Question:
Do thigh lifts really work? Please share your experience.

At one year out my thighs would make a Shar Pei proud. It's gotten to the point that I'm embarrased about all the flapping when I walk or work out. Last night I took my kids to the local track to ride their bikes and could see people watching my thighs as we went around, probably waiting to see if their flapping would knock my kids right off their bikes. Can a thighplasty REALLY help? I find it hard to imagine anything will help these puppies. Where are the scars? I've heard "hidden in the bikini line". True? Thank you!    — mom2jtx3 (posted on September 17, 2002)

September 17, 2002
I too need a thigh lift...BAD. Like I move and two minutes later, the rest of my leg does. Anyway, not that I'll probably be able to make it to this surgeon, but he is a genius. Dr. Capella. His father does WLS and he does the skin reconstruction. www.drcapella.com Then go to plastic surgery and then photos/procedures and click on lower body lift or thigh lift. WONDERFUL pictures...although I wish there was a front view along with the sides.
   — Paula Prichard

September 18, 2002
Linda, it sounds like you need more than just a thigh lift. When they talk about "incision in the bikini line" they're talking about an INNER thigh lift. That's something I need also. But to take care of the outer thigh you'll need something more extensive. I don't know everything available but when my plastic surgeon did my tummy tuck the incision went all the way around backside of my hips (except for just a couple inches at my backbone). Its like a beltectomy or lower body lift. That did pull the skin tighter in my back, hips, butt, outer thighs and tummy. I believe you can have that done same time as an inner thigh lift and end up with much nicer legs. Definately check it out with a surgeon who has done some women with your problem, check out the before & afters. I'm sure it would help a lot although I'm unsure of the limitations.
   — Shelly S.

September 19, 2002
I had a tummy tuck and thigh lift on July 1st. My inner thighs were very drapey. I had always accumulated fat at the top area of my thighs and they were stretched marked badly. It really helped a lot and removed most of my stretch marks. The incision is in the bend of my leg, starts in the front and goes all the way around the inside to the back of my leg. It is almost where the legs of my panties would be. Panties do not hide the scars, but at least all the stretch marks are gone and I can wear shorts or short skirts. I think it helped a lot. My thighs don't rub together and rash up anymore.
   — cindy Q.

September 19, 2002
I had an inner thigh lift at the same time as my tummy tuck. It's one of the "pantyline incisions." It helped with the folds of inner thigh skin, but that's all. The extended TT helped with outer upper thigh skin A BIT. I still have loose skin on the lower part of my thighs. I know some surgeons do a thigh lift with an incision that is like a "T" -- pantyline plus a vertical incision. This would be the only way to really get tight thighs if you have alot of skin. But many people have problems with this surgery. My surgeon flatly states he will not do them; too dangerous as the legs are so vascular. I WISH he did them becuase I'd be back at that table in a minute. If you look at my pics on my profile you can see (in the bikini pic) that the thigh skin is still a bit loose. Thighs are difficult. If you find a good ps who has good pics of successful thigh lifts, go with it. And have him/her call me!! (Haha. j/k. I have resolved myself to living with my imperfect legs the way they are.) hugs, Ann RNY 9/10/99 260/130
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