What can be done about my posterior thigh and butt area post weight loss? (Photo)

Question

I lost 110 lbs and always carried weight on my legs. This is what I’m dealing with post weight loss. What are my options?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Jepd, 
Thank you for your inquiry regarding a posterior body lift, butt lift, or buttock lift after weight loss, and for providing your medical history and photographs. A formal in-person consultation is mandatory before any surgical recommendation can be finalized. That said, based on the information and image you submitted, a posterior buttock lift appears to be the most appropriate procedure.  On review of your photographs, you demonstrate cutis pleonasmus (excess skin) and dermatochalasis (skin laxity) of the buttocks, without evidence of lipodystrophy (excess fat). Your underlying buttock shape and volume are favorable; the primary issue is redundant skin concentrated along the lower buttock crease.  Excess buttock skin cannot be corrected without a surgical incision. There are several buttock lift techniques; however, based on your anatomy, most board-certified plastic surgeons would recommend a posterior buttock lift.  Some plastic surgeons call this a posterior body lift or butt lift.  A butt lift is performed under general anesthesia and typically requires approximately three to four hours. The incision generally extends from the superior aspect of the gluteal cleft, across the upper buttocks, and laterally toward the hips. The scar is often described as butterfly-shaped, seagull-shaped, or a small “M.” Through this incision, the tissues are dissected inferiorly, and the buttock skin is elevated like the posterior component of a 360-degree circumferential lower body lift.  You should plan for a recovery period of approximately three to four weeks. During this time, it is critical to remain positioned flat on your abdomen and to avoid sitting or excessive hip flexion to reduce tension on the incision and minimize the risk of wound complications. If contour concerns extend to the hips or outer thighs, the incision can be extended laterally. If abdominal laxity is also a concern, the incision may be carried anteriorly to include an abdominoplasty. When combined, this procedure is referred to as a 360-degree circumferential lower-body lift, with a similar recovery timeframe of approximately 3 to 4 weeks.  Good luck.  Most plastic surgeons offer free virtual or in-office physical consultations.  Therefore, explore what other plastic surgeons have to say. I hope that I have answered your question regarding a butt lift.  If you have any more questions regarding a posterior buttock lift, contact an experienced plastic surgeon.  Please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in butt lifts.  Make sure they have performed many buttock lift surgeries and have the before-and-after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before-and-after photos and review their RealSelf profile.   If you cannot find an experienced plastic surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. ( Plastic Surgeon, President of  the American Society of Bariatric 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, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Paul E. Chasan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Over the last several years, I have developed a technique termed "thong" left.  It addresses the lower pole of the buttock ptosis/laxity is very common in many women who have lost weight or of had liposuction in this area.  I believe you would also benefit from adding a small amount of volume via fat transfer to your buttock as well.  You should be able to have an excellent result.  Best wishes to you.

What can be done about my posterior thigh and butt area post weight loss? (Photo)

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