume. For a thigh lift, you can expect a smoother and more youthful thigh appearance since it removes excess skin.
Get the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure for Your Thighs
Whether you opt for thigh liposuction or a thigh lift, both procedures can help you achieve toned and shapely thighs. To determine which is right for you, consult a qualified cosmetic surgeon.
Are you ready to schedule your procedure? Schedule an appointment online or call us at (402) 391-4558 to get started.
