Posterior Thigh Lift in CC

Procedure Animations

Watch Your Procedure
In Virtual 3D

A Posterior Thigh Lift is also known as a Buttock Lift and is technically called a Thighplasty. This is a surgical procedure to correct loose, saggy skin and excess fat deposits in the back part of the thighs. It also improves dimpled, bumpy skin and restores a more normal shape and contour to the thighs. If there is only excess fat in the thighs, Liposuction alone can be considered instead of a Thigh Lift (Posterior). In cases where the skin elasticity is slack, a Thigh Lift is preferred to tighten the droopy skin.

A Posterior Thigh Lift candidate is one who has experienced a loss of skin elasticity of the back area of the thigh or buttock area, if the skin area has an "orange peel" flabby or dimpled appearance or if the thigh appearance improves dramatically when the lax skin is lifted.

The intended results of a Posterior Thigh Lift procedure are a tighter, more attractive thigh and buttock skin, improved contours and decreased irregularities in the skin surface.

Because the Thigh Lift procedure is a very individualized procedure, the incision length and pattern varies from person to person. While the incisions may be extensive, advanced techniques allow incisions to be placed in strategic locations where they can be hidden by most types of clothing and swimsuits.

A Posterior Thigh Lift usually takes 2-3 hours, depending on the extent of work required. As with all surgeries, the amount of time needed varies from patient to patient. If liposuction of the thighs is to be performed with the thigh lift, it is usually done before making the incisions.

The Posterior Thigh Lift procedure is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis unless otherwise advised by the surgeon. After the incisions are made, the skin and fat are separated from the underlying structures in the thigh. Excess skin and fat are then removed. Occasionally, before stitching the incision, a temporary tube is inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. After the incisions are closed, gauze and an elastic compression bandage are applied to minimize bruising and swelling.

Lifting the entire thigh and buttock (Circumferential Lower Body Lift) will require much longer incisions that start in the buttock crease, extend around the groin, up over the side of the abdomen, over the flank and across the back.

After the surgery, there will be swelling and bruising at the incision sites. It is common to have some discomfort, which can be controlled with medication. It is important to keep the compression bandage in place to help minimize the swelling. It is important that you start walking as soon as possible.

Side effects are minimal for a Posterior Thigh Lift procedure. They include discomfort, pain, swelling, numbness, and bruising. (They are temporary.) It may take a year or more for the incision lines to refine and fade.

Although most patients are up and about in a few days, plan on taking it easy for at least the first week after surgery. Some numbness of the skin is to be expected and is temporary. If drainage tubes were inserted, you will be taught how to take care of them and record the amount of fluid that comes out of it. The steps are very easy and simple to follow. Your surgeon will remove the tubes in about a week when the drainage slows to an acceptable level.

Most patients are back to work or school in 1 to 3 weeks. Although it is important to walk, you should avoid strenuous activity, including jogging, heavy housework, sex, or any activity that may stress the incision sites. Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling subsides and incision lines improve.

The results after a Posterior Thigh Lift procedure can last for many years. However, the influences of aging and gravity will continue as time passes. The exact length of time varies with each individual.

Procedure Animations

Watch Your Procedure
In Virtual 3D