At Tran Plastic Surgery, our thigh liposuction and thigh lift service helps patients achieve firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking legs. Whether you’re looking to reduce stubborn fat deposits, tighten loose skin, or both, these procedures can be performed individually or in combination to sculpt your lower body with natural-looking results.
Understanding the Difference: Thigh Liposuction vs. Thigh Lift
Both thigh liposuction and thigh lift surgery aim to improve the contour and proportion of the thighs, but they address different concerns.
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Thigh Liposuction removes excess fat deposits in targeted areas such as the inner thighs, outer thighs (“saddlebags”), and frontal thighs. This option is ideal for patients with good skin elasticity who struggle with stubborn fat that does not respond to diet and exercise.
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Thigh Lift Surgery focuses on removing excess skin and tightening soft tissue around the thighs. It is especially beneficial for patients who have experienced significant weight loss, such as those who have undergone bariatric surgery, and are left with sagging or stretched skin.
In many cases, Dr. Tuan Tran may recommend a combination of both techniques to achieve slimmer thighs with firmer, smoother contours.
👉 Learn more about our full range of Body Surgery services.
Who Is a Candidate for Thigh Lipo and Lift?
The best candidates are those who want to enhance thigh shape and proportion after finding that lifestyle changes alone are not enough. You may be an ideal candidate if you:
- People whose weight is relatively stable. If the individual has undergone a bariatric surgery, his or her weight should be maintained consistent (gaining or dropping of no more than 5lbs) for at least 1 year. Their BMI should also be below 30.
- For thigh liposuction alone: people with good skin elasticity
- For thigh lift surgery: people with excess soft tissue along the inner and outer thigh regions.
- Individuals with no underlining health conditions what would impair their healing or increase risk of surgery.
- Nonsmokers
- Individuals committed to living a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutritions and fitness.
- Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations for what a thigh liposuction or thigh lift surgery can achieve.
Patients who have undergone major weight loss often find thigh lift surgery especially transformative, as it addresses stretched skin that diet and exercise cannot correct. Read more about plastic surgery after major weight loss.
Thigh Liposuction: The Procedure
Thigh liposuction is a minimally invasive surgery performed using small incisions and a thin cannula to remove fat. The procedure typically involves:
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Consultation & Planning – Dr. Tran will assess the thighs circumferentially and design a personalized treatment plan.
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Anesthesia – Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia ensures patient comfort.
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Fat Removal – A cannula is carefully maneuvered to sculpt and refine targeted areas.
Common Areas Treated
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Inner Thighs – To reduce rubbing or chafing and create a more defined gap.
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Outer Thighs (“Saddlebags”) – To restore balance and proportion to the lower body.
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Frontal Thighs – Often treated in combination with other areas for a smooth, natural contour.
Liposuction alone does not tighten skin, so patients with decreased elasticity may benefit from pairing the procedure with a thigh lift for the best results.
Thigh Lift Surgery: The Procedure
A thigh lift is a more comprehensive surgical approach, designed to reshape the thighs by removing excess skin and tightening tissue. The process typically includes:
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Anesthesia – General anesthesia or intravenous sedation.
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Incision Placement – Incisions depend on the type of lift:
- Inner thigh lift incision:
- A technique used for hiding the scar of an inner thigh lift is by placing the incisions in the groin, extending downward and wrapping around the back of the thigh.
- Another technique involves an incision along the inseam of the thigh to remove excess skin from the groin down to the knee.
Fig. 1 – Inner thigh lift with incision in the groin.
- Outer thigh lift incision: Improving the contours of the outer thigh may require an incision extending from the groin around the hip and across the back. This called for advanced techniques to place the incisions in hidden areas that can be covered by most swimsuits.
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Tissue Tightening & Skin Removal – Excess skin and tissue are removed, and internal sutures support new contours.
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Closing Incisions – Sutures, adhesives, or surgical tape are used for closure.
Results are visible almost immediately, with swelling and bruising subsiding in the weeks following surgery. The outcome is smoother, firmer thighs with enhanced definition.
👉 Many patients combine thigh lift surgery with a tummy tuck to achieve full lower-body rejuvenation.
Recovery & Results
Recovery varies depending on whether liposuction, a thigh lift, or both are performed:
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Thigh Liposuction: Patients can usually return to normal activities within a week, with swelling subsiding over several weeks.
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Thigh Lift Surgery: Recovery is longer, with most patients taking 2–3 weeks off work. Compression garments are recommended for optimal healing.
Final results become more noticeable over several months, and with proper care, patients enjoy long-lasting improvements in thigh shape and skin quality.
Why Choose Dr. Tuan Tran in Huntington Beach?
Choosing the right surgeon is critical to achieving safe, beautiful results. Dr. Tuan Tran is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring and reconstructive surgery. His approach combines artistry with precision, tailoring each procedure to the patient’s anatomy and goals.
Patients at Tran Plastic Surgery appreciate the personal attention, advanced surgical techniques, and natural results Dr. Tran consistently delivers.
Thigh Contouring at Tran Plastic Surgery: Your Next Step
If you’re considering thigh liposuction, a thigh lift, or both, the best way to determine your options is through a personal consultation. Dr. Tran will evaluate your goals, health history, and unique anatomy to recommend a treatment plan tailored just for you.
📞 Call us today at 714-839-8000 or request your consultation online: Contact Tran Plastic Surgery.
References:
✍️ American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2020). Thigh lift: Reshaping the thighs. Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/thigh-lift
✍️ Restore SD Plastic Surgery. (2020) Thigh liposuction: Know more about its intended purpose. Retrieved from https://restoresdplasticsurgery.com/blog/can-you-get-liposuction-on-your-thighs/