thigh lift

Thigh Lift & Contouring

Thigh contouring encompasses the following procedures:

  • Thigh Lift
  • Liposuction / Lipocontouring
  • Renuvion® Skin Tightening

Weight loss and age-related skin laxity can lead to poor upper thigh aesthetics, leaving patients self-conscious and uncomfortable in revealing clothing or bathing suits. The thigh lift procedure surgically removes the excess skin and fat to restore an aesthetically pleasing contour to the upper leg. Liposuction is often used concurrently to complete the circumferential transformation.

Alternatively, liposuction/lipocontouring with or without Renuvion® skin tightening offers a minimally-invasive option that yields dramatic and impressive results in patients with minimal to moderate fat excess and/or minimal skin laxity. Due to the relatively mild nature of their deformity, these patients are often able to improve their upper thigh contour without the scar burden that accompanies a traditional thigh lift procedure. Lipocontouring of the upper thigh is an art and can be customized to create a feminine or masculine contour.

Loose skin that remains after lipocontouring alone contracts by roughly 8% throughout the year following surgery. This minimal amount of “natural” contraction is frequently disappointing and adds an element of unpredictability following liposuction procedures. Renuvion® is a revolutionary device that delivers helium plasma and radiofrequency energy through a probe inserted by a surgeon beneath the skin to precisely target and tighten the structural components. Renuvion® heats the tissue to 85° Celsius (185° Fahrenheit), the optimal temperature for maximal tightening, yet allows for rapid cooling to protect vital surrounding structures. This is accomplished without raising the skin temperature or bulk heating the surrounding tissue, dramatically reducing the risk of burns or dents, respectively. This is simply not possible with devices that deliver energy externally through the skin. Following treatment with Renuvion®, skin tightens up to 65%, which is unmatched by other available devices. Thermal skin tightening is the future of body contouring, especially in the inner thigh where skin laxity is often poor.

Thigh Lift Procedure

NATURALLY CONTOURED

Contour is restored to the upper leg through precise fat and/or skin removal. Minimally-invasive lipocontouring may be used to sculpt the inner and/or outer thigh, creating aesthetically pleasing shadows that can be designed to deliver a feminine or masculine appearance.

What to Expect

All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.

Consultation

During the consultation we will focus on creating a treatment plan that addresses your goals and fulfills your expectations. After a thorough discussion of the various thigh contouring techniques, we will decide on a treatment strategy that is right for you.

This may include excisional surgery, inner and/or lipocontouring Renuvion® skin tightening or a combination thereof. During excisional surgery, a delicate balance between maximum skin removal and unrestricted thigh movement must be reached. It is paramount that we discuss incision location and expectations following this type of procedure so that you leave the consultation well informed and ready to undergo your transformation.

Surgery

Thigh contouring is performed at an accredited surgery center in Newport Beach, California, USA. Under the care of a Board Certified Anesthesiologist, general anesthesia (fully asleep) is used to ensure maximal comfort and safety. The procedure typically lasts 2-4 hours depending on the degree of shaping required.

The thigh lift incision is disguised in the inner portion of the thigh and groin crease, minimizing long-term visibility and distortion. Liposuction and Renuvion® skin tightening access incisions are hidden in the groin crease and are generally imperceptible upon full healing. Occasionally, a second incision is required near the knee, however this is determined pre-operatively on a case-by-case basis.

PRE-OPERATIVE GUIDANCE

1. Stop all Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, Fish Oil, Supplements with Omega 3, Ginger, Garlic, Ginkgo Biloba and Turmeric – as these will thin the blood and complicate the surgery. You may take Tylenol as needed.
2. Medications – please notify us of any medications or supplements that you take regularly so that we may advise you appropriately.
3. Please fill all prescriptions prior to surgery so that they may be started immediately upon returning home.
4. Please no recreational drug use or smoking 4 weeks prior to and after the surgery.
5. Please have lab work completed 1-2 weeks prior to surgery.
6. Contact us immediately if you have any change in your health between your pre-operative visit and the surgery date.
7. Arrange for a driver to pick you up from the surgery center. Uber or Lyft are not acceptable. The driver does not have to remain onsite during surgery. they will be called when you are ready to be discharged from the recovery unit.
8. Make sure you have a responsible adult stay with you for the first 24-48 hours following surgery – this is for your safety.
9. DO NOT EAT OR DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY.

Visualizing the volumetric breast change on your own body can be invaluable to the surgical planning process! The Mentor™ 3D Breast Simulator app will facilitate the creation of a “wish picture” prior to your pre-operative visit and works best for augmentation and/or lift procedures. Simply take three pictures as instructed and begin simulating the desired look of your new breasts. When finished, you can securely send your photos to us at info@donaldmowldsmd.com.

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1. Take a shower using anti-bacterial soap – No lotions, hair products, powders, perfumes or makeup.
2. Wear loose comfortable clothing to the surgery center. We recommend wearing zip-up or button-up shirts and loose, comfortable pants.
3. Female patients will be given a urine pregnancy test at the surgery center.

We are here to help you through your recovery. Please do not hesitate to call our office.

Recovery

Patients are discharged home the same day and generally experience minimal discomfort. I ask my patients to avoid strenuous exercise or heavy labor for 6 weeks following the procedure in order to ensure optimal healing. During this period of recovery, patients wear a compression garment that limits the post-operative swelling and contours the healing tissues. Most patients find that this garment offers them reassurance and support.

POST-OPERATIVE GUIDANCE

1. Prescriptions provided at your pre-operative appointment should be filled prior to surgery and started when you arrive home. Take the first antibiotic dose at dinner time.
2. Please take a daily stool softener (e.g. Colace) or laxative (e.g. Senokot) while taking the pain medication. Stop if stools become loose.
3. Do not take Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve or herbal medications as these interfere with your blood’s ability to clot.
4. Bruising is a normal part of surgery. Over-the-counter Arnica can help expedite its resolution.
5. Continue to remain hydrated following the surgery.
6. Resume your regular diet, there are no restrictions. If you become nauseous, carbonated beverages and crackers may help settle the stomach. Zofran (Ondansetron) will be prescribed and can be taken as well.
7. Make sure you have a responsible adult stay with you for the first 24-48 hours following surgery – this is for your safety
8. Keep all dressings in place, clean and dry. We will remove them at your first post-operative appointment.
9. Sponge bath only. Do not shower, soak or swim until cleared.
10. Swelling naturally follows gravity, so it is common for the feet to become swollen temporarily during the healing process. Sleeping on your back with your legs elevated on a pillow will help reduce any swelling that accumulates throughout the day.
11. Throughout the day, it is important to keep your thighs close together to protect the healing incisions from excessive stretch.
12. When getting out of bed, exiting the car or rising from a chair, it is important to keep your legs are together at all times. Separating your legs can cause the incisions to separate, which will impact the healing process and final result.
13. Ambulate throughout the day to prevent blood clots in your legs.
14. No smoking – this inhibits wound healing, causing undesirable complications.
15. Driving – Do not drive or perform any tasks that require coordination or judgement for at least 72 hours after general anesthesia or while taking narcotic pain medication.
16. Please call the office if you experience fever, chills, increased pain, wound drainage or if you have any concerns. Our office hours are Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm and Friday 9am-12pm. To reach me after hours, please call the office and follow the prompts.

Results

The results are expected to be long lasting provided patients maintain an active lifestyle and avoid fluctuations in weight.

FAQs

In most cases, the thigh lift is performed using an incision that begins in the groin and extends along the inner thigh to a point just above the knee. When the legs are together, this scar is not visible from the front or the back. In cases where skin excess is limited to the upper thigh, a scar in the groin may be all that is required.

Liposuction and Renuvion® skin tightening access incisions are hidden in the groin and are generally 3 millimeters in length. Occasionally, a second incision is required near the knee, however this is determined pre-operatively on a case-by-case basis.

During the thigh lift procedure, I typically place one drain in each arm to assist with fluid egress during the first couple of days following surgery. Please monitor and record the drain output daily as this will determine when your drains can be safely removed. If they are removed too early, fluid accumulates beneath the skin causing a seroma, which is managed with frequent needle aspirations.

There are no drains placed during lipocontouring or Renuvion® skin tightening.

Patients are encouraged to wear a compression garment to limit the post-operative swelling and contour the healing tissues for 6 weeks following surgery. Most patients find that this garment offers them reassurance and support.

Following the thigh lift procedure, patients are instructed to avoid spreading their feet beyond shoulder width for 6 weeks post-operatively in order to limit tension on the healing incision. Tension is the enemy of scar quality, so adherence to this restriction is crucial to achieving a well-healed, narrow flat scar.

Following lipocontouring and/or Renuvion® skin tightening, you will gradually resume your regular activities in the weeks following surgery. These activities will be performed with the compression garment on to limit swelling while increasing the use of your legs.

Sexual intercourse should be avoided for 6 weeks following the thigh lift procedure to limit tension on the healing incision. Tension is the enemy of scar quality, so adherence to this restriction is crucial to achieving a well-healed, narrow flat scar.

Following lipocontouring and/or Renuvion® skin tightening, sexual intercourse may be resumed 2 weeks following surgery.

Request Consultation

THIGH LIFT

Receive an in-depth consultation where we will thoroughly review your goals to personalize a plan focused on a natural and aesthetic result. Dr. Donald S. Mowlds, MD is located in beautiful Newport Beach, CA but is also available via a virtual consultation for out-of-town patients.

Body Procedures

Body Contouring

All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.

Excess fat is removed using advanced liposuction techniques to transform your physique with precision. Renuvion® skin tightening delivers unparalleled post-surgical definition by shrinking the skin around the newly molded contour.

The Newport Beach Mommy Makeover utilizes a combination of procedures to restore a pre-pregnancy physique. Common procedures include breast augmentation, breast lift or breast lift with implant, abdominoplasty and liposculpture.

Removal of excess skin and fat is accompanied by muscle tightening to achieve a narrow waistline and flat abdominal profile. Abdominoplasty is often combined with lipocontouring to synergistically address areas of excess fat to further contour your physique.

Improve your belly button appearance by turning an “outie” into an “innie,” correcting unwanted piercing holes and eliminating creases that form when seated. Restore a natural aesthetic to the central abdomen.

Precision liposuction and Renuvion® skin tightening are used to sculpt and define the upper arm. When significant excess is present, skin and fat are excised to restore an aesthetically pleasing size and contour.

Precision liposuction and Renuvion® skin tightening are used to sculpt and define the upper thigh, which can have profound effects on hip and buttock shape. When significant excess is present, skin and fat are excised to restore an aesthetically pleasing size and contour.

With Avéli, you can smooth the skin of your thighs and buttocks by reducing cellulite and dimpled skin. The procedure is minimally-invasive with little downtime.

Buttock augmentation with fat transfer adds volume to the buttocks, improving projection and contour in patients with flat, narrow, sagging or small buttocks. Advanced liposuction techniques are used to further enhance the overall body contour, synergistically transforming the post-operative physique.

Reshape the labia minora (inner lips) using specially designed surgical techniques to achieve a natural appearance without sacrificing sensation or function.
Patient Reviews

Jessica T.

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I am SO HAPPY with my new body!!

Dr. Mowlds replaced my breast implants and gave me a full tummy tuck. My scars are so minimal! The man has good hands! He took so much time to listen to me, care about my concerns and really understand the results I was hoping for. Can I just say, THIS MAN DELIVERED!! He actually gave me better results than I was hoping for. Finally a man who keeps his word! Hahahaha! His assistant, Mallory, also took so much time with me, checked in, listened, always responded to my messages right away and was just so sweet!! Two of my friends have also gone to him for breast augmentation because of how pleased I am with my experience and results. Thank you, Dr. Mowlds, for my reconstructed body-ody!! It’s amazing now bc of your skill and artistic craftsmanship!

Jessica T.

Abigail S.

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After a virtual consultation, I knew Dr. Mowlds was the right choice
After consulting with numerous plastic surgeons I decided on Dr. Mowlds for my c-section scar revision and Renuvion skin tightening. I had 3 emergency c-sections that had left me with a terrible looking scar. The added bonus was that he has the Renuvion skin tightening machine which is the gold standard in skin tightening and I am amazed at my results just 3 weeks out. I am so happy with my decision and would highly recommend Dr. Mowlds for any cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.

Abigail S.

Nicole K.

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Dr. Mowlds is a phenomenal surgeon and I feel so blessed to have had him do my surgery!!

I had symmastia breast reconstructive surgery done by Dr. Mowlds. I had lived the last 15 years with my breasts looking like a “uni-boob.” I felt so self conscious for many years. I also breast fed 2 kids so I had a lot of rippling and loss of saline in my old implants. Dr. Mowlds was extremely honest, caring and helpful with making the decision to fix my breasts. He listened to exactly what I wanted and his staff was absolutely amazing!! In order to reconstruct my breasts he used galaflex absorbable mesh to separate my breasts and make them normal again. I went with silicone implants this time and could not be happier with my results. Everyday I feel so thankful I can look in the mirror and feel normal. Dr. Mowlds is the ABSOLUTE BEST SURGEON!!

Nicole K.

Kristina M.

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I’m over the moon with my results and highly recommend Dr. Mowlds to EVERYONE!

Dr. Mowlds is THE next generation of great plastic surgeons here in Newport Beach! His attention to detail and perfection while remaining realistic in the results obtained, gives you confidence in his consistent outstanding outcomes. It had been 14 years and 2 kids since my last breast augmentation and lift. I was ready for a smaller pair and needed to redo my lift and change out the old implants. I had 6 other consultations all with World Renowned plastic surgeons and knew without a doubt Dr. Mowlds was the best choice. I was comfortable from start to finish and the staff took such good care of me on the day of surgery and made any butterflies immediately disappear. After a 5.5 hour reconstructive surgery, I was amazed at how gentle Dr. Mowlds was since my pain level was well below what I had anticipated. After 3 days, I didn’t even need to take Tylenol. Now I feel lighter, my clothes fit better and I feel like a whole new person.

Kristina M.

T. Hunter

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Dr. Mowlds is patient, kind, and he listens! And best of all he delivers!

Absolutely AMAZING! I had a breast reduction and revision done by him. I’ve wanted smaller, more manageable breasts since I developed at 16. I had a breast reduction done in the past by a Beverly Hills surgeon who didn’t listen and thought she knew better than me. We all know what it feels like to feel disappointed and unheard. I told Dr Mowlds, he heard how important it was for me to get what I always dreamed of. And he has changed my life! I have gorgeous breasts (exact size I asked for). I can do so much I was never able to do. Run, surf, snowboard. I feel free and so so thankful! 5 stars! He’s the best of the best! Highly recommend!

T. Hunter

Andrea R.

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I loved that Dr. Mowlds treated me like a friend who he wanted to have the best experience and results possible

Dr. Mowlds is the absolute BEST at what he does. I had a botched breast augmentation, which was causing me serious health concerns, chronic chest and back pain. I was extremely nervous as I didn’t think my issue could be resolved, let’s just say my breasts needed a lot of work. He is a true artist in his field, and my breasts are proof of that. Dr. Mowlds was professional, warm, knowledgeable, talented, and great at listening to my concerns and helping me understand everything along the way. I have already recommended a few of my girlfriends to go see him.

Andrea R.

Melanie M.

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It is quite evident Dr. Mowlds takes a lot of pride in the work that he performs!

Dr. Mowlds and his staff provided me with outstanding and professional healthcare. He always treated me with kindness and respect during our patient visits. I underwent an extensive back surgery and was not only concerned with the physical results, but additionally, the functional results of an extensive surgical closure. I am so grateful my neurosurgeon recommended and works in collaboration with Dr Mowlds. I am extremely pleased with the aesthetic results of my surgery and would not hesitate to recommend this professional practice.

Melanie M.

@DSMOWLDSMD

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Services & Procedures

All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.

Breast Surgery
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Body Surgery
Skin Tightening
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