Larger waist after lower body lift?

Thank you for questions regarding having a larger waist after a lower body lift.  I believe that some of your weight is due to fluid retention. You mentioned that you had gained 20lbs after your lower body lift surgery. Twenty pounds is a lot of weight. Most of the swelling is gone at six to eight weeks after the lower body lift the lower body lift procedure. Some patients take longer for the swelling to dissipate or go away.  It is important that you follow up with your plastic surgeon to determine if this waist gain is indeed fluid retention. I would suggest compression and elevation. It is important that you consult with your plastic surgeon to be sure that you are ready for mild or moderate exercise. This will also help to mobilize fluid, increase urination, and decrease your weight.  I think it is important that you follow up with your board-certified plastic surgeon to determine exactly what has happened after your lower body lift. I hope that I have answered your questions regarding a larger waist after your lower body left. If you have any more questions regarding postoperative results after a lower body lift, please contact my office.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

A lower body lift typically involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, resulting in a more contoured appearance. However, individual experiences can vary, and factors such as swelling or changes in muscle tone may temporarily affect waist size. It’s essential to discuss your specific concerns with your surgeon for guidance based on your unique situation.

Hello, thank you for the question and I am sorry to hear that you are not happy.
It's still early days. You also mentioned that you gained 20 lbs, this is a lot of weight in a context of your body shape being altered so dramatically with two operations in a short period of time.
How much liposuction you had and in which area? Hips maybe? that would alter your hip/waist ratio.
Gaining weight can lead to an intraabdominal fat accumulation if the outside was shaped significantly too.
A few things to think of..
Good luck and take care!

Have have had 2 big operations in a vey short space of time.  I would usually wait 3 months between these procedures.  Weighing yourself & doing measurements now is not useful, as your surgeon most certainly won't have put any extra tissue on to your body.  So the extra will be fluid.  Most definitely do NOT take diuretics unless there is a medical reason to do so.  The fluid & swelling will sort itself out as time goes on & your body will change shape.  Continue to follow up with your surgeon & express any shape concerns with him.  It may take 6 months or more before you see your final outcome.  All the best

During a lower body lift, skin is tightened in the vertical dimension. In the region of the waist, along each side of your body, the skin is made tight between the lower aspect of the rib cage and the hips, where the scar is located. Because the skin has been tightened, it may not follow the contour of your waist the same way, however, as the skin relaxes I think you'll find the contour of your waist will return towards normal. 

Hello and thank you for your question. Unfortunately that is a common side effect of a lower body lift. I specifically developed a flap to stop this side effect. Incision position also determines shape outcome. There are some complex and if lucky less complex ways of improving your hip waist ratio.Peter Fisher M.D