Posterior Thigh Lift

What Is A Posterior Thigh Lift?

A posterior thigh lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the back of the upper thigh that also uses liposuction to contour the area and provide definition between the thigh and buttocks.

Who Is A Candidate For A Posterior Thigh Lift?

If you are self-conscious about the way your upper thighs look and the lack of definition between the back of your thighs and your buttocks, a posterior thigh lift may be right for you.

The best candidates for a posterior thighplasty:

• Are in good overall health;
• Do not have any medical conditions that would exclude them from being a surgical candidate;
• Are at or close to their ideal weight;
• Have lost elasticity in their upper thigh, hip, or buttocks;
• Have loose, saggy, or “orange peel” skin on the back of the thighs;
• Have skin on the thighs that appears smoother and the appearance improves when tested by pulling it upward and tighter.

How Is A Posterior Thigh Lift Done?

While the patient is under anesthesia, the surgeon creates an incision along the line of the fold where the buttocks meet the back of the upper thigh.

The surgeon removes excess skin and also fat through liposuction sculpting to create natural contour and definition between the two areas.

The remainder of the skin on the thigh is pulled tighter, lifted back into place, and sutured together to heal. Because the incision is done in the crease area between the buttocks and thighs it minimizes the visible scarring.

Combining A Posterior Thighplasty With Other Surgery

Sometimes patients combine procedures to minimize downtime and obtain more dramatic results while also realizing some cost savings.

A posterior thigh lift can be combined with a medial thigh lift and a lower abdominal tummy tuck which collectively is referred to as a lower body lift.

The combination of removing excess skin and fat from the love handles, hips, lower back, and buttocks are known as a posterior lower body lift.

Recovery From Posterior Thighplasty

The recovery time for a thigh lift varies by patient and the extent of the surgery. If combined with other procedures the recovery may be longer. Most surgeons recommend taking one or two weeks off work after posterior thighplasty. Due to the nature of the surgery, you must avoid sitting directly on your buttocks during the first several weeks of recovery so even returning to a desk job may be a challenge.

Many posterior thigh lifts are done on an outpatient basis but some patients may have to spend at least one night in the hospital. Patients are normally discharged with some medication to ease discomfort for the first few days and antibiotics to mitigate the risks of infection. The surgeon will also provide individualized aftercare instructions that detail incision care, post-surgery garment usage, and a timeline for returning to normal activity.

Posterior Thigh Lift Results

Most patients can see results from their surgery in just a few short weeks but the full results may not be entirely visible for several months after the swelling subsides.