Lipedema in the thighs can severely limit your range of motion, cause ongoing skin irritation, and make even basic movements like walking or standing uncomfortable. When tissue overgrowth reaches a certain point, the added weight and friction often lead to chafing, hygiene issues, and emotional frustration that conservative treatments can’t resolve.
At Lipedema MD in West Long Branch, New Jersey, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Boris Volshteyn and double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rudolf Thompson offer surgical thigh lifts tailored to patients with lipedema. This procedure removes stretched or bulky tissue, reshapes the legs, and supports overall lymphatic health. Whether performed alone or in combination with liposuction, a thigh lift helps restore balance and ease.
What Is a Lipedema Thigh Lift?
A lipedema thigh lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fatty tissue from the inner or outer thighs. Unlike cosmetic thigh lifts, this surgery is designed specifically for individuals with lipedema and addresses both appearance and physical discomfort.
The goals of the procedure include:
- Reducing painful tissue bulk in the thighs
- Improving leg symmetry and proportion
- Alleviating rubbing, chafing, and skin breakdown
- Enhancing mobility and ease of movement
- Supporting hygiene and daily function
Because lipedema fat is fibrotic and inflamed, removal typically requires more care and technique than standard body contouring. The lift may be combined with liposuction to remove diseased fat before skin is trimmed and repositioned.
How the Procedure Works
Each lipedema thigh lift is tailored to the severity of tissue laxity and fat distribution. Depending on your case, the procedure may include:
- Power- or water-assisted liposuction to remove excess fat and reduce strain on lymphatics
- Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (VASER) to improve skin contraction
- Vertical or horizontal skin excision based on where skin hangs or folds
- Layered suturing techniques to reduce tension and support smoother healing
Scars are typically placed along the inner thigh or groin crease to remain as discreet as possible. For many patients, the benefits of relief from chronic discomfort, better movement, and easier clothing fit far outweigh the tradeoff of surgical scarring.
Who Benefits from a Thigh Lift?
Lipedema thigh lift surgery may be right for you if:
- You’ve already undergone liposuction and have loose or heavy skin remaining
- You experience ongoing rashes, infections, or pain from skin rubbing together
- You struggle with walking or standing due to the size and weight of your thighs
- You feel limited in your mobility, self-care, or wardrobe options
The procedure can also be staged after liposuction for those who require fat removal before lifting or tightening tissue. Dr. Volshteyn and Dr. Thompson will evaluate your needs and determine the right timing and combination of treatments for best results.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery from a lipedema thigh lift varies depending on the extent of the surgery, but most patients can expect:
- Swelling and tightness for the first several days
- Drainage tubes (if used) to be removed within the first week
- Gradual return to light activity within 2–3 weeks
- Full recovery in 6–8 weeks
Compression garments, lymphatic massage, and close follow-up are essential to healing and reducing the risk of complications. Most patients report improved comfort and body confidence within weeks of surgery.
Why Choose Lipedema MD for Thigh Lift Surgery?
Dr. Boris Volshteyn and Dr. Rudolf Thompson provide an unmatched level of expertise in lipedema surgery. Dr. Volshteyn brings decades of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery with specific focus on lipedema and lymphatic-sparing techniques. His approach integrates power, water-assisted, and VASER liposuction technologies to reduce fat safely and encourage tissue retraction.
Dr. Thompson complements this skillset with deep experience in aesthetic and reconstructive body contouring. He is double board-certified and has performed thousands of procedures aimed at restoring form and function for patients with complex needs. Together, the team at Lipedema MD offers safe, structured, and compassionate care for individuals with moderate to advanced lipedema of the thighs.
Step Forward Without the Weight
A lipedema thigh lift is about getting your body back in motion. If you’re living with heavy, painful, or immobile thighs, the team at Lipedema MD in West Long Branch, NJ, can help you move more freely. Call (732) 641-3350 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.
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