As we age our skin elasticity decreases and gravity tends to pull on our body, causing the skin to sag. This can happen dramatically on the buttocks and thighs, causing them to gradually change shape by drooping and sagging. Stretch marks and significant weight loss can also contribute to the loss of skin elasticity. This can have negative effects on one’s self image and sense of attractiveness. Dr. Michelle Hardaway offers a surgical procedure that can help an individual look and feel more positive about their body. This also provides the ability to be more attractive in a variety of clothes styles.
A buttock lift and thigh lift can be performed with other body contouring procedures. If fuller buttocks are desired, a buttock augmentation may be needed. A buttock augmentation is most often performed with fat transfer, known as a BBL or Brazilian Butt Lift. There are surgical scars both with a thigh lift and buttock lift which can be difficult to camouflage. These procedures are performed to establish an overall improvement, and realistic expectations are important.
Dr. Hardaway will work with you to meet your specific goals, expectations and desires. Liposuction, fat injections and lifts are all possible techniques to sculpt the buttocks region into a desired shape.
Ideal candidates are men and women who are in good physical and mental health and have realistic expectations about what plastic surgery can do for them. The skin tone may be poor with loose or excess skin, stretch marks and cellulite. Although these patients may not be good candidates for liposuction, the thigh lift (also known as thighplasty) works well for patients who have a large amount of loose skin.
During the buttock lift procedure, excess skin is removed and the buttocks are raised to a higher position on the body with tighter skin and texture. Performed concurrently with the lift, some patients desire an augmentation that utilizes implants. This additional procedure may be performed at the same time as the buttock lift or at a later date. Implants have risk and complications which will be discussed at the time of consultation.
After the procedure, patients are fitted with a body garment that aids in the healing process and helps the skin to adapt to its new contour. Patients are usually able to return to work about two to three weeks following surgery, although some swelling may be noticeable for several months. Although Dr. Hardaway makes incisions into the skin to perform the procedure, scars from a buttock lift are usually placed so that they are hidden well beneath a swimsuit. The incisions for a thigh lift are more difficult to conceal, the extent of the scar depends on the amount of skin that needs to be removed. There is an immediate difference in the shape of the buttocks and thighs that is both dramatic and noticeable.
Any form of surgery carries an amount of uncertainty and risk, and buttock and thigh lift surgery is no exception. Fortunately, when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, the procedure is remarkably safe. Dr. Hardaway will address any concerns you may have during your personalized consultation. We encourage you to contact our office today to set up a personalized consultation with Dr, Hardaway.