Lower body lift, thigh lift, lower back lift, or a combination? (Photo)

Question

I am a bariatric patient (23 YO, 5'4, 170ish lbs, 130-150lbs lost). I recently had a breast aug done & I am so thrilled to feel attractive from the waist up. But as you can see I have wrinkly legs, buttocks, & stomach skin. I have no children yet & don't know how my results would be affected if I were to do a lower body lift. Additionally, the cost is so high for great results. What more cost-effective solutions on my body do you see? Maybe Thighs & lower back lift? Would it look anatom wrong?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding what to do with your body after massive weight loss and whether you need a lower body lift, thigh lift, and lower back lift. First, congratulations on your weight loss. Great accomplishment. Now comes the completion of your weight-loss journey. I would definitely suggest a lower body lift combined with a vertical longitudinal medial thigh reduction. Let’s go into the specifics of what this would entail. The lower body lift would include a pubic lift, pubic reduction, rectus muscle plication, the re-creation and a new position for your pre-existing belly button, a new bellybutton shape, hip lift, hip reduction, buttock lift, and buttock reduction. During a thigh reduction, inner thigh liposuction is done and excess skin and fat of the inner thighs are removed. This entails an incision from the groin to the knee. The body lift incision entails an incision from the pubic region to the top of the buttock crease, 360 circumferentially around your lower abdomen. The 360 circumferential lower body lift is also called a belt lipectomy. These procedures can be successfully combined in one surgical setting. These are performed under general anesthesia. Please plan to give yourself approximately a 2 to 3-week recovery. Cost depends on your chosen plastic surgeon. Cost depends on the experience of your plastic surgeon and their geographic location and whether the procedure is being performed in a hospital or a surgery center. In regards to a specific cost, please contact my office to schedule a consultation. I hope this helps answer your question regarding what do you need after significant weight loss and after having undergone upper body surgery.

I specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery after weight loss. If you have any more questions regarding the lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy please contact my office. Since the body lift is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the lower body lift. Do your research. Make sure they have performed at least 100 circumferential lower body lift 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, lower body lift surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, 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 and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

I would perform a lower body lift which is essentially a tummy tuck, lower back/buttock lift and also has an effect on lifting the thighs if done correct. I would highly recommend seeing a board eligible or board certified plastic surgeon for a physical exam and accurate analysis with safe recommendations for potential surgical options. Best of luck!

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss. As you know in person exam is essential. Based on photos- it appears that you may benefit from Extended Abdominoplasty with possible belt lipectomy ( will be determined at consult)/or flank liposuction, medial thigh lift. I suggest that you seek an experienced Board Certified PS and discuss your option after exam is conducted

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Providing that you have achieved desired weight that you can maintain without difficulty, surgery may be next on your list. Procedures including liposuction of torso and thighs,. with or without buttock/hip augmentation/shaping with fat grafts, abdominoplasty and thigh lift, should be those to consider. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, with significant experience in these procedure, should be your next step. It is going to be expensive, but may worth of money. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear MsSurgerySeeker,
I understand your concern. It is best however that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether you can have several aesthetic surgeries in one session, as this would depend on various factors including but not limited to your general health condition, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the type of surgeries that will be performed among others.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss!  As an in person consultation is always best I encourage you to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to discuss your surgical goals.  From your photos it appears you have a few options to address the concerns you mentioned.  An extended  or circumferential tummy tuck with liposuction for contouring and a thigh lift would help highlight all of your hard work.  It is best to have the thigh lift done separate from the tummy tuck.

Lower body lift, thigh lift, lower back lift, or a combination? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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