How can I prevent my butt from flattening after a lower body lift?

Congratulations on your massive weight loss and taking me next step, namely a 360 circumferential lower body lift.  After a 360 circumferential lower body lift, it is not uncommon to have a flatter buttock. Most patients buttocks are made of fat.  The 360 circumferential lower bodylift removes skin and fat from the upper portion of the buttock.  In addition, in the front, the lower body lift pulls the abdomen down towards the beltline. However, in the back, the lower bodylift pulls the buttock up towards the belt line. Both removing skin and fat from the upper portion of the buttock and lifting the buttock upward can flatten the buttock.  After a 360 bodylift, buttock flattening depends on the amount of initial buttock fat and the amount of skin and fat removed.  There are three common methods I use in my massive weight loss patients to correct for a flatten buttock. One is performed at the same time as the 360 lower bodylift while the other two methods are done during a second procedure.After a 360 lower bodylift, one method to correct a flattened buttock with butt augmentation is fat transfer. Fat is suctioned from one area, filtered, and injected into the buttock. Typically, I perform buttock fat transfer while I am performing a medial thigh lift. It is the opportune time to perform this fat transfer.  During a medial thigh lift, fat is aspirated from the medial and lateral thigh and lower legs; typically, if the fat is used for transfer, this fat is thrown away.Another method to correct a flat buttock is with buttock augmentation with implants. Typically, I perform this when I am doing the medial thigh lift.  Buttock implants are made silicone and add significant shape to the buttock.  This procedure should not be performed at the same time as the 360 over body lift; there is too much tension in the flap and too much risk of infection and breakdown.Another method to correct a flat buttock is with a "turn down" flap. During the 360 lower body lift, skin is removed from the upper portion of the buttock flap.  This flap of fat and dermis is "turned down" on top of the buttock.  Then the incision is closed. This method is quite effective and uses your own tissue to augment your buttock.  However, this technique is challenging and I would suggest only going to a plastic surgeon with a significant amount of experience with this procedure. There can be a high complication rate.All in all, however, most patients are extremely happy with their body after a 360 lower  bodylift. Good luck with your 360 lower body lift.

  Dear angelcee,  In many cases, a LBL will cause flattening in you buttocks. This is desired for some patients. In others who wish for a fuller look, autoaugmentation may be very helpful. Discuss this with your surgeon or consult with another surgeon to discuss options. Good luck. #Dr. Gervais

   There are several options here.   Fat transfer may be reasonable.  Autoaugmentation may be reasonable.  Buttock implants may be reasonable.  I perform all of these, so this is really what is best for you and what you want.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA