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

Question

I'm having the Lower body lift in a few weeks . I read that the LBL can make your butt flat after. does this happen to everyone or does it depend on how much buttock area you have before the LBL. how can I prevent this from happening to me, Thank you

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Douglas L. Gervais, MD · Answer

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

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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

David Shifrin, MD · Answer

Find a surgeon who can use the tissue as an auto augmentation instead of throwing it out. It's an advanced technique. I attached a link as an example of one I performed.Cheers

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

A buttock lift in many weight loss patients can flatten the buttock.  A very popular option for my patients is a buttock auto-augmentation procedure that can be done at the same time as a body lift.  In this procedure, I essentially utilize the skin and fat that would be normally thrown away in a body lift.  I keep this tissue attached to its blood supply, and I use this tissue and your own natural buttock "implant".   This is not a foreign body implant. The added volume comes from your own tissue.   This is also not fat grafting (brazilian buttock augmentation).  Please see a board certified PS experienced with this procedure to learn more about your options.Best wishes,Dr. BasuHouston, TX

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

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Answer: Flat butt

Answer: Flat butt

Answer: Body lift and buttock

Answer: Body lift and buttock

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Flat butt

Answer: Flat butt

Answer: Body lift and buttock

Answer: Body lift and buttock

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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.