Circumferential or Lower Body Lift

Lower Body Lift is a large surgical procedure done in cases where there is significant excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen, outer thigh, and sagging buttocks.  Different variations of the procedure can be done depending on the patient’s anatomy and desires.
In general, it must be emphasized that this set of procedures are long (4 to 6 hours of surgery) and a one to two day stay in hospital is necessary.  The scars are sizable.   The trade-off of course is a significant improvement in body contour, which is very satisfying.

Although there are several variations, the typical Lower Body Lift involves an incision in the lowest portion of the front of the abdomen just above the pubic area and outer hip bones which then curves around on the back above the buttocks at about the level just below the belt line.  Often a significant amount of skin and fat can be removed.

As mentioned above, surgery is long and recovery is prolonged.  It is usually a 3 to 4 week recovery.  Two to 4 drains are used which stay in for a week or 10 days.  Complications include bleeding, infection, wound opening (dehiscence), prolonged drainage and poor scars.

Again, the surgery is significant but the reward in terms of improved contour can be very satisfying.  It is important to have a good support system at home to help in recovery.  Insurance considers this to be a cosmetic procedure and surgery should be postponed until you have lost as much weight as you can.  This will give you a better result.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Topol, give our office a call or send us an e-mail.