A method of making a stimulation lead is described, the method including providing a pre-electrode assembly comprising a plurality of segmented electrodes (702) and a plurality of raised connectors (704). Each of the segmented electrodes is coupled to at least one other of the segmented electrodes by at least one of the raised connectors. The method further includes forming the pre-electrode assembly into a tube with the tube defining a longitudinal axis. Each of the raised connectors is disposed at a radius with respect to the longitudinal axis that is greater than a radius of any of the segmented electrodes with respect to the longitudinal axis. The method also includes forming at least a portion of a lead body around the segmented electrodes of the pre-electrode assembly and grinding the tube comprising the pre-electrode assembly and a portion of the lead body to remove the plurality of raised connectors leaving the plurality of segmented electrodes and the portion of the lead body.
