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Key Points
- Deep-anchor thigh lift uses adductor muscle tendon to provide strong anchor for inner thigh flap
- Surgery performed with patient in frog-leg position, using local tumescent anesthesia
- Compression garments are used for three weeks after procedure
PHOENIX — A minimally invasive technique for inner thigh lifting incorporating a novel design for the dermoadipose flap resection and using the adductor major tendon to anchor the inferior flap is safe, effective and offers decreased morbidity with better and more durable cosmetic results compared to other thighplasty procedures, according to its innovator, Guillermo Blugerman, M.D.
Speaking at The International Society of Cosmetogynecology Workshop held prior to the annual scientific meeting of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery earlier this year, Dr. Blugerman discussed the surgical technique and advantages of his "deep-anchor thigh lift."
"Most other medial thigh lifts are based on Lockwood's concept of supporting the thigh tissues by fixation to the fascia with sutures. However, these approaches are prone to recurrence of inner thigh ptosis and can still be associated with distortion of the vulvar tissues and scar migration," says Dr. Blugerman, a private practitioner specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
"The deep-anchor thigh lift avoids these problems. Use of the adductor muscle tendon provides a strong anchor for the inner thigh flap to result in an excellent, long-lasting lift. In addition, the incisions are placed on the sides of the pubis instead of the inguinal sulcus and with care to leave enough skin on the labia side. Therefore, the scars remain hidden by underwear or beach garments, and vulvar flattening is avoided." ![]()
Dr. Blugerman
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Dr. Blugerman says that as with any procedure, success also depends on proper patient selection, careful surgical planning and establishing realistic patient expectations.
"We counsel patients that the cosmetic appearance of the inner thigh will be improved, but they should not expect total tightening," he says.
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The dermoadipose flap. (Photos credit: Guillermo Blugerman, M.D.)
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PREPARING FOR THE THIGH LIFT Dr. Blugerman uses the Mathes and Kenkel classification method (Clin Plast Surg. 2008;35:151-163) to identify patients who are good candidates for inner thigh lifting. The procedure is usually restricted to female patients, however, because the presence of hair in the inner thigh skin of men makes it difficult to create a dermal flap free of hair follicles.
Patients seeking a thigh lift are assessed for skin laxity, excess fat, lipodystrophy and the need for other body-contouring procedures, with particular attention to the lower abdomen and mons pubis.
"In about half of patients, a conservative approach to liposuction in the inner thigh using an energy-assisted technique (ultrasound, radiofrequency or laser) results in sufficient improvement to obviate the need for excisional surgery. Patients needing abdominoplasty or surgery to address a ptotic and fat pubic area should have those procedures done prior to the inner thigh lift," Dr. Blugerman says.
