What is lower back lift surgery recovery like?

Question

I have already recovered from tummy tuck and am going to complete the lower body lift. How should I rest? Any particular pillows or aides that will help? How painful is the recovery? Should I avoid sitting? What positions should I avoid? I have found a lot about lower body lifts, but they always focus on the tummy tuck. Thanks

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Lower back lift surgery, also referred to as a posterior body lift or butt lift, is the backside component of a 360 circumferential body lift. During recovery, lying flat on your stomach to protect the buttock incision is advisable. Do not use a pillow under your pelvis as it could strain the incision. Pillows may be used under your head or sides to prevent rolling over.
Pain varies among patients. Some may only need Tylenol, while others require stronger pain medication up to six months post-surgery. It's critical to avoid sitting for at least three weeks to prevent straining the healing incision. This avoids any flexed position that could strain the incision, risking it to open.
There's ample information about posterior body lift recovery online for further reading. Your surgical team should also provide comprehensive guidance.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Typically patients that have this procedure are able to return to non strenuous jobs after a week.  You will be able to sit down, but will want to be careful not to place a lot of tension on the sutures.  You will be sore but your surgeon will be able to discuss tools including medication and positional suggestions to help with this.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. The recovery time varies from patient to patient, the complexity, the length of the procedure and postoperative complications. Usually recovery time is 4-6 weeks, a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon will give you more details about the postop care.

Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) The total recovery time after an upper back lift is six weeks for most patients. Most patients return to work (with restrictions) at 7-10 days. In general, by 6 weeks all restrictions (including exercise restrictions) are lifted at 6 weeks. (Your plastic surgeon's postoperative protocol may vary from this, and it's advisable that you follow all of your plastic surgeon's instructions closely.) 
Patients usually complain of mild-to-moderate pain, and there are no specific positions to avoid. 
If you decide to pursue surgery it’s very important that you find a surgeon whom you are comfortable with and trust and who evaluates you in-person and tailors an individualized treatment plan for you and your aesthetic goals. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

The recovery is significantly faster and easier than recovery from a TT with muscle repair, as the lower back lift does not involve muscles. For details on postop care and activities you will need to contact the surgeon doing the procedure as we all have different protocols,

What is lower back lift surgery recovery like?

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Answer: What is lower back lift surgery recovery like?

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What is lower back lift surgery recovery like?

Answers (5)

Answer: Bra Line Back Lift

Answer: Bra Line Back Lift

Answer: What is lower back lift surgery recovery like?

Answer: What is lower back lift surgery recovery like?

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Everything you need to know about Back Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.