I originally wrote this post back in 2015, after Urban Outfitters was ordered by a British advertising standards group to remove a lingerie ad featuring a model that was described as “unhealthily thin“. Despite the negative press, “thigh gap surgery” is still a very common google search term. So is this even an actual plastic surgery procedure?
If you have been out of touch with this issue, a thigh gap is defined as “a space between the inner thighs when standing upright with knees touching” (Wikipedia.com). The thigh gap is a marker for female attractiveness by some. Search for “thigh gap” on the internet; you’ll find numerous links to pages giving advice on how to obtain those elusive thin thighs.
I would never perform surgery with the end goal of creating a thigh gap. But liposuction with or without a thigh lift can create a thigh gap in some individuals. And that last part is key: some individuals. The way your body is build determines whether or not you have a thigh gap. Sure, losing weight may help if you’re overweight. But there are plenty of women out there who are at a healthy weight according to their BMI, and who will never have a thigh gap. See the photo below for a great example of this: this woman is fit and healthy, but she doesn’t have a thigh gap.
shutterstock.com
Unless your body is built in a very specific way (wide-set hips and thin thighs), wanting a thigh gap is about as helpful as wanting to be taller. Liposuction can thin the thighs a little bit, but if your femurs don’t insert into your pelvis at the right angle, a thigh gap is impossible. And that’s okay! The elusive thigh gap is a trend, and trends change. Now, if you do have excess fat or excess skin over your inner thighs, liposuction and thigh lift can give an amazing result. If your goal is a slimmer, tighter thigh, and not a thigh gap per se, it’s worth seeing a plastic surgeon for more information.
Dr. Greer is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving the northeastern Ohio region. Interested in seeing her for surgery of the inner thighs? Check out her website at /
Greer Premier Members can enjoy benefits, including discounts on treatments such as signature facials, spa services, skincare, microneedling, and laser treatments. As part of the Greer Plastic Surgery family, your entire monthly membership fee is applied to your account to be used toward future services.
