Lower Body Lift
The lower body lift combines a tummy tuck with removal of excess skin and fat from around the lateral abdomen, posterior hips and lower back. This operation may be combined with liposuction of the upper thighs, particularly in the "saddle bag" or trochanteric areas. The procedure lifts sagging buttocks and lateral and anterior thighs and dramatically improves the lower trunk and upper thigh areas. The lower body lift is most commonly performed for clients who have undergone massive weight loss, including those who have lost weight as a result of gastric bypass surgery (GBP)..
Procedure
This surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. All surgery is done at Dr. Payne’s MediCare and California State Certified Pueblo Nuevo Surgery Center located within his office.
Incisions are made circumferentially (all the way around from front to back) across the lower tummy and around to the lower back. Excess skin and fat is removed. Liposuction and/or direct fat trimming is used to thin unsightly adjacent fat pockets including the hips, back and upper thighs. The tummy muscles are usually tightened to help provide flattening of the abdomen. The client's belly button is altered for improved appearance. The mons pubis is defatted and lifted to make it look more youthful and appealing. The buttocks are shaped and lifted and may be filled with the client’s own fat to add fullness. The upper thighs are frequently treated with liposuction to eliminate unwanted pockets of fat. The lower body lift surgery lifts and tightens the lateral and anterior thighs so that the entire abdomen, buttocks, and upper legs look better.
The lower body lift has evolved from the tummy tuck experience. A significant portion of the adult population in the United States is either overweight or obese and tend to develop comorbid medical problems from the excess weight. Weight loss surgeries are now safer and more effective than earlier methods, with the gastric bypass (GBP) performed lapascopically now the most common of these surgeries. After such surgeries, clients go on to lose most of their excess weight and weight-related medical conditions either resolve or improve. Most, however, are left with excess skin and fat over much of their body. These individuals are often dissatisfied with the appearance of their stomach area, hips, buttocks, lower back and upper thighs. The treatment for this condition is surgery, and the lower body lift was designed for these clients.
Dr. Payne performs a comprehensive medical and cosmetic evaluation of each client. It is best if the client has lost the majority of their excess weight and is at a stable weight for six to twelve months before corrective cosmetic surgery is performed. GBP clients sometimes have medical problems resulting from the weight loss procedure itself. Common problems include anemia, vitamin deficiencies, healing abnormalities, electrolyte imbalance, and clotting abnormalities. Dr. Payne is very thorough and performs extensive testing of all GBP clients prior to surgery. Medical problems are corrected and individual health is optimized prior to surgery.
Results
The results from GBP surgery can be stunning. Tummy tuck operations are associated with very high satisfaction and usually hold their results well over time. The addition of the hip, lower back, buttock and thigh components of the lower body lift procedure have nicely addressed the needs of the massive weight loss clients.
Clients look slimmer and trimmer after surgery and will often go down in pant or dress sizes. Exercising and a return to vigorous activity is facilitated. Self esteem and confidence are boosted. Clients feel younger and more energized. Friends and family are generally supportive. When individuals look and feel better, many are motivated to join a gym, pay closer attention to their diet, and sustain and expand their new lease on life.
Dr. Payne discusses each potential treatment plan. He will talk about the pros and cons of the various options and address all client issues and questions in detail. Usually clients are seen at least two times prior to surgery to make sure they are well informed and ready for their cosmetic surgery.
After the Surgery
Each client is given detailed postoperative instructions and appropriate medications. Dr. Payne usually calls the evening of surgery and again the morning after to review instructions and make sure the client is doing well. Dr. Payne or one of his staff members can also be reached at any time through his office. Clients are seen one to two times per week for the first few weeks and regularly thereafter until they are fully healed.
Most many lower body lift recipients can go back to work within three to six weeks of the treatment, depending on their job demands. Light exercise may be resumed within one to two weeks after treatment and progress from there. Support garments are recommended for a minimum of six weeks after surgery.
