What Is Inner Thigh Sagging?

Inner thigh sagging is when the skin on the inner side of the thigh loses its elasticity and hangs downwards; it is often accompanied by excess fat in this area. The suitable method differs according to the degree of sagging and skin structure; the doctor decides at the examination which method is suitable. Results vary from person to person.

What Causes Inner Thigh Sagging?

Loss of skin elasticity with ageing,
Significant weight loss or frequently repeated weight gain and loss,
Changes in the body during pregnancy and after childbirth,
Inherited build and skin characteristics.

Exercise and Non-Surgical Methods

Regular exercise strengthens the thigh muscles and, together with weight control, can help reduce the amount of fat in the area; however, it does not tighten skin that has lost its elasticity and sagged.

Non-surgical device treatments such as radiofrequency may make a limited contribution to skin firmness in mild laxity; they do not remove significant skin sagging.

If the sagging is not significant and the problem is mainly excess fat, liposuction may be considered. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that only reduces fat tissue; it does not remove sagging skin. For details you can read our article Which Areas Can Liposuction Be Applied To?

Who Is a Thigh Lift Suitable For?

The surgical procedure used for significant inner thigh sagging is a thigh lift. Suitable candidates are generally people who:

have significant skin sagging on the inner thigh that has not improved with diet and exercise,
have had a stable weight for some time,
are in suitable general health for surgery and anaesthesia,
do not smoke or are able to stop before surgery,
are aged 18 or over, have been informed about the permanent scar and have realistic expectations.

How Is Thigh Lift Surgery Performed?

The operation is mostly performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes two to three hours; it may take longer if combined with other procedures. Before surgery, the incision lines are marked while the patient is standing. Depending on the degree of sagging, the incision is placed in the groin crease or, in significant sagging, along the inner side of the thigh. Excess skin is removed, excess fat is removed with liposuction if necessary, and the incision is stitched. After surgery, patients usually stay in hospital for one day for observation.

Before and After Surgery

If you smoke, you need to stop a few weeks before surgery and not smoke during recovery.
The doctor decides whether blood-thinning medicines should be stopped; no medicine should be stopped without consulting the doctor.
Short walks are recommended from the day of surgery; walking reduces the risk of blood clots in the leg veins.
A compression garment is worn for the period recommended by the doctor.
Heavy lifting, movements that strain the stitches and sport are avoided until the doctor allows them; a return to sport is usually possible after one to one and a half months.
The doctor decides when you can shower and how the wound is cared for; follow-up appointments should be attended regularly.

Swelling, bruising and tightness are expected in the first weeks and decrease over time; it may take a few months for the swelling to go down completely. If you notice sudden swelling or pain in the leg, shortness of breath or chest pain, you should contact your doctor immediately. Fever, increasing redness, discharge from the wound or the wound opening should also be reported to the doctor.

Does a Thigh Lift Leave a Scar?

Yes, a thigh lift leaves a permanent scar. The position and length of the scar depend on the technique used:

In mild sagging, the incision is placed in the groin crease; the scar can usually be covered by underwear.
In significant sagging, the incision runs along the inner side of the thigh and may extend down to the knee.

The scar is prominent in the first months; it fades over time and becomes less noticeable within about a year.

Risks of a Thigh Lift

Like any surgical procedure, a thigh lift has risks: these include wound opening, fluid or blood collection, infection, prolonged swelling of the legs, widening of the scar, asymmetry and blood clots in the leg veins. The risks should be discussed in detail with the doctor before surgery.

Is the Result Permanent?

The removed skin does not come back and the result is long-lasting; however, ageing and weight changes can affect the appearance of the thighs over time. Keeping your weight stable is important for maintaining the result. For detailed information you can read our thigh lift page.

Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın