Thigh and buttock lift at Spire Thames Valley Hospital

If you have been left with loose or baggy skin around your bottom and thighs after losing a large amount of weight, a thigh and/or buttock lift could help to give you a smoother, more trim looking figure.

Severe cellulite can also sometimes be improved by having this procedure, which is relatively simple to perform.

Though permanent, it is better to have a buttock or thigh lift after you have achieved your target weight and it shouldn't be considered as a way to lose weight in itself.

Once your surgeon has removed sections of skin and fat, the remaining skin and tissue is lifted, aiming to give a tight, smooth look. The operation, which may also involve liposuction, is usually performed using a general anaesthetic so you are asleep throughout.

Our highly experienced consultants will explain all the medical issues and discuss your expectations and what they are proposing to do to help you, guiding you every step of the way.

If you decide to have your treatment with us, you will be looked after by an experienced multi-disciplinary care team.

Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see, and when you want. They'll be with you every step of the way.

All of our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.

Our consultants have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries. Many of our consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.

Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see and when you want. They’ll be with you every step of the way: from giving advice at your first consultation, through to offering ongoing support after your surgery.

All of our cosmetic surgeons are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well equipped hospitals. A cosmetic surgeon’s reputation, qualifications and experience are vitally important, so we only work with consultant grade specialists. These are highly experienced consultants who have completed years of medical training. All our consultants are on the specialist register of the General Medical Council (GMC), and many are also members of the UK’s leading cosmetic and plastic surgery associations.

We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.

For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.

Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.

We understand that having surgery can often be a time of anxiety and worry, but our experienced and caring medical staff will be there for you, holding your hand, every step of the way.

During the procedure, your surgeon will make incisions on your thigh and/or buttocks to remove excess skin and fat. For inner thigh lifts the incisions will usually be made inside the leg but for outer thigh and buttock work, they are often made just above the buttocks.

If your surgeon is undertaking liposuction as part of the procedure, or to another part of your body at the same time, our policy is that we will remove no more than a maximum of 2000ml of aspirate (fat and fluid) from all areas combined.

Occasionally incisions will also be made around your torso.

Your surgeon will discuss which type of incision he/she plans to make with you before the procedure.

After the skin and fat have been removed, incisions will be stitched closed and covered by dressings while small, thin tubes might be temporarily inserted in the wound to drain away any excess fluid.

The operation is usually performed under general anaesthetic so you will be asleep throughout.

The procedure can take several hours, depending on how many areas of your body are being lifted and how much skin and fat is being removed.

You are likely to stay in hospital for one or two nights after your operation. 

After this, you will be taken to your room or comfortable area where you can rest and recuperate until we feel you’re ready to go home.

Pain relief

Soft dressings will be applied and temporary tubes may be inserted to drain the wound. At first your legs and bottom will be numb, sore and bruised following a lower body lift. 

We will provide you with a supply of all the medicines your consultant feels you need to take home with you after you've left hospital, up to 14 days. This may be at an additional cost to some patients.

Recovery time

You will have to restrict your activities initially and during recovery, the best position is to lie on your stomach or to be standing, because you should try not to sit down for a few weeks. To clean the area, you should shower daily with an antibacterial soap.

You will need to plan time off work so that you can recover at home. You will be able to return to most normal activities within two and a half weeks – including returning to work – and back to full activity in six weeks. We'll talk to you about this in more detail.

End result

When you meet with your consultant you can discuss the changes you are hoping to achieve. The consultant will explain the results you can expect from the surgery and when you can expect to see the final result.

How your loved ones can help

Once you’re ready to be discharged, you’ll need to arrange a taxi, friend or family member to take you home as you won’t be able to drive. You should also ask them if they can run some light errands, such as shopping, as you won’t be feeling up to it.

Looking after you

Even once you’ve left hospital, we’re still here for you. Your consultant is likely to want to see you after your operation. A follow up appointment will be made for you before you leave the hospital.

On rare occasions, complications following a lower body lift can occur.

The chance of complications depends on the exact type of treatment that you are having and other factors such as your general health. We will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.

If you have any questions or concerns, we’re ready to help.

We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.

Important to note

The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.