Thigh lift: what is cruroplasty?

Thighplasty, or thigh lift, is based on a simple mechanical and anatomical principle: removing excess skin and fat from the inner thighs, in order to tighten sagging skin and reshape the silhouette. Over time, the skin loses its elasticity, especially after significant weight loss or with natural skin ageing. It then becomes loose, forms folds or rolls, which can cause physical discomfort (friction, irritation) and psychological discomfort.

During the procedure, the surgeon performs targeted incisions to access the subcutaneous tissues. They carry out an excision, that is, a removal, of the excess skin and localised fat deposits. Once the area is lightened, they reshape the deep tissues to restore proper tension and a harmonious contour. The remaining skin is then tightened and sutured, resulting in a firmer, slimmer, and visibly lifted thigh. The operation aims to correct structural sagging by mechanically removing the excess, and tightening the skin to restore a more toned appearance. It is a purely aesthetic procedure, with no medical purpose, whose primary goal is to improve the physical appearance and daily comfort of the patient.

Before the procedure, certain preoperative steps are essential to adhere to.

The initial step is the preoperative consultation. This involves a discussion with the practicing surgeon who will assess your overall health. For instance, they will gather information about your expectations and medical history. Based on these findings, the surgeon can either approve or reject the operation. Prior to undergoing a cruroplasty, certain medical tests are required, such as blood analysis and radiographs. Furthermore, the surgeon may instruct you to discontinue certain medications. Before the operation, it is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption.

The first step in the thigh lift procedure begins with a anaesthesia, which can be local or general depending on the extent of the surgery and the practitioner's preference. Once the anaesthesia is administered, the surgeon makes incisions, usually located along the inner side of the thighs. Their location and length vary depending on the chosen technique and the degree of skin laxity to be corrected. The operation continues with the excision of excess skin and fat, allowing the removal of sagging tissues and sculpting of the area. The surgeon then performs a tightening and reshaping of the underlying tissues, in order to redefine the silhouette of the thighs harmoniously. Once this step is completed, the incisions are closed with sutures, and the operated area is protected by a dressing or bandage to promote healing and limit the risk of infection.

Following the procedure, it is imperative for the patient to meticulously adhere to a postoperative programme, with the aim of accelerating their recovery. Scars must be regularly cleaned and bandages must be changed. Any form of physical activity is to be avoided. It is crucial to take several days of rest to avoid straining the operated area. Multiple appointments with the plastic surgeon responsible for the procedure will be necessary. Only they can confirm the success or otherwise of the operation. They may also suggest a treatment such as a painkiller for discomfort, for example.

Following this type of procedure, the thighs are firmed, and their overall silhouette is improved. Their contours are harmonious, with skin folds and waves being eliminated. Cruroplasty is a procedure that allows for the regaining of self-confidence and self-esteem, with the patient feeling comfortable and at ease with their body once again. However, it should be noted that the results can vary for each individual. Moreover, they are only truly visible after complete healing.

Like any surgical procedure, cruroplasty carries certain risks and potential complications. Among the most common side effects are mild pain, a feeling of discomfort, as well as swelling such as oedema and temporary bruising in the operated area. In some cases, post-operative complications can occur, such as an infection, delayed healing, or the formation of hypertrophic scars. Slow healing can sometimes complicate the recovery process.

There also exists a risk, albeit rare, of asymmetry between the two thighs, particularly if skin retraction is uneven or if the operation was not executed flawlessly. As with any surgery, an adverse reaction to anaesthesia or an allergy to certain medical products remains possible, although it is regulated and monitored.

That being said, cruroplasty is generally regarded as a low-risk surgery, particularly when performed by a qualified surgeon in a suitable medical environment. Serious complications remain rare, and current protocols ensure rigorous post-operative monitoring to guarantee a safe and optimal recovery.

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• CHAPUT B. & al. Lifting de la cara interna del muslo o cruroplastia. Cirugia Plastica Reparadora y Estetica (2019).

• ABBASSI A. & al. Cruroplasty or medial tight lift surgery the experience of our department. Plastic Surgery (2019).

• LIPHAM J.C. & al. Less is more: cruroplasty alone is sufcient for revisional hiatal hernia surgery. Surgical Endoscopy (2021).