ABOUT LOWER BODY LIFT SURGERY
A lower body lift is a body contouring procedure that removes excess skin and fat to reshape and lift certain areas of the body affected by weight loss or pregnancy. The surgery targets the mid and the lower body, including the abdomen, buttocks, lower back, flanks, and upper thighs. Depending upon how much skin removal is required, a circumferential 360 incision may be made, which allows the greatest amount of skin excision and lift. This is a major surgery and can redefine a patient’s lower body. The surgeons at Advanced Plastic Surgery Center in Arlington, VA have special training with skin removal surgeries. In many cases, this surgery at Advanced Plastic Surgery Center in Arlington, VA allows patients to not only reach their weight loss goals, but to complete their overall transformation with a tighter figure that looks healthy and normal.
SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
An incision is made around the torso from front to back. Depending on your needs, additional incisions may be necessary under the crease of the buttocks and/or in the groin area. He then excises loose skin, tightens muscles in some cases, and uses liposuction to remove excess fatty tissue. For this part of the procedure, a small tube called a cannula is inserted into an incision and attached to a suction device, which removes precise amounts of fat. This process also improves cellulite. The incisions are then sutured and bandaged, and you are given a compression garment to wear for a period of time.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The surgeons at Advanced Plastic Surgery Center are very particular about patient care after procedures, so he will meet with you multiple times throughout the recovery process to monitor your healing. All surgical follow-up appointments are provided free of charge, as he wants you to feel comfortable with bringing up any concerns or questions you have.
Drains are usually inserted into incisions to capture post-surgical fluids. We will show you how to care for them, and they will be removed in a few days. The sutures are removed in 1 – 2 weeks. For the majority of the bruising and swelling to subside, however, recovery takes several weeks. The swelling will resolve last, but the compression garments will keep swelling to a minimum. It’s normal to experience soreness, bruising, tightness, numbness, itching, and swelling after surgery. We will give you a prescription for pain medication and an antibiotic.
Since strenuous activity can increase blood pressure, it’s very important to avoid heavy exercise for at least six weeks. However, being completely inactive is one of the worst things you can do after a procedure. The surgeons will let you know when you can begin to take regular walks. You should be able to resume light exercise after about six weeks.
Scars will become less noticeable after enough time has passed for them to mature. We will give you strategies to help the scars heal faster and better.
Rest assured that we will give you detailed instructions for your recovery, and we will be available to answer your questions and monitor your progress during follow-up examinations. Advanced Plastic Surgery Center believes in providing the attention you need to feel comfortable about your procedure, and he loves getting to know his patients.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What areas does a lower body lift treat?
A lower body lift will dramatically reshape your abdomen, waist, upper and lower buttocks, and outer thighs. Patient results may vary.
How long does a lower body lift last?
The techniques are long lasting, but some fat and loose skin can recur. The best way to maintain your results is to maintain a stable and healthy weight.
What kind of anesthesia is required for a lower body lift?
The surgery is performed using general anesthesia and usually requires one or two nights in the hospital. Anesthesia is always provided by a board-certified anesthesiologist.
When can I return to work after a lower body lift?
Most patients return to the office within 3 – 4 weeks. If you have a job that requires lifting or physical work, you may need 4 – 6 weeks
