Difference Between Lateral and Medial Thigh Lift - Indication, Types, Differences, and Procedure

What Is Thigh Lift?

A thigh lift is a surgery performed for cosmetic purposes, which removes excess skin and fat to reshape the thighs to give a more contoured appearance. Pain and irritation occur due to thighs continuously rubbing against each other.

When Is the Thigh Lift Surgery Indicated?

Thigh lift surgery is indicated when significant weight loss is required. A major weight loss can lead to poor skin tone elasticity in areas that store excess fat, like the thighs. This can cause cellulite or lumpy, dimpled skin, sagging skin, bleeding, discoloration and rashes or chafing. Patients who undergo thigh lift surgery should not smoke before the surgery, underlying conditions like diabetes should be managed, and they should maintain the goal weight for a year and not lose more.

What Are the Different Types of Thigh Lifts?

The type of thigh lift is chosen based on body type abs aesthetic goals, and the different types are:

• Mini thigh lift.

• Medial thigh lift.

• Lateral thigh lift.

• Spiral thigh lift:

• Vertical thigh lift.

• Posterior lift.

• Thigh lift with liposuction.

What Is the Difference Between Medial and Lateral Thigh Lift?

A medial thigh lift is the best option for individuals with moderate-to-severe skin sagging and excess fat in the upper thigh areas. When the excess fat and skin are limited to the outer thighs, the best option i.e. lateral thigh lift, will sculpt and shape the thighs.

The outer thighs, buttocks, and waist are targeted areas in a lateral thigh lift, and liposuction may be used in conjunction with the surgery to remove pockets of fat from these areas. The targeted areas in the medial thigh lift procedure are the sagging skin and excess fat in the inner thigh area between the groin and inside the knee.

What Are the Expected Results of Medial and Lateral Thigh Lift Surgery?

Thighs are more toned and give a sculpted appearance in a medial thigh lift, giving the individual a higher confidence after the surgery as there is no longer a need to feel embarrassed by the legs appearance.

In the lateral thigh lift procedure, from the waist to lower thighs are contoured and will also remove wrinkles and dimples caused by extra skin and fat. The benefits of a medial thigh lift are it removes excess skin and fat from thighs and can be combined with liposuction. In lateral thigh lift, three areas are targeted: the thighs, buttocks, and waistline, producing a smoother and toned appearance.

How Is the Thigh Lift Procedure Done?

The patient will consult the plastic surgeon before the surgery to clarify doubts. The surgeon examines the patient's skin and also understands the patient's goals and expectations. The surgeon will inform the patient regarding possible side effects.

On the day of surgery, anesthesia is administered by an anesthesiologist to put the patient to sleep so that the patient will not feel any pain during the surgery. The surgeon will make an incision in the groin, and depending on the type of thigh lift planned, the incision may extend around the back of the thigh, down toward the knee, or around the hip and back. Fat removal is done by the surgeon, who repositions the tightened tissue and nearby muscles and may trim the excess skin. Sutures are given to secure the tissue deep in the thigh to support the new shape; therefore, incisions are closed with the help of these sutures.

How Is Lateral Thigh Lift Procedure Performed?

For lateral thigh lift, an incision will follow the line around the waist, and after the incision, the surgeon removes pockets of fat using liposuction. After that, the skin is pulled, taut sutures are given to the hip bone, and excess skin is removed. A scar is produced around the waist. This procedure is indicated for individuals with fat and loose thighs, buttocks, and waist skin.

How Is Medial Thigh Lift Procedure Performed?

For medial thigh lift, the incision follows the natural crease along the upper thigh and extends from the lower groin area to under the buttocks. After the incision, the surgeon pulls the skin tight, removes excess skin if present, and sutures are given to close the sutures. A scar is produced along the incision line in this procedure.

An inner thigh lift procedure is recommended for individuals with excess skin and fat around the circumference of the upper thigh area. When there are pockets of fat, liposuction is recommended it will disrupt the smooth, contoured shape of the thighs.

What Are the Instructions Given After the Procedure?

1. After the thigh lift procedure, for the thighs to heal, lots of rest is recommended for up to ten days.

2. Compression garments should be worn for at least six weeks, and most of the individuals resume work after six weeks.

3. It is essential to follow the instructions carefully as the procedure may require large incisions sensitive to movement, touch, and temperature.

4. The surgeon might place small temporary tubes under the skin to clear the blood and fluid. There might be issues with wound healing or fluid buildup, so extra care is necessary. Scare after the surgery will not disappear but will fade over time.

What Are the Benefits and Risk Factors of Thigh Lift Surgery?

The benefits of thigh lift surgery are:

1. Reshapes the thighs.

2. Stretch marks appearance is reduced.

3. Reduces friction rashes.

4. Less sagging skin.

5. Muscles are tightened.

6. Smoother thighs and more confidence in appearance.

Possible risk factors of thigh lift surgery are:

1. Bleeding.

2. Changes in skin appearance.

3. Asymmetry.

4. Deep vein thrombosis.

5. Infection.

6. Numbness.

7. Fluid accumulation.

8. Poor wound healing and closure.

9. Swelling.

When Is It Essential to Consult the Healthcare Provider After the Surgery?

It is essential to consult the healthcare provider when:

1. There are signs of complications such as bleeding, swelling in the leg, fever or chills.

2. Pain that presents even after consuming medications.

3. Slow-healing wounds.

4. An incision is unusually sore to touch.

Conclusion

A medial thigh lift will remove the excess skin and fat and improve the upper thighs and can be combined with liposuction, whereas a lateral thigh lift targets the thighs, buttocks, and waistline and produces a smooth and toned appearance.