Abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the contour of the abdomen by removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal wall. Changes in abdominal shape can occur after pregnancy, weight fluctuations, aging, or loss of skin elasticity, often resulting in loose skin and weakened abdominal muscles.
At McKinnon Plastic Surgery, body surgical procedures are performed by Dr. McKay McKinnon, a plastic surgeon with decades of surgical experience. Dr. McKinnon trained on the Harvard Surgical Service before completing his plastic surgery residency at the University of Miami, bringing extensive experience in surgical planning and soft tissue reconstruction to each procedure.
What Is A Thigh And Buttock Lift?
A thigh and buttock lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin and reshapes underlying tissue to improve firmness and contour. It may address sagging along the inner or outer thighs, drooping of the lower buttocks, or laxity extending around the upper leg and hip area.
This procedure does not primarily remove large amounts of fat. Instead, it focuses on excising redundant skin and tightening supportive tissue layers. In some cases, liposuction may be combined to refine contour, but lifting is the central objective.
Incisions are strategically placed along natural creases of the groin, upper thigh, or lower buttock, depending on the area treated and the extent of correction required.
What Does A Thigh And Buttock Lift Improve?
A thigh and buttock lift focuses on tightening loose skin and restoring smoother contours along the upper legs and lower buttocks. This is most commonly performed for patients who have developed significant skin laxity after weight loss or with age-related changes in skin elasticity.
The procedure can improve:
- Loose or hanging skin along the inner or outer thighs
- Sagging beneath the buttocks
- Skin folds that cause chafing or irritation
- Irregular contour following weight loss
Unlike fat removal procedures, the primary goal is to remove excess skin and reposition underlying tissue to restore firmer contour.
Where Are The Scars Placed?
Incisions are carefully planned based on the location and extent of excess skin.
Depending on the pattern of laxity, scars may be placed:
- Along the groin crease
- Along the upper inner thigh
- Along the lower buttock crease
These placements allow the surgeon to remove redundant skin while positioning scars where they can typically be concealed beneath underwear or swimwear.
Recovery After A Thigh And Buttock Lift
Recovery involves a period of swelling and temporary tightness as the tissues heal. Compression garments are usually recommended to support the surgical area and reduce swelling during the early stages of recovery.
Most patients return to light daily activities within a few weeks. More strenuous exercise and lower-body workouts are gradually resumed as healing progresses and swelling subsides.
Who Is A Candidate For A Thigh And Buttock Lift?
Ideal candidates typically:
- Have maintained a stable weight
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations about scarring
- Experience significant skin laxity not correctable with exercise
This procedure is not a substitute for weight loss. Candidates should be near their goal weight prior to surgery to optimize outcomes and durability.
During consultation, Dr. McKinnon provides a candid assessment of whether a lift is appropriate and outlines expected contour changes.
Why Choose McKinnon Plastic Surgery For Thigh And Buttock Lift?
Dr. McKay McKinnon completed his plastic surgery residency at the University of Miami and holds certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. His surgical background includes decades of experience managing complex reconstructive cases that demand precise tissue handling and careful attention to healing.
He has served in academic roles, including Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Chicago, and maintains hospital affiliations in both Chicago and Coral Gables. His experience in reconstructive and structural surgery informs a conservative, methodical approach to body contouring procedures.
At McKinnon Plastic Surgery, thigh and buttock lifts are performed with individualized planning, measured technique, and attention to long-term contour stability rather than trend-driven aesthetic extremes.
Restored Lower Body Contour In Chicago, IL & Coral Gables, FL
A thigh and buttock lift can improve skin firmness and restore proportional balance when performed with thoughtful surgical planning. Patients in Chicago, IL and Coral Gables, FL seeking evaluation for lower body contouring can contact McKinnon Plastic Surgery at (312) 335-9566 in Chicago or (305) 753-1400 in Coral Gables to schedule a consultation.
