Should I consider a 360 body lift instead of just a tummy tuck after 112 pound weight loss? (photos)

Question

I have recently lost 112 pounds and am scheduled for my plastics consult to talk about my procedure. After doing some research I'm curious to know if I should consider a 360 body lift instead of just a tummy tuck to help with my back with how lose my skin is.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether you should undergo a 360 circumferential lower body lift or a tummy tuck after massive weight loss. Based on your history of massive weight loss, I would definitely suggest a 360 circumferential lower body lift, instead of a tummy tuck.  A tummy tuck and the 360 circumferential lower body lift will both address the abdomen.  Both the tummy tuck and the 360 circumferential lower body lift will eliminate excess skin and fat the abdomen and during both procedures, the muscles will be sewn together. However, the MAIN difference between a lower body lift and a tummy tuck is in  the hips and buttocks. A tummy tuck only addresses the tummy and does not fix the hips or the buttocks. If your hips, outer or lateral thighs, and buttocks bother you, then, I would highly suggest the 360 circumferential lower body lift instead of a tummy tuck. The 360 lower body lift only takes several more hours than a tummy tuck and the recovery is only maybe a week longer. In the end, if you are concerned about your buttocks and outer thighs, I would undergo a lower body lift;  if you are content with your hips, outer thighs, and buttocks, then go with an extended tummy tuck. Thank you for your question whether you should have a 360 circumferential lower body lift or a tummy tuck.  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, 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.)

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Congratulations on your weight loss, It seems like you can benefit from a lower body lift, schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Nick Slenkovich, MD · Answer

What a wonderful weight loss! Congrats.Most patients who lose a significant amount of weight can benefit from a full lower body lift, however it is not always necessary. It depends on your tissues quality but also on what your aesthetic goals are. You could achieve a slim waist and flat stomach with just liposuction and a tummy tuck, with tightening of your muscle wall. However, a body lift is very powerful and would lift your thighs, addressing sagging and deflation in your buttocks with some targeted fat grafting. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon and review some before and after photos.Good luck!

Jonathan Amspacher, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss, that is a fantastic job and obviously required a lot of hard work.  A lower body lift is a very powerful procedure and makes a dramatic difference in  both the anterior and posterior appearance, but it is more intense and a little tougher recovery than just a tummy tuck.  If you are bothered by your flat buttocks and excess back skin then a lower body lift with purse string gluteoplasty and some liposuction can be a dramatic procedure that make huge improvements.  However, it is a bigger surgery and a little tougher recovery.  If you take a look at some of the pictures of results in massive weight loss patients the best results are usually achieved with the lower body lift, because it does a better job of addressing the whole lower trunk and buttock.
Best of Luck on Your Journey
Jonathan Amspacher, MD

Jeremy Hunt, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Hi,i consider body contouring results and procedures as " total" body contouring , with a result that needs to look good from the front, the side and the back. In some cases a tummy tuck is the solution , but excess skin and lax tissue on the sides and back will not be corrected with a tummy tuck alone. In these cases an extended abdominoplasty or circumferential lower body lift is needed.its all about matching the right procedure with the right patient to get the result they are looking for, so think about what you want from thr result, talk to the surgeon and from there the decision should be clear as to tummy tuck or body lift

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

Oh my, no.  A 360 body lift is way too aggressive for what I see on your photos.  To confirm that however get a in person exam with a board certified plastic surgeon.Your best surgery combination (in my opinion) is a tummy tuck, liposuction 360 and some targeted fat graft to your buttocks.  That targeted fat graft to buttocks is what can be considered a mini- Brazilian Butt lift.  I know the concept of making your buttock area bigger seems counter intuitive but the reality is that you need to really cinch your waist in and redistribute the fat lower giving you cuter ratios between you waist and hips.  This combination of TT & BBL should be done by board certified plastic surgeons with the proper instruments and training to keep you safe during and after your surgery.  Look for certification by the American Board in Plastic Surgery.  Particularly in Florida be very careful in researching the training and background of your surgeon.  Best Wishes and Congratulations!!

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

It is wonderful what you have achieved, congratulations!!Based on your photos you have developed significant saggy skin on your abdomen, lateral thighs and very importantly your buttocks. So you will need a Lower Body lift, which may include: 360 skin resection, pubic lift and rejuvenation, outer thigh lift, real buttocks lift which automatically will make your butt flatter, so I would recommend to do some buttocks enhancement: Liposuction to lovehandles to create in order to create a scooped lower back and use that precious fat to transfer to buttocks just to add some volume and projection. I truly believe you already have a great body frame (bone structure) so you will look astonishing after all.Just to be clear, your mid or upper back will not improve with the lower body lift. Look for a Board Certified PS with wide experience on After Weight Loss surgery. Be encouraged!!Dr. Cardenas

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on these photos I would be inclined towards lower body lift. This will include use of flaps from lower flanks/upper buttocks area to create nice buttock augmentation/shaping. Only on the basis of in person consultation and discussion about your goals, one could give you more detailed answer. Good luck.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

For many people, getting the belly flat and tight is enough. Those that go forward with a tummy tuck alone have not burned bridges for a posterior body lift later. The only thing you lose is the ability to fat graft the buttock (BBL) for the posterior lift if you choose to do the liposuction and tummy tuck first.

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss!A 360 degree lower body lift would be very helpful in addressing several issues you may have after major weight loss. The lower body lift will have a huge impact on your abdominal contour, your waist, your outer thighs, and your lower back. Definitely meet with a board certified plastic surgeon (ASPS Member) who regularly performs these procedures to find out more. Thanks for sharing!

Should I consider a 360 body lift instead of just a tummy tuck after 112 pound weight loss? (photos)

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Answers (14)

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