By Do you want to have a more feminine and curvy figure? Do you feel insecure about your hips and thighs being too narrow or flat? If so, you may be interested in thigh and hip augmentation, a cosmetic procedure that can enhance the shape and size of your lower body.
Thigh and hip augmentation is a type of body sculpting surgery that involves placing silicone implants or transferring fat to the lateral thigh and hip area. The goal is to create a more balanced and attractive silhouette, with smoother curves and fuller hips.
In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about thigh and hip augmentation, including:
- The benefits and risks of the procedure
- The different types of implants and fat transfer techniques
- The cost and recovery time
- The expected results and how to maintain them
- Some frequently asked questions
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of thigh and hip augmentation and whether it is right for you. Let’s get started!
Benefits of Thigh and Hip Augmentation
Thigh and hip augmentation can offer many benefits for people who are unhappy with their lower body shape. Some of the advantages of this procedure are:
- It can improve your body proportions and enhance your curves
- It can boost your self-confidence and self-esteem
- It can make you look more feminine and attractive
- It can help you fit better in clothes and swimwear
- It can correct congenital or acquired deformities or asymmetries
Thigh and hip augmentation can also complement other body contouring procedures, such as a Brazilian butt lift or a tummy tuck, for a more comprehensive transformation.
Risks of Thigh and Hip Augmentation
Like any surgery, thigh and hip augmentation has some potential risks and complications. Some of the common ones are:
- Infection, bleeding, bruising, swelling, or pain
- Implant rupture, displacement, rotation, or extrusion
- Capsular contracture (scar tissue formation around the implant)
- Nerve damage or numbness
- Fat necrosis (death of fat cells) or fat embolism (fat entering the bloodstream)
- Poor wound healing or scarring
- Unsatisfactory aesthetic results or asymmetry
To minimize these risks, it is important to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon who can perform the procedure safely and effectively. You should also follow the preoperative and postoperative instructions carefully and report any signs of complications to your doctor.
Types of Thigh and Hip Augmentation
There are two main methods of thigh and hip augmentation: implants and fat transfer. Each one has its pros and cons, depending on your goals, preferences, anatomy, and budget.
Implants
Implants are synthetic devices that are inserted under the skin and muscle of the thigh and hip area. They are usually made of silicone gel or solid silicone rubber, which are biocompatible materials that mimic the feel of natural tissue.
The advantages of implants are:
- They provide a predictable and permanent result
- They can achieve a significant increase in volume and projection
- They do not require liposuction or donor sites
- They have a low risk of infection or fat necrosis
The disadvantages of implants are:
- They require larger incisions and longer recovery time
- They may be more noticeable or palpable under the skin
- They may cause more discomfort or interference with movement
- They may have a higher risk of implant-related complications
Fat Transfer
Fat transfer is a technique that involves harvesting fat from one part of your body (such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs) using liposuction, processing it to remove impurities, and injecting it into the desired areas of the thigh and hip.
The advantages of fat transfer are:
- It uses your own natural tissue, which eliminates the risk of allergic reaction or rejection
- It provides a more natural-looking and feeling result
- It requires smaller incisions and shorter recovery time
- It improves the contour of both the donor and recipient sites
The disadvantages of fat transfer are:
- It provides a less predictable and less permanent result
- It can achieve only a moderate increase in volume and projection
- It requires sufficient fat reserves in other parts of your body
- It has a higher risk of fat absorption or unevenness
Cost of Thigh and Hip Augmentation
The cost of thigh and hip augmentation varies depending on several factors, such as:
- The type of procedure (implants or fat transfer)
- The size, shape, and quality of the implants (if used)
- The amount of fat harvested and transferred (if used)
- The surgeon’s experience and reputation
- The geographic location of the clinic
- The anesthesia fees, facility fees, medication fees, etc.
According to RealSelf, a website that collects reviews from cosmetic surgery patients, the average cost of thigh augmentation with implants in the US is $11,281. The average cost of hip augmentation with fat transfer in the US is $6,800.
However, these are only rough estimates, and the actual cost may vary significantly from one case to another. The best way to get an accurate quote is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your specific needs and goals.
Recovery from Thigh and Hip Augmentation
The recovery time from thigh and hip augmentation depends on the type of procedure, the extent of the surgery, and your individual healing process. In general, you can expect the following:
- You will need to stay in the hospital or clinic for a few hours or overnight after the surgery
- You will need to wear a compression garment or bandage for several weeks to reduce swelling and support the healing tissues
- You will need to take painkillers, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs as prescribed by your doctor
- You will need to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and excessive bending or twisting for at least six weeks
- You will need to avoid sitting or lying on your buttocks or thighs for at least two weeks
- You will need to sleep on your back or side with pillows under your legs for at least two weeks
- You will need to attend follow-up visits with your doctor to monitor your progress and remove any stitches or drains
- You will be able to resume your normal activities and exercise routine after six to eight weeks
- You will see the final results of your surgery after three to six months, when the swelling subsides and the implants or fat settle into place
Results of Thigh and Hip Augmentation
Thigh and hip augmentation can provide you with a more curvy and feminine figure that can enhance your appearance and confidence. However, you should have realistic expectations about what this procedure can and cannot do for you.
Some of the things you should know about the results of thigh and hip augmentation are:
- They are not guaranteed to last forever. Implants may need to be replaced or removed in the future due to complications or aging. Fat transfer may lose some volume over time due to weight fluctuations or metabolism.
- They are not immune to changes. Your body shape may still change due to pregnancy, menopause, lifestyle habits, or medical conditions. You may need additional procedures or treatments to maintain or improve your results.
- They are not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise. Thigh and hip augmentation can improve your body contour, but it cannot address issues such as cellulite, stretch marks, sagging skin, or muscle tone. You should still follow a balanced diet and exercise regimen to keep your body fit and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions that people ask about thigh and hip augmentation:
Q: Am I a good candidate for thigh and hip augmentation?
A: You may be a good candidate for thigh and hip augmentation if you:
- Are in good physical and mental health
- Have realistic expectations and goals
- Have narrow or flat hips and thighs that make you feel insecure or unattractive
- Have enough fat reserves in other parts of your body (if opting for fat transfer)
- Do not smoke or are willing to quit before and after the surgery
The best way to determine your candidacy is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess your anatomy, medical history, and personal preferences.
Q: How do I choose a surgeon for thigh and hip augmentation?
A: Choosing a surgeon for thigh and hip augmentation is a very important decision that can affect your safety and satisfaction. You should look for a surgeon who:
- Is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or equivalent
- Has extensive experience and expertise in thigh and hip augmentation
- Has a portfolio of before-and-after photos that demonstrate their skills and aesthetic sense
- Has positive reviews and testimonials from previous patients
- Has a friendly and professional demeanor that makes you feel comfortable and confident
You should also visit several surgeons for consultations before making your final choice. This will allow you to compare their qualifications, fees, facilities, and rapport.
Q: How do I prepare for thigh and hip augmentation?
A: To prepare for thigh and hip augmentation, you should:
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding medications, supplements, alcohol, smoking, etc.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and stay with you for the first night
- Pack a bag with comfortable clothes, toiletries, medications, pillows, etc.
- Prepare your home with easy-to-reach items, such as food, water, books, phone charger, etc.
- Plan ahead for your work, childcare, household chores, etc.
Q: How do I take care of myself after thigh and hip augmentation?
A: To take care of yourself after thigh and hip augmentation, you should:
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding wound care, dressing changes, showering, etc.
- Keep the incisions clean and dry
- Avoid touching or putting pressure on the implants or fat grafts
- Report any signs of infection
- Elevate your legs and apply ice packs to reduce swelling and pain
- Drink plenty of fluids and eat a balanced diet to promote healing
- Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and excessive bending or twisting for at least six weeks
- Avoid sitting or lying on your buttocks or thighs for at least two weeks
- Sleep on your back or side with pillows under your legs for at least two weeks
- Attend follow-up visits with your doctor to monitor your progress and remove any stitches or drains
- See the final results of your surgery after three to six months, when the swelling subsides and the implants or fat settle into place
Conclusion
Thigh and hip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that can enhance the shape and size of your lower body. It can improve your body proportions, boost your self-confidence, and make you look more feminine and attractive. However, it also has some risks and limitations that you should be aware of before deciding to undergo it.
If you are interested in thigh and hip augmentation, you should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your anatomy, medical history, and personal preferences. They can help you choose the best method (implants or fat transfer) and design a customized treatment plan that suits your goals and expectations.
Thigh and hip augmentation can provide you with a more curvy and feminine figure that can enhance your appearance and confidence. However, you should also take good care of yourself after the surgery and maintain a healthy lifestyle to preserve your results.
We hope this article has given you some useful information about thigh and hip augmentation. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you!
FAQs
Q: How long does thigh and hip augmentation last?
A: The longevity of thigh and hip augmentation depends on the type of procedure, the quality of the implants or fat, and your individual factors. Implants may last for 10 years or more, but they may need to be replaced or removed in the future due to complications or aging. Fat transfer may last for several years, but some of the fat may be absorbed by your body over time.
Q: How much does thigh and hip augmentation hurt?
A: Thigh and hip augmentation is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, so you will not feel any pain during the surgery. After the surgery, you may experience some discomfort, soreness, or tightness in the treated areas. Your doctor will prescribe painkillers to help you manage the pain. Most patients report that the pain is tolerable and subsides within a few days.
Q: How do I choose the size and shape of my implants or fat grafts?
A: The size and shape of your implants or fat grafts depend on your anatomy, goals, preferences, and surgeon’s recommendations. Your surgeon will measure your hips and thighs and use computer imaging or sizers to show you how different options will look on you. You should choose an option that matches your desired outcome and fits your body frame.
Q: What are the alternatives to thigh and hip augmentation?
A: If you are not a good candidate for thigh and hip augmentation or do not want to undergo surgery, there are some non-surgical alternatives that can improve your lower body shape. Some of them are:
- Injectable fillers: These are substances that are injected into the hips and thighs to add volume and smoothness. They are temporary and require repeated treatments to maintain the results.
- Body contouring devices: These are machines that use heat, cold, ultrasound, radiofrequency, or laser to destroy fat cells or stimulate collagen production in the hips and thighs. They are non-invasive and have minimal downtime, but they may not provide significant results.
- Exercise and diet: These are natural ways to tone your muscles and reduce excess fat in your hips and thighs. They are safe and effective, but they require discipline and patience.
Q: Can I combine thigh and hip augmentation with other procedures?
A: Yes, you can combine thigh and hip augmentation with other procedures to achieve a more comprehensive transformation. Some of the common procedures that can be combined with thigh and hip augmentation are:
- Brazilian butt lift: This is a procedure that transfers fat from other parts of your body to your buttocks to enhance their shape and size.
- Tummy tuck: This is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from your abdomen and tightens the underlying muscles to create a flatter and firmer belly.
- Liposuction: This is a procedure that removes unwanted fat from specific areas of your body using a suction device.
- Breast augmentation: This is a procedure that inserts implants or transfers fat to your breasts to increase their volume and projection.