Management of the Postbariatric Medial Thigh Deformity

BACKGROUND: Thigh contour deformities-in particular, those of the medial thighs-are a common concern for many individuals seeking body contouring. Despite the frequency of this concern, some plastic surgeons have often been reluctant to embrace the medial thigh-lift procedure because of the risk for significant complications and relatively poor results. The authors' approach to medial thigh contouring is to address the variables outside of the medial thighs affecting the medial thighs before considering a medial thigh-lift procedure with a vertical component. In this article, the authors review the senior author's (J.F.C.) experience of 350 vertical medial thigh lifts in the weight-loss patient. METHODS: The charts of 350 consecutive individuals who had undergone vertical medial thigh lifts were reviewed for complications and other variables. The procedures were all performed by the senior author between February of 2000 and February of 2014. The preoperative markings, current surgical technique, and postoperative care are described. RESULTS: There were 326 women and 24 men in the study, with an average age of 43 years. The overall complication rate was 45.14 percent. Skin dehiscence and seroma formation were the most frequent complications, at 31.14 percent and 18.18 percent, respectively. The vast majority of patients were pleased with the aesthetic and functional results of their surgery. CONCLUSION: The medial thigh deformities of the weight-loss patient are effectively addressed by a vertical medial thigh lift when the variables adjacent to the medial thighs are first treated by a body lift. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.