Lower Body Lift: How Does It Work?

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.

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 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 surgeon Lisa Brostrom will help you customize your treatment to achieve your individual cosmetic goals.