Wound dehiscence common in lower body lift?

A recent study analyzing 42 consecutive outpatient lower body lift procedures determined that 36% of all patients who undergo a body lift procedure will have a minor complication, and that 1 in 4 patients will have wound separation during the post op period (which can be addressed in the office or clinic).Good surgical technique achieves the best possible results with the least amount of post-operative complications and it is the goal of every good surgeon and patient to avoid complications (which is why we have pre-op assessments and instructions as well as post-op instructions).As for body lift would separation complications, it is my experience that wound closure and fluid collection complications tend to occur if too much fat is removed in the subcutaneous layers. I find the Lockwood technique results in more secure skin closure and helps me to achieve the thinnest possible scar. With this technique, the suture tightening is applied to the deeper layers, and prevent the scar at the top layer from widening over time.
Additionally, for a long surgery like the body lift, IV anesthesia administered by a board certified anesthesiologist is a much safer choice than general anesthesia. Just be certain to learn everything you can about the procedure and ask a lot of questions about surgical technique (and why) during your consult with board certified plastic surgeons. You may also ask what their specific body lift wound separation rate is! If they don't want to answer, there is your answer.

Thank you for your question regarding the incidence of dehiscence or percentage of a wound with lower body lifts. In the medical literature, the lower body lift can be upwards of 80%. That means 80% of patients will have wounds that open. These medical papers consider any opening it won’t dehiscence no matter how small. This is a relatively large number because it is an extensive surgery. Factors influencing windy essence can be the patient or the plastic surgeon. Patient factors influencing DSS include your Health, diabetes, smoking, anemia, low blood count, and inadequate micronutrients like zinc and magnesium. Or poor vitamin intake like vitamin C and low calcium are just a few. Also, if you were not eating enough protein in recovery, it is considered crucial for wound healing after surgery. It may be due to your surgeons and experience for the sutures used. Other factors include too early ambulation at overactivity, which puts too much strain on the incision.
As you can see, wound dehiscence is usually not due to one cause but many factors. Please see can experience board plastic surgeon. I hope this helps answer questions regarding lower volume.

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.)

Dear weewers,
wound dehiscence is a complication which can occur after any sugery. It occurs more often in cases when there is increase tension on incision line. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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