Dr. Steely will perform Your Thigh Lift at his surgery center or First Surgical Hospital in Houston, TX.
A thigh lift, also known as thigh contouring, is an effective procedure to enhance the shape and firmness of your thighs. Dr. Robert Lee Steely, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston, TX, specializes in thigh lift surgery and helps patients achieve smoother, more defined thighs.
What Is a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the thighs. It reshapes the thighs to improve their contour and tone, making them look smoother and firmer. This procedure is ideal for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, aging, or sagging skin, particularly in the inner thigh area.
Why Thigh Lift Surgery?
A thigh lift elevates, tightens, and smooths the upper thigh using several methods, depending on the desired outcome. Usually coupled with liposuction for sculpting, thigh lifting requires incisions that vary depending on the areas of laxity. Houston Plastic Surgeon Robert Lee Steely, MD, is an expert in choosing which lifting procedure is best for you.
Benefits of Thigh Lifts
A thigh lift offers several benefits, including:
- Improved Thigh Contour: This procedure removes excess skin and fat, leaving the thighs smoother and firmer.
- Enhanced Confidence: Many patients feel comfortable wearing form-fitting clothing and enjoying outdoor activities.
- Long-lasting Results: The results of a thigh lift are long-lasting, mainly if you maintain a stable weight.
Who is a good candidate for the thigh lift procedure?
You may be a good candidate for a thigh lift if:
- EYou’ve experienced dramatic weight loss and stabilized your weight.
- EYou are healthy without any medical conditions that may impair healing or increase the risk of surgery.
- EYou are committed to a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and fitness activities.
Why Choose Dr. Steely for a Thigh Lift in Houston
Dr. Robert Lee Steely is double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He completed formal residency training in both general surgery and plastic surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Steely has published multiple articles in peer-reviewed medical journals and maintains hospital privileges in Houston. Thigh lift procedures are performed in accredited surgical facilities that meet established standards for patient safety and surgical care.
Areas Treated With Thigh Lift Surgery
Thigh lift surgery can be customized to target specific areas of concern. The incision pattern is selected based on where excess skin and laxity are most prominent.
Areas treated may include:
- Inner thigh (medial thigh lift): Improves sagging and loose skin along the inner thigh
- Outer thigh and hip (lateral thigh lift): Enhances the contour of the outer thigh, hip, and upper buttock
- Upper thigh near the groin crease: Addresses excess skin while keeping scars as discreet as possible
This targeted approach allows for effective thigh contouring while preserving natural proportions.
Conditions Treated With a Thigh Lift
A thigh lift addresses common concerns that diet and exercise alone cannot correct. Thigh contouring in Houston is often chosen to improve comfort, symmetry, and overall leg proportion.
Common concerns treated include:
- Excess thigh skin after weight loss
- Sagging inner thighs due to aging or genetics
- Thigh skin laxity causing rubbing or irritation
- Uneven thigh contours or loss of definition
This procedure is especially helpful for patients who are weight stable but dissatisfied with loose or hanging skin.
What to Expect During a Thigh Lift
During a thigh lift, Dr. Steely will make incisions along the chosen area, extending downward based on the amount of excess skin. Through these incisions, he will remove fat and skin, reshape the underlying tissue, and tighten the skin for smoother contours. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and can take two to three hours, depending on the complexity.
Incisions
Medial Thigh Lifting
- Crescent lift incision: This incision tightens the upper third of the thigh and is usually hidden in the groin crease. While this is the most cosmetically appealing of the medial thigh lift incisions, it does little to help with the mid or lower thigh laxity.
- Vertical thigh lift incision: This is an incision of varying length along the inside of the thigh. While harder to hide with short skirts and shorts, this incision allows for tightening the length of the inner thigh to the knee.
Lateral Thigh Lifting
This involves an incision made along the outer thigh and hip area, typically placed discreetly within the natural curve of the underwear line. Lateral thigh lifting is used to reshape and contour the outer thigh, hip, and upper buttock.
Recovering From a Thigh Lift
After your thigh lift procedure, you can expect some swelling and bruising, which will gradually subside over a few weeks. We at Steely Plastic Surgery will provide detailed post-operative instructions, including wearing a compression garment to minimize swelling and support healing. Most patients can resume light activities within 10 to 14 days, though we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for at least six weeks.
How Much is a Thigh Lift Surgery?
The cost of a thigh lift in Houston, TX, varies depending on the extent of the surgery and additional factors such as anesthesia fees and facility charges. Dr. Steely will provide a personalized cost estimate during your consultation. In general, the procedure ranges from $7,000 to $18,000. Insurance typically does not cover thigh lift surgery.
Contact Our Office for a Thigh Lift in Houston
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Lee Steely will happily walk you through the entire process and answer any questions you have. He will then work with you to create a personalized plan to achieve your body goals.
Contact Dr. Steely today to begin your journey toward smoother, firmer thighs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is thigh lift surgery safe?
Thigh lift surgery is considered safe when performed by a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited surgical facility. Patient selection, proper planning, and postoperative care all play important roles in patient safety.
What are the most common side effects after a thigh lift?
Temporary swelling, bruising, and soreness are expected after surgery and improve gradually during recovery. Some patients also experience temporary numbness near the incision sites.
What complications should patients be aware of?
As with any surgery, risks can include infection, delayed wound healing, fluid buildup, or asymmetry. These are uncommon and discussed in detail during consultation with Dr. Robert Lee Steely.
How long does thigh lift surgery take?
Most thigh lift procedures take two to three hours, depending on the extent of correction and whether liposuction is included.
Is liposuction included with thigh contouring?
Liposuction is often recommended to enhance results and improve contour. Dr. Steely will determine if it is appropriate for your anatomy.