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Review
. 2025 Apr 2;14(7):2426.
doi: 10.3390/jcm14072426.

A Comprehensive Review of Medial Thighplasty: The Role of Liposuction in Reducing Complications and Optimizing Patient Outcomes

Roberta Albanese  1   2 , Claudio Gio Francesco Blessent  3 , Federica Tomaselli  1 , Giorgio De Santis  3 , Valentina Pinto  3 , Massimo Pinelli  3 , Ernesto Maria Buccheri  4 , Damiano Tambasco  1
Affiliations
Review

A Comprehensive Review of Medial Thighplasty: The Role of Liposuction in Reducing Complications and Optimizing Patient Outcomes

Roberta Albanese et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Medial thighplasty is a widely performed body contouring procedure, particularly in patients with massive weight loss. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, complications remain a significant concern. The integration of liposuction into thigh lift procedures has shown promise in improving both aesthetic and functional outcomes while reducing risks. This review aims to assess the role of liposuction in medial thighplasty by evaluating its impact on surgical outcomes and complications. Methods: This systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed in the MEDLINE/PubMed database using predefined keywords. A total of 52 records were identified, of which 19 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 1113 patients who underwent liposuction-assisted medial thighplasty. Two independent reviewers screened and selected the studies, resolving discrepancies through discussion or consultation with a third reviewer. Data on surgical techniques, complications, and outcomes were extracted and analyzed. Statistical comparisons were performed using the Chi-square test, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The incorporation of liposuction significantly reduced the overall complication rate (36.75% vs. 70.68%, p < 0.001). Specific complications, including infections (1.77% vs. 9.02%), hematomas (1.30% vs. 6.77%), and seromas (8.95% vs. 24.81%), were markedly lower in the liposuction group. Conclusions: Liposuction appears to reduce complication rates and improve surgical outcomes in medial thighplasty. Further standardization of techniques and additional research on advanced liposuction technologies are necessary to refine this surgical approach and optimize patient outcomes.

Keywords: complications; liposuction; medial thighplasty.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dr. Tambasco is a consultant from Solta Medical. The other authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA flow diagram of the study selection process.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Vertical Medial Thighplasty classification based on the scar’s design.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Overall complication.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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