"Lower Body Lift"
This is also referred to a "circumferential lipectomy" or a "belt lipectomy." After massive weight loss, the excess skin remains and sags. This procedure is designed to simultaneously address the excess skin in both the front and the back of the body. A lower body lift is equivalent to "pulling up your pants." When done correctly, it not only results in an improved appearance of the abdomen and lower back, but also provides a powerful improvement in the buttock and outer thigh contour. The laxity of the abdominal muscles can also be tightened during this procedure. The scar is placed in an area that is well-concealed beneath clothing or bathing suits.
A Lower Body Lift is one of the most powerful body contouring procedures available after massive weight loss. It is commonly among the first procedrues performed after losing weight.
Body + After Weight Loss + Lower Body Lift - GC + Lower body lift 2 + Lower Body Lift
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Anyone who has lost a significant amount of weight and has excess skin on the front and the back of the body is a candidate. Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, such as gastric banding or gastric bypass, should have a plateau of their weight loss for at least 6 months prior to undergoing the procedure.
Generally, no. Insurance companies have been extremely reluctant to pay for this surgery except in the most extreme circumstances. We are happy to work with you and your insurance company to facilitate any paperwork necessary for approval. However, most insurance companies regard this surgery as "cosmetic" in nature.
Yes. This surgery can take upwards of 6 hours to perform. Patients generally stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 nights after surgery.
Generally, no. There can be some blood loss during this surgery, but usually not enough to warrant a blood transfusion. However, if your blood count is low to begin with (as is often the case after bariatric surgery) this may increase the likelihood of needing a transfusion.
Yes. Until just recently, the removed skin was unsuitable for donation. However, new technology allows for the donation of your skin for reconstruction after cancer, accidents, and burns. Currently, we are the only physicians in New York performing this procedure.
As with any surgery, complications include bleeding and infection. Body lifts have an increased incidence of wound healing complications that are usually minor. Also, fluid collections (seromas) are common and may require drainage if they persist.
Patients feel significantly better after 2 weeks. There are usually 4 drains that are placed during the surgery and can remain for 2 to 3 weeks. I recommend six weeks of reduced activites. The entire recovery period may take from several months to 1 year.
No. Many patients chose to divide this surgery into 2 separate procedures. This may be the right choice for you from a financial or a recovery standpoint.
Yes, it is true that this procedure can result in flattening of the gluteal region (buttocks). Several refinements have been made in the technique which minimize this flattening effect. Also, some patients may be candidates for buttock augmentation. This is done with the tissue that would normally be discarded during this procedure, not with implants.