Buttock & Thigh Lift (Lower Body Lift)

A sagging and droopy buttock and thighs can make both men and women self-conscious. Several factors can lead to lose, sagging skin in this area including significant weight loss, aging, and even heredity factors. Physical exercise can help strengthen the underlying muscles but does not eliminate localized fat deposits, weakened tissue, or excess skin. Dieting can decrease some of the buttock and thigh size, but it does not significantly impact on skin elasticity or stubborn fat deposits; it can actually make the appearance of sagging worse. As a result, most people have to modify their attire and activities to camouflage the area in order to feel comfortable in their social environment.

What Is Buttock & Thigh Lift Surgery?

A thigh lift — or “thighplasty” — is a common surgical procedure in which Dr. Motakis tightens and reshapes the skin in the inner and/or outer thigh by removing excess skin and fat. The excision of skin for the inner thigh procedure (inner or medial thigh lift) is through an incision that is hidden in the groin and vertically in the innermost part of the thigh (often from the groin to the inner knee). When outer thighs (outer or lateral thigh lift) and buttocks (buttock lift) are being treated the incision is at the junction of the outer thigh to the waist, along the underwear line. The incision curves anteriorly in the groin and posteriorly along the upper buttock contour. The procedure serves to give slimmer, more youthful looking legs to patients who are unhappy with their loose, sagging skin around their inner and outer thighs, as well as their buttocks. Many patients of Dr. Motakis who undergo the procedure have renewed confidence allowing them to wear shorts, skirts and tighter pants. The scar is well hidden in the areas of the least visibility and usually fade away with time.

istock 617758144 e1558362975385

Who Is A Good Candidate For Thigh Lift Surgery?

Thigh lifts are equally effective in both men and women. The procedure is ideally suited for healthy individuals who have loose, sagging skin and excess fat, which cannot be improved or eliminated using regular exercise. There is no specific chronological age to have this surgery. Patients that undergo this surgery find the results to be life-changing, displaying an increase in confidence, self-esteem, and comfort in social settings.

The Lower Body Lift Procedure

During a thigh and buttock lift, Dr. Motakis expertly removes excess skin and fat from the inner and/or outer areas of your thighs and buttock. The incision length and pattern that Dr. Motakis uses depend on the location and the extent of the skin excess. In inner thigh lifts, incisions are placed on the inner aspect of the thigh and may extend from the groin to the knee, although they are often more limited. In outer thighplasty and buttock lift, the incision is along the outer underwear line. It curves anteriorly in the groin and posteriorly along the upper buttock contour. This incision allows the outer thigh to be lifted vertically thus reducing any sagging. Very often if excess fat is present it is removed concurrently via liposuction. Tightening the underlying supportive tissue in your thighs and buttocks gives them a slimmer, firmer and more lifted shape.

Thigh reductions and lifts generally take between 2 and 5 hours and are performed under general anesthesia. Most often the inner and outer thighs are performed separately, to limit the length of the procedure. An overnight stay may sometimes be required when the outer thighs and buttocks are treated. However, after an isolated inner thigh lift, the patient can go home. Dr. Motakis makes every effort to minimize the appearance of scarring by placing the scar in the least visible location and using dissolving internal sutures. Occasionally drains may be used to expedite the reduction in swelling. Many patients following their thigh lift surgery have the confidence to wear skirts and shorts again and the results are worth the required recovery.

What Is The Recovery Period After A Thigh Lift And Buttock Lift?

You will receive instructions from Dr. Motakis concerning caring for your incisions while you recover from surgery. On average, it takes approximately 2 weeks to recover from a thigh lift procedure. A supportive garment will be provided to you that will need to be worn for a few weeks after the surgery. Initially, you should expect a few days of swelling and bruising with some discomfort treated with analgesics. You will likely be able to resume light activities a few days after your surgery, but it is recommended that any physical activity such as exercise only be resumed only after the fourth week. You will likely need at least one week off work. The incisions will fade away over a period of several months.

Are There Any Risks To Thigh Lift Surgery?

Dr. Motakis makes every effort to execute the procedure in the most meticulous way, however, as with any surgery, reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, issues with healing, clot formation and changes in sensation are among the risks of thigh lift surgery, although these are rare.

Are There Any Alternatives To Thigh Lift Surgery?

Alternative procedures for minor inner thigh fullness and laxity may include liposuction of the thigh combined with radiofrequency skin tightening during (BodyTite©) or after (TiteFX ©) the procedure or a mini-inner thigh lift with a smaller incision in the groin. For the outer thigh and buttock, minimal laxity may be improved with liposuction of the thighs and possible fat grafting of the buttocks and hips combined with radiofrequency skin tightening (BodyTite©) or after (TiteFX ©) the procedure. Such procedures offer a smaller scar but are usually reserved for cases of minimal to moderate skin laxity.

As mentioned above, in cases where the skin excess is minimal, skin tightening may be accomplished non-surgically with the use of an external radiofrequency device known as BodyFX© and Forma Plus©. Although multiple treatments are required, the skin will become visibly firmer over the period of a few months. This non-invasive procedure is painless and requires no downtime, albeit it is less effective than any of the surgical approaches.

Can A Thigh Lift Procedure Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Depending on the extent of the procedure, some of Dr. Motakis’ patients combine their inner and outer thigh lift procedure with other small cosmetic procedures offered at the clinic. Even though inner and outer thigh procedures can be performed together, they are most often performed separately as recovery from the combined procedure can be more challenging.

Schedule A Consultation

To learn more about Dr. Motakis’ lower body lift, contact us online today or call (416) 925-5775 and schedule your consultation.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

* All indicated fields must be completed. Please include non-medical questions and correspondence only.

Office Information

Office Hours

Monday-Thursday
9:00AM - 5:00PM

Friday
9:00AM - 4:00PM

Accessibility Toolbar

Scroll to Top