Thanks to the proliferation of the thigh gap phenomenon in social media, almost every woman now wants to achieve that elusive gap between the inner thighs. Some try to get this through diet and exercise, but it can be a very slow and taxing process.
For many people, achieving a thigh gap is not even physically possible because of genetics and body structure. As such, the only other option left is surgery.
When it comes to contouring the thighs and legs, two surgical procedures come to mind: thigh liposuction and thigh lift. Learn about the difference between the two and which one is more suited for people wanting to jump on the thigh gap bandwagon.
What is a thigh liposuction?
If achieving a thigh gap is all you want, then a thigh liposuction might be the best solution for you. Thigh liposuction can significantly improve the contours of your thighs as it involves the removal of excess localized fat deposits, hence reducing the rubbing together of your inner thighs. It is usually performed on the inner thighs, as this is a common area of concern for many women. However, it can also extend to the entire thigh and leg area for smoother results.
In a thigh liposuction, a small incision is made on the inner thighs. A small tube or cannula is inserted through the incision to suction out the excess fat. The fat in the inner thighs contain very little fibrous tissue and has a soft jelly-like quality, making it easy to suction out. Microcannulas measuring 1.5 to 2.8 mm in diameter are commonly used, as they allow incremental amounts of fat to be suctioned out. Cannulas with larger diameters tend to cause surface irregularities, so cosmetic surgeons typically avoid them.
The recovery for an inner thigh liposuction is quite rapid, but swelling may persist for up to six months. However, most of the bruising and swelling usually disappear within six weeks.
Thigh liposuction is ideal for patients who have normal and stable weight but also have pockets of excess fat on the thighs. It works best for those with firm and elastic skin, as it does not get rid of sagging skin or cellulite. Thigh liposuction is generally not recommended for patients with excessively wrinkly thigh skin, as the procedure may worsen the degree of wrinkling.
The results of a liposuction are permanent, as it gets rid of fat cells for good. However, this does not make you immune to the effects of weight gain and aging, especially in other areas of your thighs and the rest of the body.
What is a thigh lift?
Those who are suffering from skin laxity may want to get a thigh lift instead. A thigh lift is a surgery that reshapes the thighs by reducing excess skin and fat, hence resulting in smoother and better-proportioned thigh contours. It is best for patients who have saggy skin on the thighs and knees resulting from massive weight loss or bariatric surgery. Though it can remove a small amount of fat, a thigh lift is not intended strictly for the removal of excess fat.
There are various techniques used in a thigh lift Miami. The inner thigh lift is the most popular among patients, as it targets the inner thighs and produces minimal scarring. The incision is done in the groin area, extending to the lower abdomen down on either side of the pubic mound and continuing towards the buttocks crease.
Another technique is the vertical thigh lift, which also targets the inner thighs but produces greater improvement than the inner thigh lift. However, it produces an obvious scar, as the incision sometimes extends from the groin down to the inner knees. Some patients are amenable with that, but many others prefer the more inconspicuous scar produced in an inner thigh lift or mini thigh lift.
Those who have problems in the outer thighs can get a lateral thigh lift, which tightens the skin on the front or outside of the leg, as well as the buttocks. It is best for patients with massive skin folds and fat bulges in the outer thighs.
The results of a thigh lift are noticeable immediately following the procedure, but swelling and bruising may take several weeks to subside. The overall results last long, provided that you maintain a stable and healthy weight throughout your life by following a diet and exercise regimen.
Choosing between a thigh liposuction and a thigh lift
Now that you know the difference between the two procedures, which is the better procedure? It all boils down to your individual needs.
Strictly speaking, thigh liposuction is the way to go if you want to achieve a thigh gap. This removes excess fat from your inner thighs, resulting in a space between your upper inner thighs. Skin elasticity is of utmost importance in this procedure, so this is best for patients who are still young and possess good skin elasticity.
However, if you also have problems with sagging skin in your thigh area, thigh liposuction can do very little to address it. In fact, it might even aggravate it. In such cases, what you need is a thigh lift. As for the thigh lift technique best suited for you, it depends on your specific problem areas and the extent of scarring that you can tolerate.
But the good news is, you can combine both of these procedures to achieve the results that you want. If you have stubborn fat deposits that cannot be removed by simple diet and exercise, plus you are close to your ideal weight, you might be a good candidate for a combination of thigh liposuction and thigh lift.
Ultimately, the best way to know which procedure is right for you is to consult an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon. Your chosen surgeon should have enough experience and expertise in the field of thigh lift Miami so that he can recommend the right procedure specific to your needs and expectations.
If you want to talk to a reputable Miami cosmetic surgeon regarding your cosmetic thigh problems, Schedule a Free Consultation with Face + Body Cosmetic Surgery. We will connect you with one of our highly-qualified surgeons so that you can ask questions about the thigh lift and thigh liposuction.
References:
http://www.smartbeautyguide.com/news/body-contouring/thigh-liposuction-thigh-lift#.V-yee_B942w
https://facebody.net/en/plastic-surgery-miami/body-procedures/thigh-lift-miami
https://facebody.net/en/blog/thigh-lift/216-accomplishing-the-thigh-gap-with-plastic-surgery
http://www.liposuction.com/inner-thighs.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-71135/Liposuction-thighs.html
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/thigh-lift