Benefits of a Lower Body Lift
When someone embarks on a weight loss journey, they imagine that they will ultimately become healthier and more attractive. However, while medical conditions related to obesity should improve or even completely resolve, many people do not realize that the effects of significant weight loss are not always attractive. When excessive weight is carried over a prolonged period, the skin is often stretched beyond a point where its elasticity will allow it to return to a close fit around the body. For a truly transformational outcome, additional Body Contouring procedures, such as a Lower Body Lift, are often required. The many benefits of a Lower Body Lift include:
- Flatter and tighter abdomen
- Lifted and well formed butt
- Tight, smooth skin on the abdomen, thighs and butt
- Smoothing of abnormal folds and cellulite-like skin irregularities
- No more skin irritation within abnormal skin folds
- More defined and attractive body contours
- Improved body image and self-esteem
Who Can Benefit From a Lower Body Lift?
The typical candidate for a Lower Body Lift is a formerly obese person who has achieved a more normal Body Mass Index (BMI) and is in relatively good health, but is bothered by excess, loose skin. The procedure is also appropriate for non-weight loss patients who have similar concerns. If you have excess skin on your abdomen, sides, buttocks or thighs, you may therefore benefit from this procedure.
While a Lower Body Lift can enhance your appearance and your self-esteem, it will not necessarily give you the appearance of someone who never carried excess weight. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Jugenburg during the consultation process at our clinic.
Dr. Jugenburg: Lower Body Lift Experience
Dr. Jugenburg is a board certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with extensive experience in Post-Bariatric (or Post-Weight Loss) Body Contouring procedures, such as a Lower Body Lift. Dr. Jugenburg is currently on staff at the Humber River Regional Hospital, one of the biggest Bariatric Surgery centers in North America and has also been on staff at the busiest Lap Band surgical facility in Canada. As such, he has treated many weight loss patients and has more experience in Post-Bariatric Body Contouring procedures than most Plastic Surgeons.
Lower Body Lift Surgery
A Lower Body Lift procedure normally takes four to five hours, and will vary according to the extent of work required. This will depend on a patient’s body size and the amount of excess skin. All Lower Body Lift procedures require incisions to remove excess skin; in many cases,these incisions may be extensive. The length and pattern of each incision will depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed.Dr. Jugenburg uses advanced techniques that allow incisions to be placed in strategic locations where they can be hidden by most types of clothing;however, this is not always the case.
Sometimes additional procedures or touch-ups are required to complete a Lower Body Lift. While it may have taken a patient a number of years or more to lose all their excess weight, it some casesit can take equally as long for the final results of Body Contouring to be completed.
Recovery After Lower Body Lift Surgery
After Lower Body Lift Surgery you will have a tight garment over your mid-region. You will also have several surgical drains to remove fluid from the treatment areas; these are usually removed after two weeks. Swelling and bruising will be most noticeable after the first day and will slowly subside over a period of 2 to 3 weeks. It will likely take 3 months for all the swelling to resolve and for you to see the final results. During this time you will need to follow the specific instructions that will be given to you regarding body position and physical restrictions to ensure your wounds heal in an ideal manner.ed transport (you will not be able to drive yourself).
Body Lift Risks & Complications
Although complications following Bodylift are infrequent; the following may occur:
- Bleeding, which in rare instances could require hospitalization and blood transfusion. Blood clots may form under the skin and require drainage.
- Skin irregularities, lumpiness, hardness and dimpling may result; some problems disappear with time and from massage, but skin irregularities, hardness, lumps, dimpling or other problems may persist and additional treatments may be necessary.
- Infection is rare but may occur and treatment with antibiotics and/or drainage may be required. In rare instances surgery may be required for severe infection (necrotizing fasciitis.)
- Wound dehiscence (wound opening) may occur and is generally allowed to heal on its own.
- Outpatient nursing may be required to assist with the wound care.You may be required to travel to a local clinic for daily wound care
- Hernia may be found during the surgery and they may require surgical repair, which may be associated with potential injury to the bowel.
- Numbness of the skin over treated areas is common and persists for months. In rare cases it may be permanent.
- Abnormal scarring or scar position is rare but is possible.
- Dizziness may occur during the first week following Bodylift surgery particularly upon rising from a lying or sitting position. If this occurs, extreme caution may be exercised while walking. Do not drive a car if dizziness is present.
- Deep Venous Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism and Fat Embolism may occur. Abdominal perforation may also occur in rare instances. The risk of these specific complications is increased in patients with increased BMI and previous abdominal surgeries. If left untreated they may be fatal.
