31, transwoman, would lower body lift be best for loose skin in flanks/back? (Photos)

Question

I am a 31 year old trans woman who went through major weight loss back in 2016. I peaked at roughly 335 lbs, and currently I am just over 200 lbs. Ideally, I want to lose another 30-50 pounds long term. I have already had a tummy tuck in Dec 2020 and it addressed a lot of my insecurity, but I am still bothered by the excess skin along my flanks and back. Would a lower body lift be the best procedure to address the skin removal I need? Should I wait until I lose the 30 pounds I want? Pls help

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry!  The photos show the result of your weight loss journey.  Now you have the skin, the does not go anywhere.  A body lift would be an option for the next step.  We would love to meet with you to discuss your goals.  Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to continue the journey!

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

As you noticed, your abdominoplasty improved your front, but did not improve your flanks or your back or your buttocks.  A lower body lift would improve your back skin excess, your buttock contour, your flanks, and smooth your lateral thighs, and will blend in with your abdominoplasty to complete the rejuvenation of your trunk area.  I always encourage my patients to be at their best weight prior to their procedures, as this ends up with the best overall result, and minimize complications. Best wishes.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. A lower body lift will certainly address the loose skin in the flanks and lower back. If there is loose skin in the upper back a bra-line lift may also help. Please find an experienced Board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss!  Yes you can consider converting your tummy tuck to a circumferential lift to address your flanks and back.  It is best that you wait until you have reached your goal weight and are able to maintain it as this will allow your surgeon to maximize your results.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

It is wonderful what you have achieved after losing all the weight!! Congratulations!!
You have developed saggy skin not only on the lovehandles, most likely buttocks as well, your back, lateral chest, so you must acknowledge you are candidate to convert the TT into a Lower body lift (360) to tighten lovehandles and lift buttocks, but will not improve zero of the the back and lateral chest. 
The only way to improve back or lateral chest is an Upper Body lift which is an incision over the brassiere line 270 degrees. You may do that test in front of the mirror: lift your back and lateral abdomen and you will see the huge improvement of the shape of lower back, waistline and even abdomen. Definitely more feminine. 
Be encouraged!!
Dr. Cárdenas

31, transwoman, would lower body lift be best for loose skin in flanks/back? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Lower body lift

Answer: Lower body lift

Answer: After weight loss surgery

Answer: After weight loss surgery

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Everything you need to know about Body Lift

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31, transwoman, would lower body lift be best for loose skin in flanks/back? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Lower body lift

Answer: Lower body lift

Answer: After weight loss surgery

Answer: After weight loss surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Body Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.