BODY SCULPTING

THIGH LIFT

Houston Plastic Surgery Texas

Thigh Lift in Houston, TX

Thigh Lift
Houston, TX

Excess skin and fat in the thighs can result in disproportion with the rest of the lower body, particularly the abdomen and buttocks. While exercise and diet can help, they do not always work. This leaves people who are affected feeling self-conscious about their thigh appearance, and sometimes even unable to wear some outfits like lean jeans.

Thigh lift surgery, also referred to as thighplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that aims to improve upper leg contour. Plastic surgeons remove excess fat and tissue in order to reveal a more attractive and youthful thigh appearance.

Houston, TX plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Balinger offers thigh lift procedures to patients in Houston, Conroe, and surrounding Texas communities. The surgeon understands that your best self is connected to your self-confidence. Working with a team of experienced clinicians, Dr. Chris goes out of his way to make sure that each patient is comfortable, safe, and happy with their procedure outcome. He uses state of the art equipment and advanced surgical methods to achieve the best result while minimizing the risk of side effects such as scarring.

Am I a Candidate?

Thighplasty is a plastic surgery to tighten and improve the appearance of the upper legs, usually by reducing sagging in the inner and outer thighs . You may be an ideal candidate for this procedure if:

You are in good physical and emotional health
You are unhappy about losing skin in your inner or outer thighs
You experience thigh discomfort as a result of excess skin or fat
You are generally dissatisfied with the appearance of your thighs
You are not overweight and are close to your ideal weight
You have a positive outlook and realistic expectations about the outcome of this procedure

When you visit Dr. Balinger for your first thigh lift consultation, the surgeon will listen to you and examine your legs before letting you know whether this surgical procedure is for you. Thighplasty is a highly individualized procedure. For this reason, Dr. Christopher recommends that you have this treatment out of your own choice, not because someone else wants you to.

Benefits of a thigh lift

A thigh lift can help alleviate many issues associated with weight loss, age, or pregnancy. Some key benefits of this cosmetic procedure are:

Removal of excess skin – women who have undergone significant weight loss as a result of pregnancy or other means may experience sagging thigh skin. Even in absence of weight loss, age can lead to loss of skin elasticity over time. This can in turn result in a negative self image as well as make it harder to wear certain outfits such as revealing skirts and dresses. Thighplasty helps get rid of sagging skin so that patients can enjoy firmer, shapelier, and beautiful legs.

Removal of excess fat – if you have excess thigh fat but good skin elasticity, Dr. Balinger may recommend that you have a fat removal procedure to remove the unwanted fat pockets. This treatment, also known as a liposculpture, reveals a leaner, more attractive appearance.
Tighten weak muscles – muscles usually lose their definition over time. Plastic surgeons can also aim to address loose muscles by tying them together or tightening them in order to improve your thigh contour. Women who have sagging thighs due to loose muscles – rather than excess skin – may have their thighplasty performed via an endoscope.
Alleviate stretch marks – stretch marks in the thigh and buttock area are another common issue that women have to deal with as a result of pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Thigh lift surgery entails tightening the skin, which helps remove these stretch marks and reveal a softer and more attractive leg skin. For patients who have excessive stretch marks, an additional skin resurfacing procedure may be performed after the thigh lift in order to further improve their appearance.
Reduce risk of skin infection – loose skin can lead to folds which collect sweat. Moisture from these folds may trigger fungi or bacterial infections. Having this problem addressed via thigh lift plastic surgery can significantly reduce the risk of such infections.

Thigh lifts are becoming increasingly common as plastic surgeons perfect their craft. More than 93% of people who have this procedure say that they are satisfied with the outcome. The key for patients is to work with a skilled plastic surgeon in order to obtain the best possible outcome.

Types of thigh lift

Dr. Balinger has a number of thigh lift techniques that he can use to suit the patient’s requirements and goals of the surgery.

Mini thigh lift

This is a minimalistic type of thigh lift that is used to reduce sagging skin in the upper parts of the inner thigh. The surgeon creates a small incision in the groin area and then uses it to remove excess skin. Liposuction may be used to get rid of unwanted fat. A mini thigh lift results in a smaller and smoother appearance with minimal dents and bumps. This technique is recommended for patients who have a modest amount of excess fat and skin. You should have a BMI of 30 or less in order to be eligible for this type of thighplasty.

Vertical thigh lift

This technique is meant for patients who have excessive skin stretching around their thighs. While an inner thigh lift will just focus on the upper area, this method lifts the entire middle and lower thighs too. A larger incision is thus required so the surgeon can remove an ellipse-shaped area of skin. This type of thighplasty is sometimes also referred to as a ‘crescent lift’ due to the type of incision. Scarring is more visible and will need a more aggressive scar management regimen in order to ensure proper fading.

Inner/medial thigh lift

The skin around your upper thigh may lose its elasticity and start to sag after losing a significant amount of weight. Aging can also contribute to this loss of elasticity. In a medial thigh lift, doctors focus on the inner part of the upper thigh. The focus of the procedure is to trim loose skin and remove unwanted fat in order to reveal a more attractive appearance. Incisions are created in the crease between the thigh and the pubic area in order to reduce visible scarring. This type of thighplasty is recommended for individuals who have struggled to contour this area via exercise and diet.

Outer/lateral thigh lift

This technique aims to remove excess skin and fat from the outer thigh region. The surgeon may focus on the thighs as well as accumulated weight in the buttock and waist areas. For this reason, this type of procedure is more similar to a lower body lift. Liposuction will be used to get rid of unwanted fat from the buttocks and sides of the thighs. The excess tissue will then be pulled up and secured at the hip bone level. This leads to a tiger, smoother surfaces with no dimples or ripples. This procedure also results in a significant incision, but it can be concealed by most bathing suits and underwear. If you are looking for a bigger improvement scoping almost all your entire lower body area, this type of thigh lift may be best suited for you.

Dr. Christopher Balinger is uniquely positioned to recommend the best thigh lift procedure method for you. The surgeon will be happy to discuss the pros and cons of each approach during your consultation visit at his Houston plastic surgery office.

Your Initial Thigh Lift Consultation

During your first thigh lift surgery consultation, Dr. Balinger will ask questions and review your medical history to learn more about your health. The surgeon will also examine your legs and skin laxity before moving forward to the next step. This initial consultation – which is offered free of charge at Balinger’s office – is an opportunity to learn more about what this treatment entails, and what you can expect from the procedure.

Prepare for Your Thighplasty

Once Dr. Balinger creates a customized treatment plan for you, the surgeon will let you know how to prepare for the surgery. You will be asked to stop taking some medication and herbal supplements that can increase your risk of bleeding. Smoking is also forbidden in the weeks before the surgery because it can increase the risk of complications and impair healing. The surgeon will let you know what to do on the night before the surgery, and what supplies you need to have in place for a smooth recovery.

Your Surgical Experience

Thigh lift surgery is an outpatient procedure that is performed at Dr. Balinger’s in-office operating room or an accredited surgical facility. This surgery is usually performed in three steps.

Administer Anesthesia

The surgeon’s anesthesiologist will administer either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation in order to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the treatment. Feel free to discuss the choice of anesthesia with the surgeon during one of your pre-op consultation visits.

Create Incision

The surgeon will create an incision at the appropriate location based on the type of thighplasty being performed. He will then remove excess tissue (skin and fat) in line with the objectives of the surgery.

Close Incision

After all the desired contouring has been completed, the surgeon will close the incision using tapes, sutures, clips, or adhesives. The treatment area will then be bandaged to protect it.

The duration of surgery can range from 2 – 4 hours depending on the extensiveness of the procedure. Immediately after the surgery, you will be placed in an observation room where Dr. Balinger’s team monitors your vitals before you are allowed to go home for recovery.

Recovery after your Thigh Lift Surgery

Following your thigh lift plastic surgery, you will need to set time aside for recovery. How long it takes to recover varies from one person to the other based on the extensiveness of the treatment, and the patient’s unique healing ability. Dr. Balinger will ask that you move around as soon as you are able to in order to promote proper blood flow. Many patients experience bruising, swelling, and pain in the first week or two. You will be given pain medication to help alleviate discomfort, as well as antibiotics to prevent infections. You can expect to resume normal activities after about 2 weeks. However, heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are prohibited until you get the go-ahead from the surgeon. Make sure to follow the surgeon’s post-op instructions in order to ensure a speedy recovery. Dr. Balinger’s office is available to answer your questions and provide the support you need throughout the recovery duration.

Plan your Procedure in Houston Texas

The cost of a thigh lift can vary dramatically based on the extensiveness of the procedure. Most of Dr. Balinger’s thighplasty patients can however expect to pay between $4,500 and $7,500 for this treatment. Health insurers typically do not cover the cost of thigh lift surgery because it is considered to be an elective cosmetic procedure. During your consultation visit with Dr. Balinger, the surgeon will provide a cost estimate based on a personalized treatment plan developed for you. The surgeon offers financing options for his patients in Houston, Conroe, and surrounding TX areas.

Meet the Surgeon

Christopher Balinger, MD, brings keen professionalism to the operating table. With each patient, the surgeon creates a highly customized plan to achieve the desired procedure outcome while working to eliminate or minimize the risk of scarring and other side effects. Dr. Balinger is uniquely skilled to perform thigh lift procedures and a host of other cosmetic surgeries. He works with a team of highly qualified support staff who are committed to the safety and well being of their patients. If you are looking for the best plastic surgeon in Houston for thigh lift, get in touch with Dr. Balinger’s office today.

Average Cost

$4,500 – $7,500

Procedure Time

2 – 4 Hours

Recovery Time

2 Weeks

Insurance

Not Covered

If you have excess skin and fat over a large portion of your upper and lower body, you may be a good candidate for a body and thigh lift. Dr. Balinger offers a body and thigh lift for men and women in Houston, Conroe, and the surrounding areas of Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a body and thigh lift?

A body and thigh lift is a plastic surgery that is recommended for men and women who have extra fat and loose skin over most of the upper or lower body, including the thighs. The procedure is most often recommended for men and women who have lost a significant amount of weight.

How much does body and thigh lift cost?

The average cost of a body and thigh lift is $8,000 to $15,000. Your cost is based upon the surgical plan that is developed during your personal consultation. We offer free initial consultations at our offices in Houston and Conroe, as well as financing options for our patients.

What are the benefits of a body and thigh lift?

The primary benefit of a body and thigh lift is to restore a toned appearance to the upper or lower body. A thigh lift may also be recommended for women who want to have a thigh gap, but have excess fat on their inner thighs.

Do you know how to get a thigh gap?

Dr. Balinger cautions women who consider plastic surgery to achieve a thigh gap. The space between your thighs is not necessarily an indication of how fit you are, as hip size and other anatomical aspects determine the size of your thigh gap more than any other factor. If you have extra fat on your inner or outer thighs, a thigh lift can help.

How is an upper and lower body lift performed?

An upper and lower body lift requires extensive incisions that are needed to pull the skin taut over the body and remove any excess. Dr. Balinger may use liposuction to remove smaller pockets of fat.

How are inner and outer thigh lifts performed?

Dr. Balinger uses innovative techniques for inner and outer thigh lifts, and the placement of the incision varies based on patient needs. Once the incisions are made, he pulls the tissue taunt over the thighs and trims away any excess. Liposuction may be used if you have pockets of fat on your inner or outer thighs.

What is recovery like after a body and thigh lift?

Recovery from a body and thigh lift can be extensive, and some patients are required to stay overnight in the hospital for monitoring. During the consultation, Dr. Balinger explains what to expect after your body and thigh lift, including recovery and aftercare. Please arrange to have a friend or family member stay with you for the first one to two weeks.

How long will body and thigh lift results last?

Managing your weight is paramount to the results of your body and thigh lift. We recommend that you spend at least one year following a healthy regimen of nutrition and exercise before you have a body and thigh lift. Continuing with this type of lifestyle may help the results of your body and thigh lift last for many years. Aging, pregnancy, and weight fluctuations will likely have adverse effects on the results of your body and thigh lift.

Dr. Christopher Balinger offers body and thigh lifts for men and women in Houston, Conroe, and the nearby communities in Texas. Contact us today to schedule a free body and thigh lift consultation at our office in Houston or our office in Conroe.

Thigh Lift
Houston, TX

Am I a Candidate?

Benefits of a thigh lift