Loose or sagging skin
Skin laxity, flabbiness or dimpling can make the thighs appear less firm even at a healthy weight.
Body Contouring • Marietta, Georgia
Thigh, Leg & Buttock Lift in the Atlanta Metro Area
Improve lower-body contour and skin tone by addressing loose, sagging tissue of the thighs and buttocks with a surgical plan designed around your anatomy and goals.
Restore Lower-Body Proportion
A more balanced contour for the thighs and buttocks
These procedures can improve both contour and skin tone when loose tissue makes the lower body feel out of proportion with the rest of your shape.
If you are self-conscious about the appearance of your lower body and feel it is out of proportion and saggy in comparison to the rest of your shape, a thigh or buttock lift may be an option. At Plastic Surgery Center of the South, the goal of our board-certified plastic surgeon is to create a well-balanced and pleasing aesthetic result.
Thigh and buttock lift procedures can be especially gratifying because they address both contour and skin tone. The right approach depends on where the laxity is located, whether excess fat is also present, and how much skin tightening is needed.
Thigh Lift Candidates
When loose thigh skin does not respond to diet or exercise
A thigh lift predominantly reduces loose skin around the thigh, with particular emphasis on tightening the inner thigh.
You may be a candidate if your thigh skin is saggy, flabby or dimpled in appearance and you have experienced a loss of skin elasticity. The procedure may be appropriate when the appearance of your thighs improves dramatically when the lax skin is manually lifted.
If you are in relatively good shape but have loose thigh skin and/or excessive thigh fat that will not respond to diet and exercise, a thigh lift may be worth considering. Tumescent liposuction can also be performed in conjunction with a thigh lift to create a slimmer mid-body appearance when appropriate.
Incision design can vary based on your anatomy and goals. Inner-thigh lifting may use shorter incisions extending from the anterior thigh/groin area toward the buttock crease, while lateral or anterior thigh lifts may be performed separately when indicated. Your physician will explain which approach is best suited to your individual concerns.
Localized excess fat
Liposuction may be incorporated when excess fat contributes to disproportion along the thighs or surrounding areas.
Featured Surgeon
Meet Dr. Corey Harkins
Dr. Corey Harkins evaluates lower-body skin laxity, fat distribution and overall proportion to determine whether a thigh lift, buttock lift, liposuction or a combination approach is most appropriate.
During your consultation, he will review incision placement, expected recovery, scar considerations and the surgical plan best suited to your anatomy and goals.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Body Contouring Experience
Personalized Surgical Planning
Buttock Lift Candidates
Tightening loose skin of the buttock area
A buttock lift focuses on skin tightening, while patients seeking added volume and shape may be better suited for Brazilian butt lift with fat transfer.
Buttock lift surgery is designed to tighten the skin of the buttock area. It can be performed alone or in combination with another procedure such as a thigh lift or tummy tuck.
As we age, the buttocks can begin to droop and change shape. If you have excess skin along the buttocks with associated cellulite, you may be a candidate for this surgery. Body contouring may also be incorporated to further improve the overall shape.
The procedure involves placing an incision high along the side of the thigh and buttock area, reducing excess fat and trimming away excess skin. Incisions are strategically positioned with clothing and swimwear in mind, although scars may still be visible in some styles.
About the Procedures
A customized lower-body contouring plan
Surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure in our state-certified operating rooms. The procedure takes approximately 2 hours, with additional time when combined with another surgery.
About 2 Hours
Typical surgical time when performed alone.
Outpatient
Performed in state-certified operating rooms in Marietta.
Drains as Needed
Occasionally used to help minimize fluid collection.
Compression Garment
Used when liposuction is performed with the lift.
Plan the lift around your anatomy
Your surgeon determines the incision design and whether thigh lift, buttock lift, liposuction or a combination is best suited to your concerns.
Reshape and tighten the tissues
Excess skin is reduced and deeper tissues are tightened. Excess fat may also be addressed to improve proportion and contour.
Dressings and postoperative support
A light dressing is applied. Drains may be used, and a girdle-like pressure garment is added when liposuction has been incorporated.
Walking is possible after surgery, but sitting is not encouraged initially because it places increased tension on the incisions.
Recovering from Body Lift Surgery
About 1 Week
About 6 Weeks
Up to 18 Months
Healing, activity and scar maturation
The first few days typically involve discomfort that can be controlled with medication. Swelling resolves over several weeks, while sensation, softness and scars continue to mature over a longer period.
Work & light activity
Most patients can return to work and light physical activity in approximately one week, depending on the extent of surgery.
More vigorous activity
More strenuous exercise and vigorous activity are generally deferred for about six weeks.
Scar maturation
Scars gradually fade, often improving noticeably within a few months while continuing to mature for as long as 18 months.
Swelling & sensation
Swelling may take several weeks to resolve. Temporary numbness, particularly below the incision, is normal, and the buttocks may take several months to regain a normal feel.
Possible overnight stay
With larger thigh lifts, an overnight stay may be required depending on the extent of the procedure and your individual recovery needs.
Safety & Surgical Planning
Careful preparation supports a safer recovery
Dr. Harkins places safety first and will discuss candidacy openly if surgery is not appropriate for you.
Post-operative complications are rare, but all surgery involves risk. Following your physician’s instructions closely before and after the operation can help reduce the risk of complications.
Smoking decreases blood flow to the skin and delays healing. A detailed consultation and medical history are required before any procedure so your surgeon can evaluate your health, goals and suitability for surgery.
Personalized Lower-Body Contouring
Find the right thigh or buttock lift approach for you
Schedule a consultation at our Marietta, Georgia, office to discuss your concerns, incision options, recovery and whether a thigh lift, buttock lift or combined body contouring plan best fits your goals.
Individual procedure selection, incision placement, recovery, scars and results vary. The information on this page is educational and does not replace a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon.