The Pursuit of the Coveted ‘Thigh Gap’

Many image-conscious women today are turning to thigh lifts or liposuction to achieve a “thigh gap.” This is the name given to a gap left between a woman’s upper thighs when she stands with her feet together. Although this look is considered desirable by women who think it represents a healthy, attractive physique, it is actually quite rare among women of normal weight and build. Still, women on social media sites and elsewhere continue to discuss their desire for a thigh gap, like those possessed by runway models.

A Modern Craze

Features, such as skinny limbs, flat or concave stomach and easily visible hipbones, have become goals for many women despite being unachievable for most. The image of physical perfection has become something to strive for, and the thigh gap is just one more addition to the list. Television shows, celebrity news and social networking sites all add fuel to the fire, driving women to diet and exercise continually, sometimes to unhealthy levels.

Realistic Expectations

Although many women continue to work hard in hopes of having a thigh gap, not all will be able to achieve the look no matter how much they jog or how little they eat. The fact is that while some women have genes that cause the thighs to be separate from one another while standing, most do not. This means that lack of a thigh gap does not indicate any genetic defect. Rather, women come in all shapes and sizes, and the thigh gap is only representative of one size of women.

Diet and Exercise

A woman’s health depends on having a healthy weight, so women should focus on training their entire body and eating a sustainable, nutritious diet instead of exercising to burnout and to starve themselves. When too much emphasis is placed on the size of a single body part, such as the thigh, it can be easy to lose sight of the rest of the body. If women feel that they need to engage in diet and exercise, they should speak with a doctor about how they can pursue these activities with health in mind.

Even if the thigh gap may not be natural for some women, many are bound to stay fixated on this particular feature. When this is the case, plastic surgery can be a safe, effective option. With liposuction, Dr. Pinsky can eliminate unwanted fat from thighs and other areas of the body.