What are the complications that could happen after the body lift process?

Más not are divided into systemic or local. Amongst the systemic a Pulmonary embolism and Derp venous thrombosis are the most important. Both highly preventable. There is patient side prevention: BMI below 30 by time of surgery, stop hormonal therapy (any birth control), do exercise to improve vein circulation and all tissues blood circulation. Quit smoking. Wear compression stockings. Doctor side measures: Careful selection of patients (illnesses under control). Never perform on anemic patients.  Do not combine areas of body (only upper body or lower), never more than 5-6 hour procedure, avoid general anesthesia, watch closely hydration of the patient, pumping devices for legs throughout and after surgery, and very importantly blood thinners for 10-14 days. Your homework is to seek for Board Certified PS with training on After Weight Loss Surgery (body lift is not just a longer Tummy Tuck)Be encouraged. Dr. Cárdenas 

Thank you for your question regarding potential complications that could happen after lower body lift. With any procedure, there are potential complications. Even simple plastic surgery procedures have potential significant complications. The 360 circumferential lower body lift is a rather large procedure involving approximately 30 to 40 inches of suture line. Because the surgery is relatively large, and long, and requires specific positioning, there are potential complications. The most common serious complications are blood clots. Blood clots can be minimized or eliminated by the use of blood thinners after the body lift surgery. I have been using blood thinners. For approximately ten years, I have not had any blood clots. More common complications include wound breakdown, which means the incision opens. It is exceedingly rare that the entire incision open. It is more common that a small area measuring approximately one to two cm open. Other complications including infection. Infection is rare if you are healthy.  Other complications include bleeding and problems with anesthesia. It is important that you stop smoking before surgery and not to smoke after surgery. Of course, after the lower body lift, there will be a scar, and you need to be prepared for that. The scar will fade but never completely disappear. These are by far the most common complications. There are other complications, but they are rarer.  If you would like a more comprehensive list of potential complications, please let me know, and they can be provided. If you have any more questions regarding complications of a 360 circumferential body lift, please contact my office.

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Katzen

The body lift can really be a dramatic transformation of the mid and lower body, particularly following significant weight loss.As with any surgery, there are risks and complications associated with body lifts, too, including anesthesia risks, hematoma, infection, poor wound healing, fluid accumulation, numbness, fat necrosis, etc. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons website notes a very comprehensive list of possible risks and complications. (See the web reference below.) Your procedure should be performed by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in an accredited surgery center. Your surgeon will perform a pre-op assessment to help ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure and will discuss all of the risks and possible complications with you in person. Be sure to ask questions and understand exactly how complications will be handled should they arise BEFORE you schedule your surgery.Best wishes!

Body lift surgery, also known as a belt lipectomy, is a major surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, lower back, hips, and buttocks. Like any surgery, it carries potential complications, including: 1. Infections: Infections can occur at the incision sites. This risk can be minimized with proper wound care and antibiotics if necessary.2. Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after the surgery is a concern, which may require additional surgery to address.3. Scarring: Body lift surgery leaved noticeable scars, but a skilled surgeon will aim to minimize their visibility. Scar care and healing can vary among individuals.4. Wound Healing Issues: Delayed wound healing, wound separation, or poor scarring can occur, particularly if a patient has underlying medical conditions or smokes.5. Seroma or Hematoma: Fluid or blood accumulation in the surgical area might require drainage.6. Nerve Damage: Numbness, tingling, or changes in sensation around the surgical site can occur, but this is often temporary.7. Asymmetry: Differences in contour or appearance between the left and right sides of the body can be a concern.8. Pain and Discomfort: Some pain and discomfort are normal after surgery, but excessive or prolonged pain may be a complication.9. Anesthesia Risks: General anesthesia carries risks, including allergic reactions and complications, although they are rare.10. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Blood clots can form in the legs, which may travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) if not detected and treated.11. Cardiovascular Complications: Surgery puts stress on the cardiovascular system, and complications can arise in individuals with heart problems.12. Excessive Skin Tightening: Overly aggressive removal of skin can lead to unnatural or uncomfortable tightness.It’s essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess your individual case, discuss potential complications, and help you understand the risks and benefits associated with a body lift surgery. Additionally, following the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help minimize the risk of complications.

Thank you for your question. While a lower body lift involves more suturing than a typical procedure, it doesn’t carry significantly more risk. With any surgery, there is a potential for blood clots and infection, but if you have the surgery performed by an experienced specialist plastic surgeon and you follow their post-operative instructions to the letter, your risk of complications is very low. Good luck!
- Edmund Ek, MBBS

Hello and thank you for your question. I specialize in post massive weight loss body contouring and perform hundreds of lower body lifts. The complication rate is very high for minor problems but considerably lower for major ones. These complications typically consist of stitch abscesses and wound dehiscence (separation), typically minor but can be major. Hematoma, seroma sand wound infection are far fewer, certainly in my hands. If you get a lower body lift make sure you follow their post operative instructions.Peter Fisher M.D