Do I need a lower body lift w/ FDL or without? (Photos)

Question

42 y/o with history of yo yo dieting and major weight loss, most weight lost about 80lbs. Current weight about 155lbs. I carry a little fat/tissue above my belly button and I’m hoping the vertical incision from a FDL can be avoided if I have a Lower Body Lift? Lastly, the last picture is an example of the buttocks shape I would like to get. Is it possible for my buttocks to be contoured like shown it the last picture?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, thank you for your questions regarding what to do with your abdomen and buttock regarding an 80-pound weight loss and whether you need a 360 circumferential lower body lift, with or without a fleur-de-lis (FDL) pattern incision. Basically, in my opinion, it boils down to what you want and your end goals. If the excess skin of your buttock bothers you and you want your hips reduced, then, I would suggest a 360 circumferential lower body lift. If you undergo a 360 circumferential lower body lift, I do not think you need the vertical component of the FDL component. If the excess skin on your buttock does not bother you and your hips do not necessarily bother you, I would propose an extended tummy tuck, again without the FDL component or vertical incision. During that same procedure, I would suggest liposuction of the love handles and autologous fat transfer to the buttock or a Brazilian Buttock lift (BBL). Yes, a tummy tuck and BBL can be performed at the same time. Either way, whether you go with an extended tummy tuck or a 360 lower body lift, in my opinion, there is no reason to do a vertical incision. Please see my website for countless examples. In my opinion, for you, I have eliminated the need for a vertical incision.  Basically, the question that you need to answer is whether you are concerned enough about the excess skin and fat of your hips and the excess skin of your buttock to warrant a 360 circumferential lower body lift. Thank you for your great question regarding whether you need a lower body lift with a fleur-de-lis (FDL) after an 80-pound weight loss.
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, 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 and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. I would recommend Liposuction, tummy tuck, an a thigh lift, an in-person examination is needed. I recommend you to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

The FDL tummy tuck is to enhance abdominal contours, and the lower body lift is to enhance thigh, buttock and hip contours, so they do different things and therefore are not an either/or choice. Although voluminous, your photos do not delineate tissue quality in the hip/buttock region and make it impossible to confidently recommend a lower body lift. My best guess is no. Your abdomen can be taken care of well with a standard type tummy tuck, though. Go to a surgeon who performs ultra low scars and no drains.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear valerie_heath,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the posted photos it appears an FDL approach tummy tuck would not be needed in order to achieve a nice result.  The best place to begin is by visiting a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation.  You can discuss your concerns and learn more about your options.  An in person evaluation will yield the best recommendation for you.

Do I need a lower body lift w/ FDL or without? (Photos)

Answers (5)

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