Will I get better results doing Lower Body lift in 2 stages?

Question

After losing 120lbs, I now have loose skin. All of the BCPS that I have consulted, have recommended a Lower Body Lift. One surgeon specifically stated that a two procedure option is more effective because more skin can be lifted & removed on the backside, causing a better result, with less scarring (without the additional strain of being hunched over forward) from the TT. Do u find that you get better results in the back, if you perform the front & back portions of the body lifts, separately?

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

I have been doing LBLs since 2003, and have found that doing them in one stage offers many advantages: one procedure, one recovery, a single exposure to anesthesia, and lower cost.  Most importantly, it is far better to correct the tissues all at the same time.Other procedures like breast lift, liposuction, and fat transfer can also be done at the same time.Feel free to request from my office a free copy of our book especially for weight loss patients.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello MGBLC, thank you for the question regarding whether you will get better results doing a lower body lift in two stages.  Thank you for your interesting question and your history.  Most experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons with a wealth of clinical experience performing 360 circumferential body lift almost daily would agree that you do not get better results doing the lower body lift in two stages.  The best results achieved during a lower body lift are completing the lower body lift in one stage.  The 360 circumferential lower body lift includes an abdominoplasty a9tummy tuck),  rectus abdominis muscle plication, the recreation of the belly button, mons lift, mons reduction, hip lift, hip reduction, butt lift, and possibly buttock reduction.  Also, there is less scarring with a single-staged 360 circumferential lower body lift than a two-staged 360 circumferential lower body lift.  There is no less scarring by performing the 360 circumferential lower body lift in one surgery.  With a 360 circumferential lower body lift, the incision goes from the abdomen over the hips and joints at the top of the crease.  Therefore, to answer your question, the best lower body lift results are obtained in one stage, not two.  I hope this answers your question about whether you will get better results doing a lower body lift in two stages.    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.  Ensure 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. (President of  the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, 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 RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

There are pros and cons to  both of these options. It really comes down to personal choice and what you, the patient is comfortable with as well as your support team. The lower body lift, lifts and tightens the buttocks and back of thighs, hips and outer thighs and abdomen, and the inner thighs ( this can be done later too). This does limit bending forward  as well as bending backwards. ( it is helpful to have a walker for balance). There are multiple drains placed to remove serum fluid to prevent build up of fluid. Assistance will be needed to sit, lie, and transfer positions.  In my opinion, I believe and recommend to our patients to set aside 4-6 weeks for recovery. Drains will be removed from 2-4 weeks. Wounds may separate or have delayed healing but usually do fine, The longer incisions of body lift are at higher risk for delayed wound healing and or seroma formation. That being said,doing it in one surgery is more cost effective, it is one recovery, as well as one exposure to anesthesia. Discuss with the board certified plastic surgeon you choose and see which option fits you better. Congratulations on your weight loss and best of luck!

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss!   Although a physical exam is 
required to give you any meaningful advice, given your weight 
loss and your photos, I would
 likely suggest a circumferential body lift in one stage.   A common first line 
of 
attack for patients who have lost weight is a 
body lift procedure. Most plastic surgeons refer to a body lift as a 
circumferential body lift = belt lipectomy = lower body lift. This 
procedure is essentially 3 procedures in one: extended tummy tuck + 
waist/lateral thigh lift + buttock lift.  Please visit with a plastic surgeon certified by 
the 
American Board of Plastic Surgery who has extensive experience in body 
contouring after weight loss to learn more about your options.Best wishes,Dr. BasuHouston, TX

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

One stage operation is economical, efficient and can be done and is done in most situations. However if a patient is willing to undergo two operations outcome is more controlled and final result will certainly be better. Two stages cost more in money and time. However this money and time is well spent. In addition surgical risks are reduced.

Will I get better results doing Lower Body lift in 2 stages?

Answers (6)

Answer: Body Lift

Answer: Body Lift

Answer: Two stage operation will give better result

Answer: Two stage operation will give better result

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Will I get better results doing Lower Body lift in 2 stages?

Answers (6)

Answer: Body Lift

Answer: Body Lift

Answer: Two stage operation will give better result

Answer: Two stage operation will give better result

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Everything you need to know about Body Lift

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