Thighs
Thigh Lift (Cruroplasty)
What is it?
A thigh lift, or cruroplasty, is a surgical procedure that improves the contour of the thigh by removing excess skin and fat from its inner aspect, which in more pronounced cases may cause discomfort when walking. It also reduces thigh circumference, an effect that may be enhanced by complementary liposuction to achieve a younger and slimmer contour.
The incision is placed in the groin and along the inner thigh in a vertical cruroplasty. In milder cases, it may be possible to keep the scar confined to the groin through a horizontal or inguinal-scar cruroplasty.
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Procedures that may be combined
Other procedures are not generally recommended at the same time, particularly abdominoplasty, because the scientific evidence indicates a considerable increase in surgical risk with this combination.
Thigh Liposuction
What is it?
Liposuction, lipoplasty or liposculpture is a surgical procedure that removes fat through cannulas introduced through small skin openings. It reduces body-fat volume when performed in moderate amounts, as excessive aspiration may result in excess skin and subsequent laxity.
It should be performed by an accredited plastic surgeon and should not be regarded as a simplistic procedure. It is not a substitute for open surgery when there is significant excess or redundant skin, in which case procedures such as abdominoplasty, brachioplasty or facelift may be more appropriate. It is intended for fat deposits that are resistant to diet and weight loss, within the expected limits of postoperative skin elasticity and retraction. A balanced weight, ideally close to the target weight, is desirable.
Controlling blood loss and postoperative pain is also important. Infiltration with saline solution, anaesthetic and adrenaline before fat aspiration increases procedural safety and reduces blood loss.
Common treatment areas include the abdomen and flanks, upper arms, back, lateral buttocks and hips, thighs, knees, legs and the area beneath the chin.
The aspirated fat may be processed and reintroduced into other areas to increase volume and improve contour, including the buttocks, breasts, face or the female genital region, such as the labia majora.
Procedures that may be combined
Aqualyx®
What is it?
Aqualyx®, also known as intralipotherapy, is a non-surgical medical treatment that involves injecting an aqueous solution based on acid/sodium deoxycholate directly into the subcutaneous fatty tissue. The solution disrupts the membrane of fat cells, liquefying them so that they are naturally eliminated by the lymphatic system.
It is not a substitute for liposuction when large volumes of fat need to be removed. It is intended for small to moderate localised and resistant fat deposits as part of body or facial contouring, rather than as a weight-loss method. A balanced weight and realistic expectations are desirable.
Adequate hydration before and after treatment is important, as water facilitates the elimination of the destroyed fat cells and contributes to the effectiveness of the procedure.
Common treatment areas include the area beneath the chin, the abdomen and flanks, the inner thighs and knees, the back and the upper arms. Unlike fat removed by liposuction, fat destroyed by Aqualyx® cannot be reused or transferred to another area because it is eliminated by the body.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about thigh lift surgery, thigh liposuction and Aqualyx®.
What is a thigh lift?
A thigh lift, or cruroplasty, is surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the inner thighs, improves contour and may reduce discomfort when walking in more pronounced cases.
Where are thigh-lift scars placed?
The scar is placed in the groin and along the inner thigh. It may extend to the middle of the thigh or slightly above the knee; in milder cases, it may remain confined to the groin.
Can a thigh lift be combined with liposuction?
Yes. Complementary liposuction may enhance the reduction in thigh circumference and improve contour. Other simultaneous procedures are not generally recommended, particularly abdominoplasty, because this combination considerably increases surgical risk.
What anaesthesia and hospital stay are required for a thigh lift?
A thigh lift is performed under general anaesthesia. It may be carried out as outpatient surgery or require one day in hospital.
What is recovery like after a thigh lift?
Work may be resumed after 2–3 weeks if it does not require exertion, and physical exercise after 6 weeks. Compression tights recommended by the team should be worn during this period. Lymphatic drainage by experienced professionals may begin within the first few days.
What are the main risks and how long do thigh-lift results last?
Swelling and bruising are expected initially. Seroma, minor wound-healing problems and scar widening may occur; haematoma, infection, excessive scarring and pulmonary thromboembolism are less common or serious potential complications. The procedure is definitive provided there are no significant changes in weight.
What does thigh liposuction treat?
Thigh liposuction improves contour by removing fat deposits that are resistant to diet and weight loss. It does not replace skin-removal surgery when there is significant skin laxity or redundancy.
How long does liposuction take and which anaesthetic is used?
The procedure takes between 1 hour and 3 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the areas treated and whether fat grafting is planned. It is performed under general anaesthesia.
What scars and hospital stay are associated with liposuction?
Liposuction leaves small scars, usually concealed in natural folds or creases. Small areas may be treated as an outpatient procedure, while more complex surgery may require one day in hospital.
What is recovery like after thigh liposuction?
Work may be resumed after 2–3 days and physical activity after 4 weeks. Depending on the areas treated, specific compression garments recommended by the team may be required.
What are the risks of liposuction?
Swelling, tenderness and drainage through the cannula openings may occur, as well as skin laxity, over- or under-correction, haematoma and contour irregularities. Fluid retention and excessive loss of blood or fluids are less frequent. Pulmonary embolism is rare.
What is Aqualyx® and what is it used for?
Aqualyx® is a non-surgical medical treatment in which a solution is injected into subcutaneous fatty tissue to destroy fat cells. It is intended for small to moderate localised deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise and is not a weight-loss method.
Does Aqualyx® require anaesthesia or hospital admission, and does it leave scars?
The injected solution already contains an anaesthetic. Treatment is performed in the office and does not leave scars.
What is recovery like and what are the risks of Aqualyx®?
Daily activities may be resumed almost immediately. Intense exercise, heat and direct sun exposure should be avoided for 48 hours. Swelling, redness, tenderness, bruising, temporary firmness and numbness may occur; skin necrosis is rare.
How many Aqualyx® sessions are usually required?
Two to five sessions are usually required, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. Destroyed fat cells do not regenerate, so results tend to be long-lasting when body weight remains stable.
This information is general and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
