5'4, 139lbs, 41, no children, diagnosed with lipedema - will back lift or thigh lift solve this? (Photos)

Question

Hello doctors, I am 41 yrs of age no children and don't plan on having any. I have been diagnosed with Lipedema and did a full liposuction to back and full legs and lowerbody in 2019. Pal-power assisted lipo was used. Unfortunately it left me with uneven buttocks area and loose skin. I am 5.4 and weight 139 lb. Should I consider a lift? What type and how to possible improve this situation. Thank you for your help.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello maria.georgas. Thank you for your question regarding whether you need a back lift or a thigh lift to solve ex skin left over from PAL power-assisted liposuction to your back and full legs for the treatment of lipedema
Thank you for your history and your pictures. First, let’s analyze your pictures. In examining your upper middle and lower third of your back. I do not see any excess Skin or Fat. Therefore, I would not suggest a back lift or torso plasty. If you have isolated areas of fat on your back, you may be amenable to isolated liposuction. In regards to your buttocks, I would suggest a posterior body lift or a superior butt lift. This would entail an incision across the top of your buttocks. During the surgery, an elliptical area of upper buttock skin would be removed, and your buttocks would be raised, reduced, and better shaped. In regards to your thighs, I would suggest a medial or inner vertical longitudinal medial five lift. During a thigh lift, typically thigh liposuction is performed, and an incision is made from your groin down your inner thigh. If you have extra skin and fat to your knee, the incision is carried to your knee. If you have just isolated Skin and Fat to the upper third or upper half of the inner thigh, the incision does not need to extend the knee. Indeed, if you only have fat in the upper third of your inner thigh, the scar would just extend slightly pass this excess area of Skin and Fat. Both the posterior buttock lift or posterior body lift can be combined with the thigh lift and reduction. These procedures are performed under General anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Plan on a 3 to 4 week recovery. I hope this helps answer your question regarding whether you need a back lift or a thigh lift to solve, wrinkled skin and uneven buttocks left after liposuction performed for lipedema. Good luck.If you have any more questions regarding back liposuction, back lift, vertical torsoplasty, hour-glassing procedure, horizontal torsoplasty, bra strap plasty, or braplasty, please contact my office. Since the torsoplasty is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the vertical and horizontal torsoplasty.  Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 100 torsoplasty surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced, torsoplasty plastic surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (President of  the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There are a few options for you to consider for improvement.  Aveli is a FDA approved one time treatment that can address cellulite.  It targets the fibrous bands that create the dimpled look.  The treatment is done in the office with minimal down time.  For lax skin you may be a candidate for BodyTite.  This minimally invasive procedure uses RF technology to tighten skin.  No general anesthesia is required. See my website or visit a provider near you to learn more.

5'4, 139lbs, 41, no children, diagnosed with lipedema - will back lift or thigh lift solve this? (Photos)

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Everything you need to know about Back Lift

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5'4, 139lbs, 41, no children, diagnosed with lipedema - will back lift or thigh lift solve this? (Photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Back Lift

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