What is a lower body lift?

The lower body lift is a surgical procedure that tightens sagging skin in the buttocks, back of the thighs, hips, outer thighs, and front of the thighs. It is performed on patients that have had massive weight loss.  Lower body lift uses incisions that course from the back around the hips to the front of the thighs. The excess skin and fatty tissue is removed from below the incision to allow suspension of the remaining tissues to stretch and smooth the lower body, particularily the buttocks and thighs. It can be combined with an abdominal skin tightening if needed.

Who is a good candidate?

Good candidates are men or women that demonstrate:

• Excess or sagging skin of the buttocks and back
• Excess or sagging skin of the hips and of the thighs
• Excess or sagging skin of the abdomen or of the inner thigh
• Massive weight loss
• A Stable weight and weight that is close to their ideal weight
• Non-smokers
• Overall good health

What to expect during your consultation

Dr. Stephenson will evaluate your overall health and more specifically evaluate your skin quality, skin laxity, the amount of fat present in the thigh, buttocks and hip area.  He will also evaluate for any weakness of the abdominal muscles to develop your individual plan. He will also review the risks of lower body lift surgery.  Dr. Stephenson encourages you to discuss any areas of your appearance that concern you as well what you hope to accomplish with surgery.  This will help Dr. Stephenson understand your goals/expectations and whether these expectations can be realistically achieved.

Lower body lift Recovery

Swelling and bruising are expected after lower body lift surgery.  The bruising and much of the swelling will disappear over several weeks although this will vary between patients. However, it may be months before all swelling subsides and you see the final result. A compression garment will be required to control swelling, prevent fluid collections beneath the skin and to help the overlying tissues adapt to your new contour.  There will be some numbness over portions of the abdominal, thigh, buttocks, hip and back areas, and this may persist for several months. You should be able to return to very modest duties in two weeks with complete recovery in about six weeks.

BODY CONTOURING SURGERY CREDENTIALS

Credentials matter. Dr. Stephenson has received extensive training in body contouring surgery including body lift.  He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Stephenson will be happy to discuss how a lower body lift may be beneficial to you.  To schedule a consultation with Dr. Stephenson at Signature Plastic Surgery, call (770) 466-4700.