Thigh Lift & Buttock Lift

Thigh Lift
A thigh lift is directed either at the outer part or the inner part of the thigh — most commonly the inner thigh. The scar may either be confined to the upper thigh that would be covered by a bathing suit, or it may require skin excision from the groin down to the inner knee. You should expect a smoother contour soon after your thigh lift. Recovery is about 2 to 3 weeks.

Buttock Lift
A buttock lift involves a scar across the low back and can be done either alone or following a previous abdominoplasty. A buttock lift can correct low, flat or unevenly shaped buttocks. Recovery is about 2 to 3 weeks.

I have recently lost a significant amount of weight and now I have a excess skin on my buttocks and thighs. Will a buttock lift / thigh lift correct this?

Yes, a buttock lift is aimed at removing excess skin from the buttocks and then lifting and shaping the buttocks. A thigh lift is performed to lift and shape the thigh area as well as to remove excess skin. These procedures are commonly performed following weight loss / weight loss surgery.

Does Dr. Houser perform many thigh lift / buttock lift surgeries?

Thigh lifts and buttock lifts are common procedures for Dr. Houser. He is experienced and skilled in the latest plastic surgery / body sculpting techniques. Dr. Houser is also active in resident education in Columbus, both at Ohio State University in the plastic surgery program as well as in the general surgery
program at Mount Carmel Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Are the results of thigh lift surgery / buttock lift surgery permanent?

The results of thigh lift / buttock lift surgery are permanent in some patients. The patients who see the best long-term results from thigh lifts / buttock lifts (as well as other cosmetic surgeries) are those who maintain a stable weight, refrain from smoking and are in good overall health.

Is it safe to have thigh lift surgery / buttock lift surgery during the same visit that I am having another cosmetic procedure or plastic surgery?

In most cases, yes. For many patients it is much more convenient have multiple procedures performed at one time. However, not all patients are good candidates for combined plastic surgeries. It depends on the health of the patient, the length and difficulty of the surgery, and other factors. Dr. Houser evaluates each patient on an individual basis. If you are interested in multiple plastic surgery procedures, please be sure to talk Dr. Houser about this during your consultation in our Columbus, Ohio office.

Will I need to quit smoking before my thigh lift / buttock lift?

You will be required to quit smoking before your surgery. Smokers should also stop smoking for 2 weeks AFTER plastic surgery to reduce post operative complications caused by smoking. This includes use of nicotine in any form (tobacco, nicotine patches or gum.) Skin loss is 8 to 10 times more likely in smokers. Smoking may cause poor or delayed healing – even death of skin (gangrene) in addition to lung complications and bleeding.

I have noticed that not all surgeons performing thigh lifts / buttock lifts in Ohio are board certified. Why should I choose a plastic surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS)? Is this important?

An ASPS member surgeon has fulfilled the following requirements:

• Has at least five years of surgical training and a minimum of two years of plastic surgery training.
• Is board-certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
• Is trained and experienced in all plastic surgery procedures, including breast, body, face and reconstruction.
• Is peer-reviewed for safety and ethical standards prior to attaining the honor of active membership.
• Only operates in accredited facilities.

Why is it important to choose a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

Many physicians who perform cosmetic procedures will claim board certification, but it is important to clarify which board. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is a part of the American Board of Medical Specialties and has been in existence since 1937. Certification by this board signifies that the surgeon has completed an approved plastic surgery residency, has passed a comprehensive written examination, and has passed an oral examination. Following this, he or she is then required to maintain certification through case submissions, continuing medical education and written examinations. This rigorous process ensures that those who identify themselves as a diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery are held to the highest standards of patient safety, patient satisfaction and ethical behavior.