What is the average length of surgery time for a Lower Body Lift (tummy tuck, outer thigh lift, butt lift)?

It's likely the "real" answer that is specific in your case is somehwere in between 6 and 10 hours based on the 2 consults you've had. I perform a tummy tuck, outer thigh lift, and posterior butt lift in one operative session but if I have a patient who also wants an inner thigh lift, it is typically performed in a second surgical session.Perhaps it's possible to get in touch with each of the first two surgeons to ask follow-up questions to better understand what those quotes are based on. And it never hurts to choose a third, board certified plastic surgeon (experienced in body lifts) and have another consult. Getting the right surgeon is important and having three might help you understand which one stands out, and why.Learn as much as you can about the body lift and its components. Ask each of the surgeons to explain the surgical plan in detail and also ask about the surgical techniques they'll be using. Most plastic surgeons are more than happy to explain why they use (or don't use) the Lockwood Technique in body lifts, for example.You'll also want to discuss general anesthesia vs. IV sedation. The dangers of multiple procedure surgeries are mostly related to the general anesthesia commonly used. IV sedation is definitely worth considering.Good luck!!

Hello Fitforlife82,

Thank you for your question regarding the surgery time for a Lower Body Lift, which typically includes a tummy tuck, outer thigh lift, and butt lift. It's understandable that the variance in the estimated surgery times you've received might be concerning.

In my practice, the average length for a Lower Body Lift surgery usually ranges between 5 to 6 hours. However, it's important to note that the duration can vary significantly based on the individual case. Some more severe or complex cases can take longer, occasionally extending to 8-10 hours. This extended time is often necessary to ensure thoroughness and attention to detail, which are crucial for achieving optimal results and patient safety.

The variance in the duration of surgery you've encountered could be attributed to different surgical techniques, the extent of work needed, and the individual surgeon’s pace. A surgery that combines a tummy tuck, thigh lift, and butt lift is quite extensive and involves multiple areas of the body, which can naturally extend the length of the procedure.

It's essential to have a detailed discussion with your surgeon about the expected surgery time. Understanding their approach and what the surgery entails can provide more clarity. It's also crucial to ensure that your surgeon is board-certified and experienced in performing Lower Body Lifts, as this can impact both the surgery time and the quality of the results.

If you have any further questions or need more information, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

   In a smaller patient, the lower body lift may take 4 hrs or less.  In a larger or more complicated patient, the lower body lift may take 6 hours.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

A lower body lift is a great operation to help improve the contour of the abdomen, waist, and buttocks after major weight loss. The quote of 10-12 hours that you apparently received seems odd.Most of us do not like an operation to extend much past 6 hours or so.  I agree with your other consultations listing 4.5-6 hours as the operative time.  This is much more reasonable, and around 5.5 hours is what I usually quote patients. Best of luck to you!

The average amount of time for a lower body lift including abdomen, lateral thighs and buttock is 5 hours give or take.  If you have special surgical requirements that your doctor think will take that much longer I would ask them to consider staging the procedure.  Perhaps a tie-breaking opinion by a third surgeon may help.  Good luck.Dr Rodger ShorttOakville Plastic Surgeon

Times will vary depending on the individual complexities.  In my practice the average is between 5-6 hrs.Good luck choosing a surgeon.Trey Aquadro, M.D.

A routine procedure in my hands takes 4 hours plus the time to flip you over so a total of about 5 hours. most doctors will be in this range give or take an hour. Any more then that would make me wonder about the efficiency of the doctor. Speed is not always good but going slow and having such a long anesthetic would really be a risk  in my opinion.

If you are referring to a circumferential body lift (extended tummy tuck, lateral thigh lift, buttock lift +/- buttock auto-augmentation), then this procedure takes me between 5-6.5 hours.  The variance for me depends on the severity and amount of excess skin.  I hope this helps.Dr. BasuHouston, TX

This is a common procedure in our practice.  The length of surgery depends on the complexity of your case and anatomy.Surgical time will also depend on the experience of the surgeon, the surgical team, and if the surgeon utilizes a first assistant.  In our hands, a routine lower body lift takes about 5-7 hours.

Lower body lift  usually refers to a circumferential procedure addressing the front and back of the torso. In some cases this may include contouring of the inner thighs as well. In some centers such as ours, we use a team approach whereby 2 plastic surgeons will work together with an experienced team of assistants thereby limiting the length of surgery. 4.5 to 5 hours  is an average estimate for an uncomplicated case and if surgeries approach 10 hours consideration should be given to staging of the procedure in my opinion.