Inner, outer, knees
Outer thighs usually settle smoothly. Inner-thigh skin is thinner, so a careful surgeon takes less there. The inside of the knee is often done with the inner thigh.
Could it be lipoedema?
Heavy, painful legs that bruise easily and don't change with diet may be lipoedema, a medical condition. See your GP before any cosmetic consultation.
Not for you if
- the skin on your inner thighs is loose (a thigh lift removes skin)
- your weight is still going up or down
- the real problem is loose skin, not fat
- you smoke and can't stop before surgery
- you're pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy soon
Recovery
Compression shorts for several weeks. Walk from the first day: a stroll along the seafront or around the block lowers the risk of clots. Desk work in about a week; running when your surgeon agrees.
Risks
Bruising, swelling for up to six months, numbness for six to eight weeks and small scars are normal. Less often: uneven or lumpy results, a collection of blood or fluid, infection, skin colour changes, or a reaction to the anaesthetic. Rarely: a blood clot that travels to the lungs, fluid on the lungs, or injury to an internal organ.
Ask the surgeon
- Is my thigh skin firm enough for liposuction alone? Could this be lipoedema?
Questions
Does thigh lipo help cellulite?
No, and it can make dimpling more noticeable.
How long does thigh swelling last?
Most is gone in weeks; the last can take up to six months, longer around the knees and ankles.