Is a boxy waist shape post Lower Body Lift due to patient's body type or a result of having a LBL?

Thank you for your question regarding a boxy shape post lower body lift. To answer your question, both the way a lower body is performed and a pre-op boxy figure contribute to a post-op boxy figure. After a 360 circumferential lower body lift, a boxy figure occurs for several reasons. During a 360 lower body lift, when skin is redraped over the hips, the flap is usually pulled straight down. If you want to maximize the chances of an hour glass figure, I would suggest the incision over your hips is placed high. By placing the incision high over the hips and low in the abdomen and pubic region, the lateral hips can be pulled forward and downward. This maximizes the chances of an hourglass. Also, aggressive rectus tightening during the body lift can get a hourglass shape. Sometimes patients want more of an hourglass figure after an abdominoplasty or 360 lower body lift. To achieve this I perform a procedure called "hourglassing". During this procedure, an elliptical area of abdominal skin is removed from the central abdomen. This tightens the waist and brings in the skin over the hips. Due to blood flow issues and healing, I do not suggest this procedure be performed during the 360 body lift. That you for your questions regarding boxy waist line after a 360 circumferential body lift. If you have any questions regarding the hourglassing procedure, please contact my office. Good luck! Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

For the most part you are right, pre-op body shape has a strong influence on the post-op result. Most influential is the width of the pelvis/hips. If you have very narrow hips, it is very difficult to obtain a hourglass shape regardless of technique. If you have a normal hip width then proper technique including liposuction in some cases should give you the result you desire. Best of luck!

In general terms, a lower body lift scar pattern that is planned to run up and over the waist will yield a better body 'shape' post op then a scar that is kept very low along the hips. This is a technical point, but its clearly demonstrated in before and after photos if you pay attention to the position of the lateral scar.

The appearance of a boxy waist shape post lower body lift can be influenced by both the patient’s initial body type and the surgical outcome. Factors such as the patient’s anatomy, skin elasticity, and the surgical technique used can contribute to the final result. It’s essential to discuss expectations and potential outcomes with a skilled plastic surgeon before undergoing such procedures.

As a general rule, when you look at pre and post op photos for any procedure, the preoperative anatomy is still reflected in the postoperative results. Without your photos, however, there is no more specific information we could give you.