Liposuction of the thighs can be separated into the two specific regions and these include the lateral and medial thighs. The lateral thighs are located just below the lateral hip region that is the anterior extension of the mid buttock region. Some clients refer to these as saddle bags! The medial thighs wrap around the inside of the leg and can be divided into posterior-medial, central-medial, and the anterior-medial diamonds. Liposuction of the thighs requires consideration of several unique considerations.
Liposuction of the lateral thighs
The lateral thighs serve as a junction point between the lateral hips and the lower legs. Since the lateral hips typically had a dip, this region needs to be built up. Filling of lateral hip dips is accomplished with fat transfer. The amount of filling of the lateral hips is based on the patient’s individual preference for how exaggerated they wish their curves to be. Patients actually chose their lateral hip prominence using a chart called the Brazilian Butt Lift Assessment tool.
The reason the lateral hip contour is so important to the liposuction of the lateral thighs is that the lateral thighs provide the junction between the lateral hip and lower leg contour. In females, the lateral thighs must provide a smooth transition between the lateral hip and lower leg. As a result, the more prominent the lateral hips are, the less liposuction of the lateral this is required. Additionally, if patients have generous sized lower legs, then less liposuction of the lateral thighs is required. Finally, liposuction of the lateral thighs should only be done in a deep plane and conservatively. This is because it is prone to skin redundancy and subsequent cellulite appearance. By limiting the liposuction of the lateral thighs to the deeper layer, we leave a uniform superficial layer that ensures a smooth and aesthetically pleasing contour.
Liposuction of the medial thighs
Liposuction of the medial thighs has specific challenges that are related to its intrinsically poor skin texture. Especially along the upper medial thigh, the skin can become crepe in severely loose. Because of this limitation, the liposuction of the medial thighs must always be done cautiously. In fact, any liposuction of the medial thighs can create undesirable skin changes.
Regardless, liposuction of the medial thighs is performed and can achieve excellent results. The first important consideration is to divide the medial thigh into three diamonds, the posterior-medial thigh, the central-medial thigh, and the anterior-medial thigh. What’s unique to the posterior-medial thigh is that it provides structural support to the lower buttock. As such, any liposuction must be kept superficial and avoid stretching of deeper structures that will result in loss of lower buttock support.
Patients with minimal skin redundancy may benefit from Renuvion J plasma skin tightening. Patients with moderate skin redundancy may benefit from a lateral thigh and buttock tuck. The central-medial thigh diamond is the area inside the inner thighs and typically associated with crepe skin. Liposuction in this region can be performed in the deep and superficial planes but only conservatively. If crepe skin is present, patients should be recommended a medial thigh tuck that excises the skin directly. The anterior medial thigh is the most forgiving diamond and can be liposuctioned more aggressively as it typically has excellent skin texture. If skin looseness is minimal, it can be tightened with Renuvion J plasma treatment. When more extensive skin looseness is present, then a mini tummy tuck is often helpful to tighten this region.
Liposuction of the thighs Summary
In summary, liposuction of the thighs is a routinely performed procedure but must be done with caution. When there is skin redundancy, then a tightening procedure may be recommended. If you are concerned about your medial or lateral thighs, we encourage you to make a consultation with one of our liposuction of thighs specialists.