I had a body lift. Now it looks as though I do not have a waist. What can I do and is this temporary? I am very boxy.

I could not offer a recommendation without pictures or an exam. Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA..

Hi Chubby1,This is a little difficult to answer without more in formation. Pictures and a thorough history would be optimal. However, without pictures, a thorough history, and thorough physical examination, I will try to answer your question as best I can.Typically, after a 360 circumferential lower body lift, it can take up to 4 to 6 months for the body to take shape.    After a 360 lower body lift, I believe it is important to also wear your binder for 6 to 8 weeks. This minimizes swelling and forces your body to take an hourglass shape. The binder or garment also helps to minimize swelling and speed recovery. In addition, the binder or garment also helps to flatten the scars of the 360 circumferential body lift.If you are still "boxy" six months after your body lift, I would try to determine the cause. It may be natural and  this "boxy" look is what your natural body looks like once the excess skin and fat has been removed.A "boxy" look after the 360 lower body lift can be due to failure to tighten the abdominal muscles or the rectus muscle.  If these muscles are not tightened enough or the rectus muscle repair fails, your abdomen can look "boxy".  A "boxy" look can also occur if the planned skin resection was not properly placed. To achieve a more hourglass figure, the incision needs to go "low" in the pubic region and "high" over the hips.  Without pictures or physical examination, the treatment is difficult to determine.  It could be anywhere from wearing the compression garment longer, upper hip liposuction, revision of the abdominal muscle tightening or even a body lift revision.Look, Sincerely Dr. Katzen 

Thanks for the question, if you could post some pictures it would really help in making any recommendations

Hello and thank you for your question. Sorry I did not find your question until today. Unfortunately the description you are giving is fairly typical of many patients who have undergone a lower Body Lift (LBL). I myself had these problems until I developed a "hip flap" just to prevent this problem as well as to create a better hip to waist ratio in those that did not have hips to start with. To fix the problem however is more complex. I would need to see photos to evaluate specifically for your problem. I usually will do a modified LBL with fat injections (if available) to improve your waist hip ratio. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.Peter Fisher M.D.