Should I be concerned with swelling above lower body lift incision? 6 months post-op (photos)

Question

Hi I had a LBL done back in late July 2018. I lost over a 140 pounds over 16 years ago and kept it off by committing a better lifestyle. I did have a Tummy Tuck back in 2005 and had Liposuction done on my fanny and my thighs. After turning 40, I started having a large amount of loose skin I was grabbing around my hip,butt, thigh area leading to my LBL. It has been six months now and am just curious on what areas of concern should be brought up at my next appointment Thank you

Siamak Agha, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Hello.. thank you for sharing your story and photos. You could have gotten a pretty good idea of what your final result would look like from researching your board-certified plastic surgeon’s before and after photos. At 6 months you may have mild swelling which can be relieved with a good compression garment, but this is about the final product. A lower body lift after weight loss requires meticulous technique in order to have a contoured shape, an enhanced buttocks, and well-placed symmetrical scars. You may need a revision if you are interested in improving your results. We specialize in body lifts and lower body lift revisions and performs over 50 body lifts per year.  This is about one of the largest numbers in the USA performed by one single surgeon.  Here is a link to my photo gallery so you can see the results of my body lifts. My instagram is also a good resource - @drsiamakagha.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Lynnecarson, Congratulations on your massive weight loss of 140 pounds as well as your lower body lift. If you are still swollen 6 months after your lower body lift, this is NOT normal. I would suggest this be more thoroughly worked up with perhaps an ultrasound or even a CT-Scan. This will determine if the fluid is in the tissue (edema) or if it's outside the tissue (seroma). If the fluid is in the tissue, this is called edema and may respond to a fluid pill, diuretic, compression, and or massage. If the fluid is outside the tissue, it may be a seroma which may require insertion of a needle and drainage. Either way, swelling 6 months after a body lift above the incision s not typical. I hope that I have answered your questions regarding body lift. If you have any more questions regarding body lift or plastic surgery in general, please contact my office. Sincerely,  Dr. Katzen(Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and member of the American Society Plastic Surgeons, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and Fellow of American College of Surgeons and American Board for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery)

Alejandro J. Quiroz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question;    If you had LBL in July you are still swollen  from the surgical procedure but no much.  I believe you are going to experience little change  in the way you look.  I will consider a SAL of the middle section of your body and fat transfer to the Butt. If you have some other areas of concern you can also have other surgeries done at the same time

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

Since swelling tends to go from your trunk towards your feet simply due to gravity, having it collect just above the incision is perfectly normal. For it to occur after 6 months is unusual but could need just a little more time and maybe wear some light compression like spanex garments for a few more weeks. Good luck.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question, lynnecarson.
At 6 months post-op, you may still have a bit of mild swelling, which is probably what you’re experiencing now. If that’s the case, then it will get resolved in a few more months.
However, it’s quite possible that it’s not swelling, but excess fat and skin that need to be removed as well. I suggest that you consult a reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon and get yourself checked just to be sure. He can also recommend your next course of action--whether you should get a revision surgery or not.
Best of luck!

Should I be concerned with swelling above lower body lift incision? 6 months post-op (photos)

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Should I be concerned with swelling above lower body lift incision? 6 months post-op (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Swelling after body lift

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Answer: Swelling above incision

Answer: Swelling above incision

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Everything you need to know about Body Lift

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