A lower body lift is a dramatic cosmetic surgery which combines a tummy tuck, a thigh lift and buttocks lift in one procedure that is also called a belt lipectomy.
What is a Lower Body Lift?
It is one of the most extensive changes that can be done with plastic surgery and can recontour the thighs, abdomen and buttocks.
A lower body lift will remove excess fat and skin to restore the lower body to a more youthful appearance. It is most useful for patients who have lost a lot of weight and have a great deal of excess skin that is sagging and folding.
Large pouches of sagging skin cannot be eliminated naturally and must be removed through plastic surgery. Excess amounts of skin can pose not only an aesthetic problem due to appearance but can sometimes pose a health risk including skin and fungal infections as well.
Lower body lifts can also be performed on those who have simply lost the natural contour of the skin due to aging and gravity or due to pregnancy. Some patients may wish to have liposuction performed before the procedure but know that skin after weight or fat loss will not return to pre-fat levels as it has lost its elasticity. Excessive skin is a major complaint of people who have lost a great deal of weight and a lower body lift procedure can take care of that.
Benefits Beyond Aesthetic Improvement
In addition to its cosmetic benefits, a lower body lift can significantly improve physical comfort and mobility. Excess skin can cause painful chafing, skin irritation, and hygiene challenges that interfere with daily activities.
After surgery, many patients report an enhanced ability to exercise, improved self-confidence, and a higher quality of life.
This comprehensive body contouring procedure not only creates a slimmer, more toned appearance but also helps eliminate the physical discomfort associated with sagging skin, making it a life-changing option for many post-weight loss patients.
Preparing for a Body Lift
Preparation for plastic surgery body lift procedure should begin with the selection of an appropriate cosmetic surgeon and plastic surgery clinic. One should ensure that the plastic surgeon is skilled at performing tummy tucks (abdominoplasty), thigh lifts including inner thigh lift and outer thigh lift and buttocks lift procedures.
He or she should also be comfortable performing all of these procedures at one time. Though getting a lower body lift will combine all 3 procedures into one trip and may reduce the cost and recovery time, selection of a well qualified plastic surgery doctor will be the most important decision to make as he or she is the one who is performing the plastic surgical procedure.
Candidacy for Lower Body Lift Surgery
Ideal candidates for lower body lift surgery are individuals who have achieved significant weight loss, either through bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes, and are now struggling with loose, hanging skin around the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.
Patients should be at or near their goal weight, as additional weight fluctuations can affect surgical results.
What to Expect During Body Lift Surgery Recovery
Recovery from a lower body lift surgery will be several weeks in the making. The patient will have been put under general anesthesia as this is a major surgery. This will require time for the anesthetic to wear off and, even if the procedure is performed at a “day” surgery cosmetic center, someone will be needed to drive the patient home and tend to them for the first 24 hours or so.
Significant bandaging and pressure garments will be required to cover the incision sites which will be extensive and will help to hold the newly placed tissues in place until healing is well underway. Bed rest will be recommended for the first few days and only light activity will be allowed for a week or so.
Most patients will experience moderate pain, swelling and bruising but this can be minimized after lower body lift by following post operative instructions exactly.
Several months after getting a lift for the lower body, when healing is complete, most patients report that they are very happy with their decision and feel much better about themselves. Some are even able to return to more vigorous activity or to wear tight or skin baring clothing as the excess skin of the lower body is no longer getting in the way.
Cost of a Lower Body Lift Procedure
The cost of lower body lift surgery can vary widely depending on geographic location, the surgeon’s expertise, and the complexity of the procedure.
On average, patients can expect to pay between $15,000 to $30,000 for a comprehensive lower body lift, which includes the tummy tuck, thigh lift, and buttocks lift. This price typically covers surgical fees, anesthesia, operating room costs, and post-operative care.
Since a lower body lift is considered an elective cosmetic procedure, it is generally not covered by health insurance, although some financing options may be available through the surgeon’s office or third-party medical lenders.