Destroyed after a lower body lift, what can I do about this? (Photos)

Question

I think this picture pretty much speaks for itself...before any of you amazing doctors suggest liposuction of the lower back to relax the muscle to lower it, there is absolutely nothing there to liposuction since is been pulled so tight. High waist briefs don’t even cover this crack, ohh waisted jeans do not even cover it! Someone please please tell me this can be fixed and how. I feel ruined, depressed. All the work to lose over 100 lbs to be destroyed in one surgery. Any advice please.

Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD · Answer

hello,As other surgeons have stated, your scar does appear to be very high.   I am not able to see everything clearly ( to suggest anything) since part of the image is blurred due to your privacy concerns.  The scar will likely fade with time. However there is always the possibility that this scar will widen especially since things are tight now. Although, I am not sure how many months post op you are. I know this must all be hard to hear , especially after you worked so hard in losing all of that weight.  The best scenerio is for surgeons to review the incision locations with the patient the morning of surgery. Unfortunately, it sounds like that didn't happen. I do this to ensure there are no surprises and everybody is on the same page. Even with the tummy tuck, people have some slight preferences for how the incision is made near the lateral aspects (far end).  If I were you, I would talk to your plastic surgeon who performed the procedure and see what can be done. No plastic surgeon wants an unhappy patient. Most will bend over backwards to do whatever they can to help.  If he does not offer any solutions I would consult with other Board Certified Plastic Surgeons to get opinions. Many surgeons (myself included)  do offer Virtual Consults where you send photos first, and then discuss by FT. Sorry that you are going through this.All the best,Dr. Ricardo RodriguezBaltimore, Maryland

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Same answer from your question 3 years ago.

Hi practical5751,

Thank you for your question about the challenges you're facing after a lower body lift, and for sharing your history and picture. Addressing this issue is indeed complex, but let's break down the possibilities.

When performing a lower body lift, the incision across the buttocks allows for dissection down onto the butt, with the aim of lifting it. This is a common desire among patients. Moreover, the lower back, especially the lumbar region, has firm adhesions that prevent it from being significantly lifted or pulled down, making this area relatively fixed.

In your case, the key to improvement lies in addressing the vertical gluteal cleft. The goal would be to elevate this area up to the incision level. This involves lifting and spreading out each side of the vertical gluteal cleft, akin to opening a fan, which would help to alleviate the protruding areas on each side of the buttock crease.

A revision procedure might involve a 6 to 8 inch alteration of the lower back incision and would likely require the placement of a drain for one or two weeks post-surgery.

I hope this provides some clarity on your options following a lower body lift, and what can be done to improve your current situation.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Practical5751,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  I am sorry to hear about your experience.  Your scar does appear very high.  How long ago was your surgery?  The best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  There may be a possibility of lowering the incision.  Liposuction will not help--I agree with you.  I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

Hi. Before deciding if there is anything to do, you should wait a year at least after surgery to see final results, and then let us have a second look at this problem. Undoubtedly the incision was performed too high, which is a problem very difficult to address.International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
25 year experience

Destroyed after a lower body lift, what can I do about this? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Lower back

Answer: Lower back

Answer: Destroyed after a lower body lift, what can I do about this? (Photos)

Answer: Destroyed after a lower body lift, what can I do about this? (Photos)

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Destroyed after a lower body lift, what can I do about this? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Lower back

Answer: Lower back

Answer: Destroyed after a lower body lift, what can I do about this? (Photos)

Answer: Destroyed after a lower body lift, what can I do about this? (Photos)

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Everything you need to know about Body Lift

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