Category: Tummy Tuck

A lower body lift is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of your lower body. If you are bothered by sagging skin and want to redefine your contours, here is everything you should know about lower body lift surgery at New Image Plastic Surgery.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Lower Body Lift Surgery?

Lower body lifts are typically performed on individuals who have lost significant weight through dieting, exercise, or weight loss surgery. Sagging skin can occur in any area below the waist, including the buttocks, abdomen, hips, thighs, back, and knees. The procedure involves removing sagging skin in these areas while also tightening underlying muscle and tissue. This provides a more toned and youthful look while creating a slimmer silhouette.

It’s important to remember that every individual’s anatomy is unique, so what works for some may not necessarily work for others. This is why consulting with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon before any cosmetic procedure is always highly recommended!

Lower Body Lift Options

The technique used in a lower body lift depends on the size of the area being treated, the amount of excess skin present, and your overall goals for this procedure. During your consultation with your surgeon, they will discuss these aspects to determine which type of procedure might best meet your needs. A belt lipectomy is the standard approach to a lower body lift but it can be combined with a tummy tuck or liposuction depending on your desired results.

Belt Lipectomy

A belt lipectomy involves an incision around the entire midsection from hip to hip. An “apron” or strip of skin is removed from the lower abdomen and the remaining skin on the thighs and buttocks is pulled up to tighten and re-contour the area. The incision and scar are hidden along the bikini line for an aesthetically pleasing result.

Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a popular body contouring procedure that can be enhanced with the addition of a belt lipectomy. A traditional tummy tuck removes some excess skin from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles but an apron removal of skin can create an even tighter, more toned appearance.

What are the Benefits of a Lower Body Lift Surgery?

One of the major benefits of a lower body lift is improving body contours while also removing stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. In addition to improving body shape, it can help improve mobility by reducing the friction caused by sagging skin in these problem areas. The result is a more toned appearance of your lower body with improved posture due to less strain on your muscles and ligaments.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

Lower body lift surgery typically takes between two to four hours, depending on how much work needs to be done and other factors, such as your pre-operative health status or modifications requested during consultation. Recovery time following surgery is usually two weeks, with swelling lasting up to six weeks post-surgery. The final results are typically visible within six months after completion of surgery when all swelling has subsided. However, it can take up to one year for optimal results. Although the procedure and recovery may seem lengthy, the results last for years!

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about lower body lifts or discuss whether this procedure is right for you, please schedule a consultation at New Image Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, TX. Board-certified plastic surgeons Dallas Homas and Lisa Brostrom will help you customize your treatment to achieve your individual cosmetic goals.

A tummy tuck has been a sought-after cosmetic procedure for both women and men for years. According to a leading cosmetic surgery organization, it is among the top five procedures performed in the United States every year.

Despite the number of people who have had the procedure, a lot of people interested in tummy tucks do not know what to expect following their recovery. Knowing how your body will heal can make the journey an easier one for patients.

Recovery Times Are Different For Each Patient

There is not a single determining factor on how long it can take for you to recover following a tummy tuck. Each recovery is different and depends on various factors, including general health, age, post-surgery care. After your surgery, your surgeon will talk about a more specific recovery timeline with you. Most patients begin feeling better around two weeks after the procedure, but full results won’t be apparent for up to several months due to residual swelling.

Types Of Tummy Tuck Procedures

There are a couple of tummy tuck procedures that are available. Other than a traditional tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty), there’s also the extended and mini tummy tuck. Extended tummy tucks will involve a longer incision, and requires more downtime for recovery. This is because the procedure is more invasive and wider-reaching than other tummy tuck techniques. Mini tummy tucks focus on a smaller area, and recovery time is considerably less, although not every issue can be addressed with this technique.

Recovery Expectations

Follow the instructions of your surgeon carefully both before and after surgery. Also, make sure to contact them if any questions or concerns arise. You can always rely on a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Dallas Homas after having tummy tuck surgery to have the best results. He has the necessary training and experience to provide the best possible care.

Immediately After Surgery

After a tummy tuck procedure, your abdomen is covered with surgical dressing. There are thin tubes placed around the incision to drain any excess fluid, unless you have had a drainless tummy tuck. You will feel groggy and disoriented as you wake up from the anesthesia, and someone will need to drive you home.

At Home

You must have someone to help you for the first few days that you’re home. You will most likely be given pain medications and will have limited mobility. You will need to rest on an incline to avoid putting unnecessary stress on the healing incisions. Having someone to help you at home during the recovery period can make it easier to get back to work.

Daily Care

Your doctor will help you figure out how to care for the various daily tasks you’ll do to help heal during recovery. Many patients are prescribed antibiotics and anticoagulants for a certain amount of time. They are also given topical creams to prevent infection.

A wrap will be given to you to wear to help reduce swelling and ensure you heal in the intended way. It is important to wear it each day. It should be worn constantly as long as Dr. Homas recommends it. It is very common for people who have undergone surgery to be told not to smoke or drink alcohol for a minimum of three months following their procedure.

Getting Back To Normal

Most people choose to take two to three weeks off work for recovery. If you have young children at home, you may want to enlist help with childcare during this time as well, because you will have restrictions on lifting and standing up straight for a while. It is usually best to avoid doing anything that could cause injury to your incisions during the first few weeks.

Side Effects In The Long Run

Some people experience a pull or numbness in their abdomen after a tummy tuck. This is normal and usually fades with time. For most, this sensation will disappear within three months.

Recovering From A Tummy Tuck Can Be A Process

A tummy tuck procedure can be a great way to improve your self-esteem and reach your aesthetic goals. Working with a plastic surgeon and other team members to prepare for your recovery can help make it as seamless as possible. To get started on your tummy tuck journey, set up a consultation with Dr. Dallas Homas or Dr. Lisa Brostrom at New Image Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, TX. They have years of knowledge and experience to get you the results you’re looking for!

Most tummy tucks involve drainage tubes that are uncomfortable and can be painful. Despite these tubes, the tummy tuck remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries that individuals get. Thankfully, drainless tummy tucks have become popular recently, with many individuals qualifying to receive this type of surgery.

Drainless tummy tucks are as safe and effective as other types of tummy tucks. Sometimes, there are better results from a drainless procedure due to fewer scar holes from where the tubes were. Continue reading below to learn more about a drainless tummy tuck and the benefits associated with this procedure.

What is a Drainless Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is also called an abdominoplasty. The procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal region of a patient’s body as well as tightening the abdominal muscles, which can become damaged and separated for a variety of reasons. It is often performed for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight or for mothers who have just given birth.

This procedure is performed in the OR located at our office and completed with Ivy sedation. Most commonly, an incision is made from one side of the hip to the other, and the excess skin is removed. Smaller incisions may be made to remove the skin as the surgery continues. Sometimes, liposuction is utilized to remove stubborn, fatty areas.

Differences between a Standard and Drainless Tummy Tuck

The surgical techniques between the two types are no different. The only difference is how the surgical wound is closed for healing. A standard tummy tuck involves two more incisions being made to insert two tubes that will drain excess fluid during the recovery.

A drainless tummy tuck utilizes multiple sutures through a process called progressive tension suture. The lymphatic system is utilized to drain excess fluids in a natural manner. Specifically, Scarpa’s layer is utilized as it remains intact. Sometimes, glue is utilized as well to hold tissues together.

What Does Recovery Look Like?

Most individuals go home on the day of the procedure. There will be some pain associated with the healing process. It should only range to moderate at the very most.

There will also be some tightness and swelling after the procedure, as well as bruising. You will be given prescription medications and should avoid physical activity. You should also avoid alcohol and smoking.

During the second week of recovery, the pain and discomfort will decrease. You should be able to resume normal activity within two weeks. Exercise can be increased within a month. Throughout this month, however, you will wear a compression garment for the best results.

So, What Now?

If you believe that a drainless tummy tuck is right for you, it is time to start the process. Contact our doctors, Dr. Lisa Brostrom and Dr. Dallas Homas, at New Image Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, Texas to set up a consultation. During this consultation, you will be able to ask all of your questions and receive specific information about the procedure and how it will work best for you.