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Hip and thigh augmentation

Hip and thigh augmentation encompasses a range of cosmetic procedures designed to enhance the contour, volume, and symmetry of the lower body. These procedures are often sought by individuals who desire a more proportionate silhouette or improved body curves. This is called thighplasty, thigh lift,

Background

Historically, body contouring procedures began developing in the early 20th century, including the use of injected silicone. This has been outlawed in many places to to the high risk of complications, including embolism, migration of the silicone, and autoimmune issues.

Meaningful advances did not occur until the introduction of liposuction in the 1970s. French surgeon Dr. Yves-Gerard Illouz is widely credited with pioneering modern liposuction techniques, which allowed surgeons to remove localized fat deposits with greater precision and fewer complications. Initially, these methods were primarily subtractive and focused on removing fat rather than enhancing volume. However, by the 1980s and 1990s, surgeons began experimenting with fat grafting, a process that involves harvesting fat from one area of the body and injecting it into another. Improvements in fat purification and injection methods eventually made augmentation procedures more predictable and longer-lasting.

Fat transfer

One of the most common approaches to hip and thigh augmentation today is autologous fat transfer. Often performed alongside procedures such as the Brazilian Butt Lift, fat is typically removed from the abdomen, flanks, or inner thighs and strategically injected into the hips to create a smoother transition from the waist to the thighs. This technique is sometimes referred to as “hip dips correction,” addressing the natural inward curve that some people have between the hip bone and upper thigh. Fat transfer is favored for its use of the patient’s own tissue, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions and can produce natural-looking results. However, not all transferred fat survives, and some patients may require additional treatments to achieve their desired outcome.

Implants

Another method involves the use of silicone implants, though these are less common for hips and thighs than for buttock augmentation. Hip implants can provide structure and projection for patients with insufficient body fat for grafting. The implants are typically placed beneath the fascia or muscle to create a subtle outward contour. While implants offer predictable volume, they carry risks such as infection, implant shifting, and visible edges, particularly in patients with thinner tissue coverage.

Injectable fillers

Injectable dermal fillers, including poly-L-lactic acid and other biostimulatory agents, can temporarily enhance hip contours by stimulating collagen production. These treatments usually involve minimal downtime but require repeat sessions to maintain results. Because large volumes may be needed for noticeable changes, patients are advised to seek experienced, board-certified providers to reduce the risk of complications.

References

Anger, J. (2005). Thigh augmentation: Submuscular placement of a silicone gel-filled prosthesis. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 25(1), 44–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asj.2004.11.001

Tambasco, D., Albanese, R., Tomaselli, F., Pinto, V., Pinelli, M., & De Santis, G. (2025). Minimizing Thighplasty Complications: A Combined Approach of J-Medial Pattern and Helium Plasma–Assisted Liposculpture. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, 156(2), 247–251. https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000011962

Resources

RealSelf (realself.com)

Qunomedical (qunomedical.com)

American Society of Plastic Surgeons (plasticsurgery.org)

  • Thigh Lift
  • plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/thigh-lift/procedure

Cleveland Clinic (clevelandclinic.org)