“Thigh gap” refers to a noticeable space between your inner thighs when you stand with your knees together. It is natural not to have a gap in the thighs, but sometimes it can be achieved with a healthy diet and exercise.
The thigh gap has been notable for its recent internet craze, but surgeries to help people remove unwanted fat between the thighs are nothing new. While there is no medical benefit to having a thigh gap, you may be interested in creating one to help you feel better in certain clothes.
If you’re considering in-office procedures to help achieve a thigh gap, there are three treatments you can discuss with a cosmetic surgeon: liposuction, CoolSculpting, or a thigh lift. Learn more about each process and other important considerations below.
Liposuction is a common targeted cosmetic procedure that works by removing excess fat cells from the desired area of your body. Are also it is considered one of the most ideal procedures to help you create lasting changes to your shape.
This is not a weight loss procedure. In contrast, liposuction aims to help people achieve their desired contour and improved proportions. This surgery may be right for you if you are of moderate weight but find it difficult to achieve the contour you want despite diet and exercise.
During a liposuction of the thigh area, your doctor will make small incisions along the inside of your thighs. They will then use a small tube called a cannula to loosen the fat cells before suctioning them out.
Depending on the type of liposuction used, your doctor may recommend local or general anesthesia before making incisions. In addition to the side effects of anesthesia, your doctor will consider other potential risks of liposuction, including:
- incision site infections;
- swelling
- bruises
- pigmentation changes, especially in the color of the skin;
- nerve damage
- deep vein thrombosis
Sometimes, liposuction is
May take several months to see the full results from liposuction. During the first few days of your recovery, you will need to wear bandages or compression garments to help with the healing process.
Overall, you can expect positive results as long as you continue to maintain your weight and exercise once your doctor gives you the green light.
If you’re looking for a less invasive method to address a thigh gap, your doctor may recommend CoolSculpting. This non-invasive (non-surgical) procedure works by freezing fat cells in small, targeted areas of the body that otherwise do not respond to exercise and diet.
During a CoolSculpting procedure, your doctor will numb the treatment area before using an applicator to freeze the fatty tissue. There are different types of applications designed for different areas of the body, with CoolFit Advantage
Once the in-office procedure is complete, your body takes care of the rest by metabolizing the targeted fat cells. Overall, the metabolism takes up to 4 monthswhere you may experience a 30 percent reduction of adipose tissue.
Unlike liposuction or a thigh lift, CoolSculpting has fewer recognized side effects. You may feel slight pain or discomfort only during the freezing process. Numbness, tingling and redness are frequent temporary side effects.
You should be able to resume your normal activities immediately after this procedure. The results can be seen at just 3 weeksbut it may take several months to see full results.
Please note that you multiple treatments may be needed in several months until you achieve the desired results.
Like liposuction, a thigh lift (buttoplasty) is an invasive method of removing excess fat. It also helps to eliminate excess skin in your thigh area.
As with liposuction and CoolSculpting, a thigh lift is best for people who want to achieve reshaping and are already at (or close to) their desired weight. A thigh lift is also sometimes recommended by surgeons if clients want to fit more comfortably into swimsuits and pants.
If you are looking for a thigh lift solely to address the thigh gap, your doctor may recommend either a mini thigh lift or an internal (median) thigh lift. The procedure is also sometimes combined with liposuction.
Thigh lifts are considered invasive procedures that require general anesthesia. During surgery, your doctor will make incisions along the inner thigh before cutting away excess skin and removing fat. Sutures are placed to help close the incisions.
As with liposuction, you will need to wear bandages or other dressings for several days as the incisions from the thigh lift heal.
Possible risks and side effects include:
- pain
- swelling
- bruises
- excessive bleeding
- contamination
- discoloration or pigment changes
- seam separation
- asymmetrical thighs
- fluid accumulation
- vein, heart or lung problems
Since a thigh lift is considered an important cosmetic procedure, you should carefully follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions. This may include not lifting weights or working out for 6 weeks or more.
A reputable doctor should be able to show you a portfolio of their work. To get a better idea of what to expect, consider the before and after photos below of liposuction, CoolSculpting, and thigh lift surgery that each target thigh gaps.
To be considered for a hollow thigh procedure, your doctor will likely recommend that you be:
- a non-smoker
- within 30 percent of your ideal body weight
- it is considered to have good skin elasticity
- you already eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly
- you are not considered to have life-threatening illnesses that could increase the risk of complications during or after the procedure
You can expect minor side effects, such as pain and swelling, from each of these procedures, especially within the first few days. More serious complications are rare, but you can talk to your doctor about all possible risks.
Thigh gap surgeries are not covered by insurance because they are considered elective cosmetic procedures. It’s important to understand all your expenses in advance so you can budget wisely. Ask your doctor about possible financing or other payment plans that may help.
Overall, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has outlined the average cost for the following procedures:
Keep in mind that there are other charges to consider besides your doctor’s costs. Features include:
- surgery fees
- hospitalization
- cost of anesthesia
- bandages and other garments
- medicines
- testing fees
Also, the exact cost of your procedure will depend on the size of the treatment area, where you live, and your doctor. You can use this pricing calculator for estimates of various procedures in your area.
Thigh gap surgeries and other procedures can help you get rid of unwanted fat that doesn’t respond to exercise and diet alone. Liposuction, thigh lift, and CoolSculpting are three ways a cosmetic surgeon can help treat the fat cells in your inner thighs.
Although you may feel better cosmetically, a thigh gap is not considered a medical problem, so you should carefully weigh all the benefits, costs, and potential risks.
