Thigh Liposuction vs. Thigh Lift: Which One is Better?

Quick – what’s the one part of your body that you find most difficult to whittle down?

If you answered with “thighs”, then you’re not alone.  In fact, more people than ever are obsessed with trimming and toning their thighs, thanks to rising hemlines and a few not-so-healthy trends (thigh gap, anyone?).  Unfortunately, these same people may be discovering that it’s difficult to reduce the size of thighs through diet and exercise alone.

That’s where thigh liposuction and thigh lifts come into play.  But when it comes down to it, which procedure is better for firming and reducing your thighs – liposuction or a thigh lift?

The Answer: It Depends

 Frustrating, right? Each procedure has some overlap between the two, meaning you could achieve similar results with whatever option you pick. But thigh lifts and thigh liposuctions can accomplish very different results, depending on who is undergoing the procedure.

Let’s take a quick look at the differences between thigh lifts and thigh liposuction, and how to know which is the right option for you:

• Thigh Liposuction: This procedure is exactly what it sounds like – your plastic surgeon will perform liposuction on the thigh area using a series of cannulas. The cannulas are used to break up fatty tissue, which is then drained through the small diameter tube.  Thigh liposuction is an excellent option for patients who may be concerned about excess fat in their inner and/or outer thigh region.

 It’s important to note that the thigh liposuction doesn’t treat the skin; therefore, if your skin has lost elasticity, this procedure might make your skin look wrinkled and dimpled. This procedure is ideal for younger patients who have retained skin elasticity.

• Thigh Lift: This procedure combines the best of both worlds: fat removal and skin tightening. The thigh lift starts with the same liposuction procedure; however, once this treatment is complete, your plastic surgeon will tighten the muscle and skin tissues, creating a smoother and firmer appearance. All excess skin is trimmed away toward the end of the procedure.

Patients should consider that the thigh lift involves longer recovery time than traditional thigh liposuction.  The post-op recovery period may sway some patients to choose a different treatment option.

Wondering which procedure is best for you?

Schedule Your South Coast Consultation

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kyle Song at South Coast Plastic Surgery in Irvine, California (also serving the greater Orange County area) can help you discover which procedure is best for your needs and goals.

Contact South Coast Plastic Surgery today to learn more about thigh lift and thigh liposuction procedures! Call (949)701-4454 to learn more.