A buttock/thigh lift, also known as a thighplasty, lifts and tightens loose skin, improving the contour of the thigh and buttock area.
The University of Michigan is a nationally recognized leader in reconstructive surgery. Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons and medical specialists guides our patients through every step of the buttock/thigh lift process to ensure the best results possible.
Is a Buttock/Thigh Lift Right for You?
A thigh/buttock lift could be ideal if you are self-conscious about your lower body appearance and:
- You have lost some skin elasticity in your thigh, hip or buttock areas.
- Your skin area sags or has an "orange peel" or dimpled appearance.
- The appearance of your thigh improves dramatically when you lift the lax skin.
Best Candidates
Buttock/thigh lifts are best for patients who are otherwise in good health, without active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions. This procedure is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for proper diet and exercise.
About the Procedure
Your surgeon will work with you during your initial consultation to determine which procedures will be most effective in achieving your desired result. There are many possible variations in the procedure to meet clothing or personal desires. To lift the inner thighs, the surgeon makes short incisions that extend from the back of the thigh/groin crease around to the buttock crease. If desired, side or back thigh lifts may be performed as separate procedures.
Lifting the entire thigh and buttock (also known as a circumferential lower body lift) requires much longer incisions. The surgeon makes these incisions starting in the buttock crease, then extends around the groin, up and over the side of the abdomen, over the flank and across the back.
Your Consultation
If you’re interested in a buttock/thigh lift, we’ll first have you come for a personal consultation with your plastic surgeon. You will have the opportunity to discuss your goals and the results you would like to achieve. Your surgeon will work with you to reach an understanding about what you can expect from this procedure and what long-term benefits. Every patient is different, and your surgeon will choose the surgical technique and treatment plan that is right for you. During your initial consultation, you should expect to:
- Provide a complete medical history. Include information about any previous surgical procedures; past and present medical conditions; and all medications or herbal supplements you are taking.
- Have your surgeon conduct a physical examination.
- Discuss possible risks and complications.
Surgery
Preparing for Your Surgery
After your consultation and decisions about surgery, we will give you pre-operative information that explains everything you should do and know before your procedure. Your surgical team will instruct you on how to prepare for surgery. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery. You also may want to make arrangements for someone to help you for a day or two while you heal.
Anesthesia
We will keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. In most cases, we use general anesthetic.
Recovery
It’s very important that you follow your surgeon's instructions. This will promote healing and improve progress towards your new physical appearance. It’s also important that you attend all follow-up appointments so that your surgeon can assess your long-term results and answer any questions or concerns.
Location
Your procedure will take place in the University of Michigan Hospitals state-of-the-art surgical suites and recovery areas. Most buttock/thigh lift procedures are outpatient.
We conduct all pre-operative and post-operative visits at Domino’s Farms where our patients enjoy personalized care in a private office atmosphere.