Body Sculpting after WLS. What would the downtime be between upper and lower body lift procedures?

Question

After losing 150 pounds I would like to get a 360 lift but I am hearing it's better to have an upper body lift then a lower body lift.....my question is what would the down/healing time between procedures? Is ten months total including both healing periods realistic?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding an upper body lift and lower body lift in terms of surgical timing. I perform many procedures after significant weight loss. Usually, I start out on the lower body and then proceed to the upper body. In regards to your statement that the upper body may be better than the lower body procedure, this is completely patient dependent. Since both body parts bother you and you have the time, I would suggest you do the lower body lift first. A lower body lift would include a tummy tuck, pubic left, pubic reduction, hip left, hip reduction, and buttock lift and possible buttock reduction. This may or may not be combined with the thigh reduction. This procedure takes approximately 6 to 10 hours depending on exactly what needs to be performed. Then I would give yourself at minimum 1 to 2 months recovery before embarking upon the upper body lift. The upper body lift could include just breast reduction, back lift back reduction, and or arm lift or arm reduction or brachioplasty. Depending on what exactly needs to be done, this procedure can take anywhere between 4 to 8 hours. This is also done under general anesthesia and is performed on an outpatient basis. Give yourself at least 4 to 6 weeks to heal from the upper body lift so conceivably you could get everything done and would be healed within approximately three months. If there any complications or issues, this will delay your healing and your return to work. However, if you have 10 months to heal, that should be plenty of time to heal from an upper body lift and a lower body lift. Please do not combine the procedures, for this is too much surgery. In addition, I would recommend you do a lower body lift before the upper body lift because you need your arms to help your body ambulate and take care of the dressings from your lower body lift. Therefore I’d like to perform the lower body lift first. I hope this information helps.

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.)

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

This is an extensive operation that involves multiple hours of surgery and long recovery. It can be done in single stage in some patients or may require multiple stages (2-3) in others. Providing that everything goes well, you should consider 2-3 weeks of recovery time after every stage. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, familiar with this procedure is recommended. Good luck.

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

I typically work on the core first...tummy, buttocks, outer thighs, pubic lift, and breast surgery as Stage 1. This leaves your arms and legs free to help you move about and avoids a bikini incision plus a leg incision which makes wearing a compression garment very difficult or impossible.

Then at Stage 2, a minimum of 3-6 months later, I will work on arms and inner thighs. this leaves your core unencumbered and its easier to wrap or wear sleeves/leggings for the arm and leg surgery.

Much of the timing depends not so much on recovery, but the also the possible need for revisions from Stage 1 (done at Stage 2 in my practice for no charge.)   The swelling and settling process sometimes takes 6 months and that may determine when Stage 2 happens.

Healing issues are not uncommon after WLS, so be sure you check you iron levels (not just a blood count)  well in advance of surgery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear naltieri,
you should be fully healed prior to another elective procedure. Most plastic surgeons would recommend you to wait 6 months. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

M. Shuja Shafqat, MD · Answer

Good afternoon,
We typically recommend having the lower body lift first before the upper body lift. A lower body lift can sometimes correct the issues on the back so that you don't need an upper body lift. Also, the lower body lift will pull down on the breast (if you want to do that at the same time as the upper body lift) which can change your results. 
You should discuss this with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in these surgeries and can examine you in person.
Best of luck!

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

I typically recommend waiting 6 months between procedures to allow time to heal from the first surgery and then recondition your fitness level prior to the second surgery. Plan for 6-8 weeks recovery time following the second operation prior to getting back to exercise without restriction. Time off work depends on how physical your job is. For office/desk work, I recommend 3 weeks off. For physically demanding work, I recommend 6 weeks off.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss!  It is a good idea to stage your procedures as you have elected.  This will allow you to get the most out of the procedures you choose.  Waiting at least 6 months between the stages is generally adequate, so the ten months you have planned is sufficient.  It will take up to a year to see final results.

James Hoyt, MD (retired) · Answer

The downtime between upper and lower body lift procedures can vary depending on several factors, including the extent of surgery, individual healing rates, and the specific techniques used by the plastic surgeon. Generally, plastic surgeons may recommend waiting at least three to six months between upper and lower body lift procedures to allow for adequate healing and recovery.Here's a general overview of the downtime associated with each procedure:1. Upper Body Lift:• An upper body lift typically involves addressing excess skin and fat in the upper torso, including the chest, back, and arms.• The downtime for an upper body lift can vary but may range from two to four weeks.• During this time, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can gradually improve over the following weeks.2. Lower Body Lift:• A lower body lift focuses on removing excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, hips, buttocks, and thighs.• The downtime for a lower body lift is typically longer compared to an upper body lift, often ranging from four to six weeks or more.• Patients may experience significant swelling, bruising, and discomfort, particularly in areas with larger incisions and more extensive tissue manipulation.It's important to note that undergoing multiple surgical procedures within a short timeframe can increase the overall stress on the body and may impact the healing process. Your plastic surgeon will assess your individual health status and surgical goals to determine the most appropriate timing for each procedure.Additionally, following your plastic surgeon's post-operative care instructions, including proper wound care, activity restrictions, and wearing compression garments, can help optimize healing and minimize complications. Be sure to discuss any concerns or questions about the timing and recovery process with your plastic surgeon before scheduling multiple body lift procedures.

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Congratulations on your weight loss!An upper body lift will tighten the axilla, the bra rolls, and the superior flanks, while the lower body lift will tighten the abdomen, lower flanks, hips, buttocks, and upper outer thighs. One procedure is not "better" than the other... they just target different areas. Downtime may vary from three weeks to 6 weeks following each procedure. I would separate the procedures by at least 3 months. Total healing will take a full year. Visit a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation and discussion.Best wishes...

Body Sculpting after WLS. What would the downtime be between upper and lower body lift procedures?

Answers (9)

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