Does a Lower Body Lift Include a Butt Lift? Will a LBL Get Rid of my Excess Thigh Skin?

Hi Saggymom,
Buttocks lifts are included in a lower body lift. The incision goes from the abdomen, over the hips, onto the buttocks. During that surgery, the abdominal skin, lateral hip skin, and buttock skin is removed. Excess skin on the upper outer portion of the thigh is removed but none on the inner portion.Compare before and after body lifts that are available online to determine if you would be a good candidate for a lower body lift.
Thank you, J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS

Typically a lower body lift or belt lipectomy does include a
buttock lift.  During a body lift a
circumferential incision is made and then that one incision is used to tighten
the abdomen, lift the outer thighs as well as lift the buttocks.I  f you would like to add additional volume to
the buttocks after that area has been lifted a fat transfer could be done.  A fat transfer or Brazilian Butt Lift
involves liposuctioning areas of stubborn fat from other areas of the body and
then injecting the fat into the buttock area.  The lateral thigh lift included with the body lift is designed to remove
excess skin from your outer thighs.  If
excess skin in your inner thighs is a concern for you then a medial thigh lift
would be needed to remove the excess skin from your inner thighs which is
considered a separate procedure.  Be sure
to research for only board certified plastic surgeons in your area.  Then schedule an appointment for a
consultation and thorough physical exam to make sure you are a candidate for a
body lift.Be well and good luck!@norrisplastic

This term seems not to have a universally accepted definition. Most use it interchangeable with the term "belt lipectomy" which is is essence and extension of a tummy tuck all around the back.

It will include, from front to back:


tummy tuck

lateral thigh lift

buttock lift (upper buttock)


It will get rid of lateral thigh skin,, but not medial thigh skin. Seeing a board certified plastic surgeon can get your specific issues addressed.

Thanks for your question, best wishes.

A lower body lift is also referred to as  circumferential body lift = belt lipectomy.  This procedure is essentially 3 procedures in one: extended tummy tuck + waist/lateral thigh lift + buttock lift.  The buttock lift can also include buttock augmentation.  The lateral thigh lift will help contour the lateral aspect of your thighs.  The procedure can taken between 5-7 hours depending on the amount of tissue/skin that needs removal/treatment.  Please see a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more about your options.
Dr. Sugene Kim

Dear Emily San,

For most plastic surgeons, a Lower Body Lift will include an abdominoplasty(Tummy Tuck), a Lateral Thigh Lift, and a Buttock Lift.  This is why the incision extends all the way around the body.  Depending where the excess tissues are in your thighs, a LBL may be able to remove a significant amount of your lax thigh tissues.  Loose tissues on the outside of thighs will respond better than loose tissues on the inside of the thighs.  The higher up on the thigh, the better-tissues down by your knees will not get the same result with a LBL as in the saddlebag area.  

For a more complete answer to your question, please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who with an examination and a consultation can best help you choose the right combination of procedures for you.  Best of luck.

Most plastic surgeons refer to a body lift as a circumferential body lift = belt lipectomy.  This procedure is essentially 3 procedures in one: extended tummy tuck + waist/lateral thigh lift + buttock lift (with the option of buttock augmentation).  So a body lift will not treat the upper medial thighs or inner thighs.   Please visit with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to learn more about your options.

Thank you for your question.

Lower Body Lifting generally does lift the buttocks as well as the lateral thighs.  The extent to which these are lifted depends on each individual patient's starting point.

Visit with well experienced plastic surgeons who can show you examples of lower body lifts.

A lower body lift will also lift the buttock region. I always tell patients that the closer the laxity is to the incision the more likely it will improve the area. So for the thighs especially the lateral, it will look better higher up on the thigh than the lower part.