What Makes a Good Teacher - Essay

Thigh Lift Surgery - Thighplasty
Reviewed by Siamak Agha-Mohammadi, MD, PhD
Chunky, dimpled thighs are the bane of many women's — and even some men's — existence. A thigh lift (thighplasty) can reduce excess skin and fat in the thigh and knee area, resulting in a redefined, slim and taut thigh that will look great in skinny jeans, mini-skirts and bathing suits.

Today's modern thigh lift surgery aims to create thighs that are proportionate to the buttocks, abs and legs. Ideally, the trunk and outer thighs should form an hour-glass silhouette and indent toward the waist, with a smooth outward curve to the outer thighs.

From the back, the thigh should stand apart from the buttock with a well-defined fold.

From the front, the thighs should appear smooth and showcase the underlying muscles. The inner thighs should be firm and flat.

Both men and women who have saggy, flabby and/or dimpled loose tissue and skin on their thighs may be candidates for this body contouring procedure. Many people who have lost massive amounts of weight after bariatric surgery may also benefit from thigh lifts to get rid of the excess fat and flab in this area.

Types of Thigh Lift

There are several types of thigh lift, each of which differs according to incision pattern.

For example, an inner (medial) thigh lift involves incisions in the groin fold. This is the most popular type of thigh lift. It is best for people with a moderate amount of skin and fat in this area. For an inner thigh lift, your surgeon basically lifts up the thigh skin and tissue to tighten it.

A vertical thighplasty involves a vertical incision that starts at the groin crease and extends to the inner knee. The scar is visible when the inner thighs are exposed such as while you are wearing a bathing suit or mini-skirt. During a vertical thigh lift, your surgeon removes a wedge of skin from the inner thigh. Individuals with more significant fat and loose skin may need a vertical thighplasty.

An...