Massive weight loss is a tremendous accomplishment, but can be accompanied by some unwelcome physical changes. Redundant skin and deflation of the buttock, thighs and abdomen can be challenging to manage. A lower body lift can address these issues, and improve contour and comfort.
What is a lower body lift?
Lower body lift is a surgical procedure that targets the abdomen, outer thighs, and buttocks. This procedure is usually intended for patients who have undergone massive weight loss due to surgeries or dramatic lifestyle changes. When you lose large amounts of weight over a short period of time, you can be left with excess skin that causes irritation, rashes, and mobility issues. During a lower body lift, Dr. Vial makes strategic incisions to remove redundant skin and strengthen underlying muscles.
Does a lower body lift flatten the buttocks?
Patients are often concerned that the lower body lift will flatten the buttocks. However, Dr. Vial believes that volume restoration and preservation are just as important as the removal of redundant skin. To that end, he uses specialized techniques to remove unwanted skin while repurposing that tissue to add volume to the buttocks.
Candidates for a lower body lift:
In general, candidates for lower body lift:
- Are in good physical and mental health
- Are at their goal weight with a body mass index below 30
- Have been weight stable for 6 months
- Do not have underlying medical conditions that preclude surgery
- Have normal nutrition labs (prealbumin and iron studies)
- Are non-smokers or are willing to stop smoking one month before and one month after the procedure
- Do not use nicotine products, or are willing to stop using products one month before and one month after the procedure (gum, chews, patch, vape)
- Are not exposed to second-hand smoke
- Have realistic expectations from the surgery
- Have redundant skin on the abdomen, buttocks and outer thighs
How is a lower body lift performed?
Your lower body lift journey starts with a consultation with Dr. Vial. Dr. Vial carefully examines your abdomen, buttock and thighs, and discusses your goals and expectations. Based on your unique expectations and condition, he creates an individualized surgical plan for you.
Lower body lift is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. The day of surgery, Dr. Vial marks your abdomen and buttock. He reviews the planned scars with you. Once you are under anesthesia, Dr. Vial makes incisions along the waistline. The length of the incisions depends on the amount of excess skin; larger incisions are necessary to remove larger amounts of skin. The incisions are closed with absorbable suture and you are placed in a surgical garment.
What is the recovery process after a lower body lift?
How you recover in the three months after your surgery determines the outcome for years to come. Dr. Vial will provide a list of step-by-step recovery guidelines after your surgery. After lower body lift surgery, you will be placed in an abdominal binder with bandages. The bandages will be removed 48 hours after surgery for showering. You will wear a compression garment for 2 months following surgery. Most patients can resume normal activities and work after 2-3 weeks, but you should avoid strenuous activities, especially those that involve bending at the waist for 8 weeks.
What are the risks of lower body lift?
Dr. Vial prioritizes safety above all else and performs your lower body lift using the safest surgical techniques. He only works with board-certified anesthesiologists and certified nurses to ensure optimal and consistent results. However, all surgeries, including lower body lift, carry inherent risks that Dr. Vial will discuss during your consultation.
The complications unique to lower body lift that are reported nationally include, but are not limited to:
- Seroma (fluid collection)
- Wound break down (incisions opening)
Why choose Dr. Vial for your lower body lift?
Dr. Vial is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience in body contouring surgery. He has trained at the world’s best institutions where many of these procedures were invented and continue to be advanced. He makes safety a top priority and has developed a reputation for beautiful, natural results.
