Body Lift in Houston, TX
About Body Lift
A lower body lift is a contouring procedure that removes excess skin and fat to lift and reshape certain areas of the body affected by weight loss or pregnancy. The surgery targets the mid and the lower body, including the buttocks, stomach, flanks, low back, and thighs. Depending upon how much skin removal is required, an incision all the way around the waist may be performed, which allows the highest amount of lift and skin excision. A lower body lift is a major surgery that can redefine a patient's lower half of the body. Board-certified Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Derek Lou has special experience with lift surgeries. In ideal patients, a lower body lift surgery at Lou Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX helps people to not just achieve their weight goals but also to complete their overall transformation with a tight body that appears healthy and normal.
Body Lift - Ideal Candidates
The best candidates for lower body lift surgery are usually people who have lost a significant amount of weight and are battling new cosmetic challenges. These new challenges consist of wrinkled, loose skin on the upper thighs and buttocks, skin that hangs on the stomach, and sagging skin across the midsection. For those who are considering this surgery, it's important to understand realistic expectations, which can be discussed with Dr. Lou during your initial consultation. First, scars are a result of this surgery because of the size of the incisions. Next, the surgery does have a longer recovery period versus most elective surgeries, which is why it's helpful to prepare in regard to work and family care. Lastly, it's important that you are at or near your healthy goal weight before undergoing lower body lift surgery.
Body Lift - Expectations
Lower body lifts are classified as an advanced operation. It takes many patients around two or more weeks to get back to basic activities, and in certain patients, as many as six months before a return to more vigorous movements, including exercise. Dr. Lou or a member of his staff will provide very detailed instructions and information on caring for the wound so that scars are minimized as much as possible. While the recovery period may feel long, the results will be extraordinary, providing patients with a tighter, smoother body without the loose, hanging skin that prevented them from living their best life. Many patients feel it's one of the most worthwhile cosmetic surgeries available today.
Body Lift - Technique
This surgery is performed with general anesthesia and most patients do require at least one night's stay in the hospital. The surgery time may be quite lengthy, taking about 4 – 7 hours.
The body lift, also called a belt lipectomy or circumferential body lift, involves removing the skin all the way around the abdomen and lower back and lifting the lower body skin up, much like pulling up pants. The result in the front of the body is identical to a TT, with also the lateral hips and thighs and buttocks being lifted and tightened. This provides a 360 degree lift to the lower body and improved contour throughout.
This surgery can be combined with other lifting or tightening procedures such as arm lift, inner thigh lift, and breast lift
“I’m always very pleased with the results. Dr. Lou and his staff are awesome.”
Body Lift FAQs
How much does a lower body lift cost?
The price of lower body lift surgery will vary from patient to patient. During your initial consultation, Dr. Lou will be able to discuss a surgical plan that can fit your needs and budget. Lou Plastic Surgery takes several payment methods and low-interest medical financing to help make your treatment as affordable as possible.
Will I have visible scarring?
Many factors will determine how many scars you will have and their visibility after a lower body lift. Dr. Lou plans incision patterns so they can be easily concealed by undergarments or in less visible areas, like the natural skin folds. Dr. Lou or someone on his staff will provide you with post-surgery instructions, which will help your incisions heal correctly so the scars are smooth and, in time, blend into your normal skin.
What can I expect during recovery?
Following your lower body lift procedure, you may have moderate swelling and bruising in and around the treated areas. Appointments for follow-up exams are important so Dr. Lou can monitor your healing. It's crucial that you contact Lou Plastic Surgery if you experience any symptoms of an infection or you have any questions.
When should I consider getting a lower body lift?
When you're thinking about getting a surgical lift on your lower half, make an appointment with Dr. Lou to get more information about the procedure and the right time for you to schedule surgery. You need to be at or close to a healthy, stable weight because losing or gaining a significant amount of weight after a lower body lift can impact your appearance. Before surgery, Dr. Lou will also complete a physical examination to make sure that you're strong enough to undergo the procedure.
Will I have to stay overnight in the hospital?
Generally, Dr. Lou requires his patients to stay a minimum of one night in a medical facility following a lower body lift. This stay is to ensure your safety and comfort so your health can be monitored and your pain and be controlled. Based on the number of areas that are being treated and how quickly you recover, Dr. Lou might suggest you stay multiple nights. During your initial consultation, Dr. Lou will discuss how long he thinks you may need to stay.
Houston Body Lift. Transform Your Figure.
Dr. Derek Lou invites all Houston area weight loss patients to schedule consultations to discuss our skin removal procedures and choices for a lower body lift. Lou Plastic Surgery takes pride and joy in working with our patients to achieve their final goals. If you are concerned about extra skin and hanging folds on the middle to lower portion of your body, you could be a candidate for lower body lift surgery. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us discuss this amazing process with you.