A thigh lift, also called thighplasty, and liposuction treat different concerns. A thigh lift removes excess skin and some fat while tightening and reshaping the remaining tissue. Liposuction primarily addresses stubborn localized fat. When both excess skin and persistent fat are present, the procedures may be performed together.
Based in Rancho Mirage, CA, Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery provides surgical body contouring for the thighs and other areas. Dr. Maria Lombardo is a board-certified general surgeon and a diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. Her training includes a general surgery residency and a cosmetic surgery fellowship covering body, breast, facial, and post-weight-loss procedures.
What Does Liposuction Do?
Liposuction removes unwanted fat through small incisions using a narrow tube called a cannula. It may be considered when your thighs remain fuller than you’d like despite maintaining healthy habits.
It can treat areas such as the:
- Inner thighs
- Outer thighs
- Hips
- Area around the inner knees
Liposuction works best when your skin has enough elasticity to contract around the slimmer contour. It doesn’t remove a meaningful amount of loose skin, and it isn’t a substitute for weight loss.
What Does a Thigh Lift Do?
A thigh lift removes excess skin and reshapes the remaining tissue. It’s commonly considered after significant weight loss, pregnancy, aging, or other changes that leave the thighs with sagging tissue.
Depending on where the laxity appears, surgery may target the inner thighs, outer thighs, or both. The procedure might also reduce rubbing and irritation caused by skin folds.
Unlike liposuction, a thigh lift requires longer incisions. Their location and length depend on how much tissue needs to be removed and which part of the thigh is being treated.
Can You Have a Thigh Lift and Liposuction Together?
Yes. Liposuction can reduce fatty deposits, while a thigh lift removes tissue that can’t contract on its own. Combining them may help create more balanced thigh contours when neither procedure would fully address the concern on its own.
Your medical history, weight stability, anatomy, and recovery needs will all factor into the surgical plan.
Find the Right Option for Your Thighs
The clearest way to choose between these procedures is to identify whether fat, loose skin, or both are shaping your thighs. To discuss your goals with Dr. Lombardo, contact us at Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery in Rancho Mirage, CA, or call (760) 610-8990.
