Thighplasty

Excerpt

Thighplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess lipodermal tissue from the medial thigh. Thighplasty aims to restore normal anatomical appearance, improve the function of the upper lower extremities, and improve the overall quality of life. As the number of weight loss surgeries continues to rise, the complications related to excess skin after significant weight loss are becoming more prevalent.

Once considered a cosmetic procedure solely, the indications for thighplasty have evolved to improve functionality in amputees and promote increased mobility, improved hygiene, and better treatment outcome for recurrent cutaneous irritation and infections in patients who are obese or have undergone massive weight loss. Thighplasty techniques have also evolved and improved to mitigate morbidity and achieve more aesthetic outcomes.

While medial thighplasty to resect tissue in the groin and along the medial compartment of the lower extremity results in less visible scarring, incisional healing can be compromised by postoperative infections or frictional trauma. Thighplasty requires precision, and over- or under-resecting tissue must be avoided to minimize complications and maximize thigh symmetry and cosmesis. This activity reviews the clinically relevant anatomy, indications, contraindications, complications, best technical practices, and care for patients undergoing thighplasty.