What’s Involved in a Lower Body Lift

What’s Involved in a Lower Body Lift

A lower body lift is an extensive surgical procedure designed to reshape your abdomen, hips, buttocks, and thighs. Technically known as a belt lipectomy, this type of operation is an excellent option for those who struggle with sagging skin in their lower body. The excess skin could be due to childbirth or the natural aging process. Losing a substantial amount of weight could also leave you with overly stretched skin on various parts of your body. Are you interested in this procedure? Here's what you can expect from a lower body lift:

• Anesthesia. Your plastic surgeon will administer medications to ensure optimal comfort during your surgery. They will recommend whether intravenous sedation or general anesthesia is better for your case. Because of its nature, your surgeon may also require spinal anesthesia. A lower body lift generally takes between five to eight hours, depending on the extent of your surgery. The procedure requires an overnight stay in a well-equipped hospital or surgical facility. 

• Making the Incision. The length and pattern of your incision will depend on the amount of excess skin your surgeon will have to remove. They will also consider the location of the problem area then exercise medical judgment. The incisions around your body will get rid of an apron of sagging skin and fats. A popular technique applied in lower body lift is an incision that's similar to a bikini pattern. Several advanced techniques are now possible, letting your surgeon make an incision in strategic locations. This way, the scars can be easily hidden by most kinds of clothing and beachwear. 

• Closing the Wound. A lower body lift aims to tighten your abdomen, waist, groin, buttocks, and thighs in a single procedure. The purpose of proper wound closure is to ensure that the incision is closed as tightly as possible without causing tension on your skin's top layer. Too much tension when suturing may cause the scar to stretch wider and grow thicker. For this reason, your surgeon will create deep sutures within your underlying tissues. To keep the scars at a minimum, they will put tension on the deeper layers of your skin. This will help form and support your new contour. Your surgeon may use sutures, skin adhesives, clips, and tapes to close your incisions.

• Recovery Process. Those who undergo a lower body lift will have to deal with a lengthy recovery period. Due to the extensive incisions performed, your skin and entire body will require adequate time to heal and adjust to their new positions. Most patients require two to three weeks before they could resume a light routine. You must avoid exercise or any strenuous activities for at least a month or so. Recovery could be painful, but your surgeon will prescribe medicines to ease the discomfort. In general, it takes about a full year before you may fully recover from a lower body lift. 

Do you want to improve your appearance with a lower body lift? You must be in good general health and have realistic expectations to be considered for the operation. With Scott Harris, MD, we can discuss lower body lift and see if you're a good candidate for this surgery. Call our office today in Plano, Texas, to schedule your appointment.