Those who have realized massive weight loss may find they are unhappy with the appearance of their lower body. This is usually due to excess skin that remains after extreme weight loss. This procedure to corrrect this issue is most commonly known as a Lower Body Lift, or Belt Lipectomy. Dr. Henry Wells of Wells Plastic Surgery was one of the first plastic surgeons in the Lexington, Louisville and Eastern Kentucky area to perform the Lower Body Lift. Today Dr. Sara Soni-Kalma also performs this procedure at Wells Plastic Surgery that can provide dramatic results for patients who have lost significant weight but who are left with multiple folds of excess skin. This forms because the skin has lost elasticity and will not return to its original appearance.
Before & After Gallery
Be sure to view our Before and After Photo Gallery of Lower Body Lifts to see real patient results at Wells Plastic Surgery.
This loose skin can be a significant problem for the weight loss patient. It can be especially disheartening after they have worked so hard to get to their goal weight. The results of a Lower Body Lift can be more than an improvement to a person’s physical appearance but is often described as a life-changing experience. The dramatic results of this procedure can add confidence along with an improved body shape.
Candidates For A Lower Body Lift:
- Weight Loss:Â A lower body lift is for patients who have experienced massive weight loss.
- Bariatric Patients:Â Patients who have had bariatric surgery for weight loss.
In addition to removing excess skin on the torso, the Second Phase (a separate surgery) may include:
- Breast Lift, Breast Reduction or Augmentation, combined with Arm Lift (second surgery), then
- Medial Thigh Lift (third surgery)
Other Surgeries (Fourth Surgery) That Can Be Added To Improve Aesthetics:
The Lower Body Lift Procedure:
This can be our most involved surgical procedure and there are several surgeries and stages with each:
- The Consultation: During a consultation with Dr. Wells or Dr. Soni-Kalma you will discuss the Lower Body Lift as well as other procedures that you may need to achieve your goals based on your individual amount of weight loss. You will be guided through the protocols of a Lower Body Lift as well as what to expect during the surgery. The need for follow-up care will also be covered.
- The Surgery:Â The procedure(s) can be lengthy with the first phase taking between four and five hours, and the second phase can also last two to five hours, depending on the surgeries performed and the amount of work to be done. The first step of a Lower Body Lift at Wells Plastic Surgery is to remove the excess skin from the circumference of the lower torso while lifting the thighs and buttocks and tightening the abdominal muscles to help return the body to a more natural contour.
- Overnight Stay:Â An overnight hospital stay is necessary due to the longer surgery.
- Recovery: Typically recovery from the operations can take two to four weeks per surgery depending on the individual’s health and ability to recover. Since the surgery involves an incision that typically extends completely around the lower torso, there will be visible scarring that will fade over time but the results are well worth the trade off. These can be covered under swim trunks or something as small as bikini bottoms.
- Resuming Activities:Â It is important to know that you will be off work with each surgery. With the Lower Body Lift, you will be off for three weeks, with breast surgery 2-3 weeks and with a Medial Thigh Lift an additional three weeks.
Those who are continuing to lose weight or are planning another pregnancy are usually advised to delay having a lower body lift, as additional pregnancies may cause the abdominal muscles to stretch again.
Read what our patients are saying!
Dr. Wells is as good as they come in terms of plastic surgeons. From the start I felt very comfortable and trusting in Dr. Wells and his amazing staff. I could not be happier with how my breast augmentation turned out, and I would happily refer anyone I knew to his practice.
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