A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic procedure that flattens the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat. While a tummy tuck addresses the abdomen, it does not specifically target the thighs. However, some patients do experience mild lifting of the thighs after a tummy tuck due to tightening of the skin and muscles of the lower abdomen.
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen. It also tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. This creates a flatter, smoother, and more toned appearance of the abdomen.
During a full tummy tuck, an incision is made horizontally across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. Through this incision, the surgeon is able to tighten the abdominal muscles by pulling them closer together and stitching them into place. Excess skin and fat are removed. Finally, the skin is smoothed over the abdomen and the incision closed.
Does a tummy tuck lift the thighs?
A tummy tuck focuses specifically on the abdomen area. It does not involve making any incisions or alterations to the thighs themselves. However, some patients do notice subtle changes in the appearance of their thighs after abdominoplasty.
This mild lifting effect on the thighs happens because a tummy tuck tightens not only the abdominal muscles but also the skin and fascia of the lower abdomen. The fascia is a layer of connective tissue that envelops the muscles.
Tightening and smoothing the lower abdominal skin and fascia helps lift the mons pubis – the area over the pubic bone. As the mons pubis lifts, it can subtly lift the skin and tissue of the upper, inner thighs. This creates a slightly firmer, more toned look to the crease where the upper thigh meets the pubic area.
Example of thigh lift with tummy tuck
| Before tummy tuck | After tummy tuck |
|---|---|
| Skin is loose and sags over mons pubis and upper thighs | Mons pubis lifted, small lift effect on upper inner thighs |
That being said, a tummy tuck is not equivalent to a thigh lift. A dedicated inner thigh lift is a surgical procedure that specifically targets loose, sagging skin of the inner thighs. Incisions are made in the thigh crease near the groin and tightened for a lifted effect.
Who is a good candidate for thigh lifting with tummy tuck?
Women who have had one or more pregnancies often have stretched skin both on the abdomen and inner thighs. A tummy tuck can lift their lower abdomen while also mildly improving the tone of their upper thighs.
Good candidates for thigh lifting from a tummy tuck include:
- Women with loose abdominal skin and muscle separation after pregnancy
- Those with excess skin on abdomen and mild skin laxity on inner thighs
- Patients closer to their ideal body weight
- Non-smokers
- Healthy individuals with good skin elasticity
A tummy tuck is not an effective treatment for significant skin looseness and sagging on the inner or outer thighs. Other options like a thigh lift or body lift may be recommended in those cases.
Risks and complications
Like any major surgery, a tummy tuck has risks including:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Blood clots
- Skin loss
- Asymmetry
- Scarring
There may also be changes in sensation in the abdominal area after surgery. Results are permanent, except in cases of significant weight fluctuations.
Recovery from a tummy tuck
Full recovery from a tummy tuck takes about 6 months. Here is an overview of what to expect:
- First 2 weeks – Walking bent over, pain and swelling, wearing compression garment
- 2-6 weeks – Less pain, able to stand upright, start light activity
- 6 weeks – Stitches removed, swelling continues to improve
- 3-6 months– Remaining swelling resolves, able to exercise freely
Conclusion
While a tummy tuck is performed on the abdomen, some patients see a subtle lift in their upper inner thighs after surgery. This happens due to the tightening effects on the lower abdominal skin and fascia when excess skin is removed. However, a tummy tuck does not replace dedicated procedures to lift moderate to severe thigh skin laxity. As with any major surgery, there are risks to consider before undergoing a tummy tuck.
For the best results from your tummy tuck, work with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. Be sure to follow all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully during your recovery period.