Are these things going to get worse and the numbness goes away and the skin relaxes more? Will I need revisions on my surgery?

Question

I am 11 weeks post body lift, I seem to have excessive amounts of skin on my flanks and hips and there is a divot on my left hip noticeable in and out of clothes , this makes my saddlebags even more pronounced. My mon's just looks huge despite the fact I was told it was lipo'd. Seems fleshy almost waterbag like at times. Are these my final results or can I expect changes yet? Are these things going to get worse and the numbness goes away and the skin relaxes more? Am I look at revisions?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about whether things will get worse and if the numbness will disappear after a 360 body lift. In addition, thank you for your question about needing revisions for your 360 body lift. First, I suggest you embark upon an aggressive diet of high protein and low carbs. I would also suggest both cardiac and weight training to optimize your weight. Finally, try to decrease your percent body fat if you have exhausted these avenues and are still at a low percent body fat and your weight is still stable. You may consider revisions.
Regarding revisions, you may require either liposuction of your flanks or a vertical torsoplasty. During a vertical torsoplasty, an incision is made from just underneath the bra to the top of the panty line. This will give you more of an hourglass figure. Indeed some plastic surgeons call a vertical torsoplasty a hourglassing procedure.
Regarding your mons, most plastic surgeons specializing in plastic surgery after massive weight loss directly respect fat from this area. Liposuction is suboptimal. Therefore, in the pubic region, you may require an incision over the pubic region, dissection into the pubic region, and fat resection. Regarding your saddlebags, these areas may be best treated with liposuction. It could be possible that the saddlebags are more noticeable since the excess skin and fat from above the hips were removed with the body lift. Indeed it can also be due to swelling. The results and the numbness are not related. It is not valid. As the numbness goes away, the skin will stretch. It doesn't work that way. All in all, I would give yourself some time, and if you do not like your results six months post-op and do not like your results, please visit your plastic surgeon. I hope I've answered your questions about whether your results will worsen after a 360, circumferential body lift.

Kevin Small, MD · Answer

Typically, 50% of the swelling dissipates after 3 weeks and 80% of the swelling dissipates after 6 weeks, The remainder of the swelling dissipates over the next three to six months and patients may not see the final results until a year after surgery.  Compression will help the skin contour to your underlying frame.  Maintain a high protein and low sugar diet.  Moisturize the skin to preserve the skin integrity.

Are these things going to get worse and the numbness goes away and the skin relaxes more? Will I need revisions on my surgery?

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Are these things going to get worse and the numbness goes away and the skin relaxes more? Will I need revisions on my surgery?

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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.