Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Thomas Mustoe and Dr. Sammy Sinno perform butt and thigh lift in Chicago, Illinois, for patients who want to refine their body contours after experiencing significant weight loss, or changes due to aging or other lifestyle factors.

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What Is a Butt and Thigh Lift?

A butt and thigh lift is a body contouring surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the thighs and buttocks to help patients balance their body contours and regain confidence in their appearance. Some cases involve people who have lost a significant amount of weight after bariatric surgery and are now pursuing surgery after weight loss. Other patients, however, may have toned arms and a slim torso but struggle with excess weight in their thighs and buttocks despite consistent diet and exercise.

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What Are the Benefits of a Butt and Thigh Lift?

The excess skin that remains after losing weight can be frustrating and disheartening, leaving many people self-conscious about their lower body.  

A butt and thigh lift offers these key benefits:

  • Enhanced body contours and confidence
  • Improved comfort and mobility
  • Long-term weight maintenance

Post-bariatric weight loss procedures such as arm lift and lower body lift surgery not only improve your physical appearance but also support your emotional well-being and add closure to your weight loss journey.

Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno

Chicago's
Premier Plastic Surgeons

Dr. Thomas Mustoe and Dr. Sammy Sinno are board-certified plastic surgeons renowned in Chicago and beyond for their unparalleled expertise, refined surgical techniques, and exceptional patient outcomes. Together, they set the gold standard in plastic surgery treatment and care, delivering:

  • Safe, best-in-class protocols
  • Minimal scarring and bruising
  • Customized, natural-looking results
  • Faster, more comfortable recovery
  • Use of local anesthesia with sedation
  • State-of-the-art Facility

How Is Butt and Thigh Lift Surgery Performed?

World-renowned body contouring surgeons Dr. Mustoe and Dr Sinno generally combine buttocks and outer thigh lift surgery into a single operation.

  • The extent of the incision is dictated by the amount of excess skin and fat being removed.
  • In many cases, Dr. Mustoe or Sinno make incisions in the crease of the upper buttocks, extending laterally to the lower abdomen.
  • The incisions are low enough to be hidden by underwear or swimsuit and can be combined with a previous abdominoplasty scar for patients who have had tummy tuck surgery.
  • Our surgeons may recommend staging multiple body contouring procedures for optimal safety and results. For example, your abdominoplasty may be performed during one operation (potentially combined with cosmetic breast surgery), while the buttocks and thigh lift takes place in a separate operation.

Although staging your procedures requires two recoveries, they are generally shorter and involve less discomfort compared to recovery from a single, overall body lift.

TLKM Plastic Surgery

Outer Thigh Lift vs. Inner Thigh Lift

Outer (bilateral) thigh lift addresses excess fat and skin in the outer thighs. The procedure typically includes liposuction for enhanced contours. An inner (medial) thigh lift requires different incisions. For patients whose skin retains some of its elasticity (meaning it shrinks to the thigh’s new size), Dr. Mustoe or Sinno makes a discreet incision in the crease of the groin. The procedure is combined with liposuction to remove excess fat and give the thigh a more contoured appearance.

If there’s concern about the skin being too lax, especially for patients who have lost a substantial amount of weight, our surgeons may make a lengthwise incision along the thigh to the knee. Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno generally reserve this technique for the most severe cases.

Butt & Thigh Lift Recovery and Results

A buttock and thigh lift is a transformative surgery, and it’s important to allow adequate recovery time for optimal results. While every recovery is unique, here’s a general idea of what to expect after surgery:

  • Return home and prioritize rest and healing immediately after your procedure
  • Time off from work depends on the extent of your procedure and the physical nature of your job
  • Wear a compression garment as directed by Dr. Musto or Dr. Sinno
  • While many physical activities are initially restricted, it’s crucial to walk daily to facilitate healing and reduce the chance of blood clots
  • Incisions heal gradually, and our surgeons recommend effective scar and laser treatments.

During your recuperation, it’s essential to follow the detailed postoperative instructions provided by Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno. Remember that scars continue to fade for a year and your journey to a sleeker, more confident you requires patience.

Dr. Mustoe’s “Quick Recovery” Approach

Unlike many of his plastic surgery peers, Dr. Mustoe favors using local anesthesia with sedation vs. general anesthesia. This innovative approach reduces the risk of blood clots, avoids postoperative “brain fog,” and leads to a faster, more comfortable recovery. Dr. Mustoe has lectured internationally about his groundbreaking use of sedation during plastic surgery, and he has published extensive research on this approach in leading medical journals.

How Much Does a Butt and Thigh Lift Cost in Chicago?

The cost of a butt and thigh lift varies based on factors such as your surgeon’s experience level, the type of anesthesia used, and the extent of your procedure. Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno provide a customized treatment plan and share detailed pricing so you know exactly what to expect as you prepare and budget for your butt and thigh lift.

Many patients take advantage of our flexible payment and financing options designed to make your procedure more convenient and affordable.

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Butt and Thigh Lift FAQ

Who’s a good candidate for a butt and thigh lift?

A good candidate for a butt and thigh lift is someone who has lost a significant amount of weight and has excess, sagging skin in these areas. Ideal butt and thigh lift candidates are also at or near their goal weight, in good overall health, and have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcome. A personal consultation with Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno is the best way to determine your candidacy.


What are the risks of a butt and thigh lift?

During your one-on-one consultation, Dr. Musto or Dr. Sinno share the potential benefits and possible risks of your butt and thigh lift, which may include bleeding (hematoma), fluid accumulation, blood clots, or infection. Trusting your care to our experienced surgeons greatly reduces these risks and contributes to a smooth and successful surgical outcome.


What’s a circumferential body lift?

A circumferential body lift is a comprehensive surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, flanks, lower back, and buttocks to reshape and tighten the entire midsection after significant weight loss. Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno may recommend performing a circumferential body lift in stages for added safety.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re looking for a top board-certified plastic surgeon in Chicago to perform a butt or thigh lift, please request a consultation online to meet with Dr. Mustoe or Sinno at our downtown practice. You can also call our office at (312) 788-2560, and one of our helpful staff members will schedule your appointment.

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