Belt lipectomy too tight?

Question

I’m 2 days post op, and I can’t stand upright at all! Is it possible I’m too tight? I am so tight, I have to walk hunch backed, which is killing my back. Will my skin and muscles stretch out again? So scared I will be walking like this for the rest of my life.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for a question regarding your belt lipectomy. Do not worry, you will be able to walk straight again! What you are describing is very common after a lower body lift or belt lipectomy. During the lower body lift or belt lipectomy, the buttock is pulled up and the tummy is pulled down. In addition, the abdominal muscle or rectus abdominis muscles are sutured tightly. The end result is that you are flexed forward or bent at the waist. The back feels tight and the front feels tight. This leads you to be bent at the waist when walking. This position puts undue pressure and strain on the back muscles which have to work overtime to compensate. With time, the abdominal muscles relax and the skin loosens and you will be able to walk upright. This may take one or two weeks. I would suggest you start out slowly. You are two days post-op from your body lift and you are not supposed to be able to stand straight.. If you are able to stand up straight two days after your body lift, your body lift probably was not done tightly enough. If you were my patient, I would prescribe pain medication and a muscle relaxant to help your back. Give yourself time. This will get better. Thank you for your questions regarding the lower body lift and walking hunched forward after a lower body lift. I hope that I have answered your questions, if you have any more questions regarding recovery after lower body lift, please contact my office. If you are seeking to have a lower body lift, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. 
Thanks!
Dr. Timothy Katzen

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

It is normal to feel like this postop and it is very early in the postop phase. Make sure to follow your PS's postop instructions.

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Congratulations on your journey with cosmetic surgery! Your question is very common! With a belt lipectomy there is a significant amount of skin that is excised and will take some time for everything to loosen up. It's actually a very good thing that you feel tight- although it may not feel like that right now. Ensure to sleep in a hunched V-position for the first week and listen to your body for when you are able to start straightening up when you walk. Take it easy and take your pain management as prescribed. you may feel that your back starts aching over the next couple days, warm compresses will help with some back discomfort.

Belt lipectomy too tight?

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Belt lipectomy too tight?

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