Fascial Anchoring Technique in Medial Thigh Lifts

Abstract

The medical thigh lift has not gained widespread acceptance since its introduction 20 years ago because of problems such as inferior scar migration, labial separation, and early recurrence of ptosis. Anchoring of the inferior skin flap to the tough, inelastic deep layer of the superficial perineal fascia has reduced such complications. Originally described by Colles in 1811, this fascial layer helps define the perineal-thigh crease. Eighteen patients having medial thigh lifts in combination with liposuction were followed for 6 to 24 months. The technique involves initial liposuction followed by resection of a crescent of redundant skin and fat at the superior medial thigh. The inferior skin flap is suspended from Colles' fascia of the perineum with subdermal PDS sutures. No undermining or deepithelialization of flaps is performed. Complications are few, and patient satisfaction is high.