Lower Body Lift

Is excess skin around your waist hiding your true physique?

A body lift gives dramatic improvement to the contour of the abdomen, waist, lower back, buttock and outer thigh by lifting and excising redundant skin and fat.

After undergoing major weight loss, you may now be left with deflated hanging skin, covering up your new trim body.

 Who is a good candidate for a body lift?

Ideal candidates have obtained their weight loss goals, with a stable weight for at least 6 months. Patients who have undergone weight loss surgery should have normal blood work, without electrolyte abnormalities or anemia.

Patients who are 20 to 30 pounds overweight and desire removal of excess abdominal and lower back tissue are also good candidates. Healthy weight patient who wish for circumferential improvement of their waist, as well as a lift of the buttock and outer thigh are also good candidates.

Finally, patients must be accepting of a trade of extra skin for scars, which are designed to be concealed under clothing.

Expected Results

After a lower body lift, patients will have improved contour of their tummy, waist and lower back. The buttock, mons pubis, and outer thighs will appear lifted.

Recovery

Patients typically experience pain, swelling, and bruising. Most patients can return to work in 2 weeks. Drains are removed in 1 to 3 weeks. Garments are then continued for 4-6 weeks. Most patients can return to heavy exercise between 4 to 6 weeks.

Procedure Details

The procedure is performed in the hospital under general anesthesia and the duration is 4 to 6 hours. Incisons are placed low on the abdomen and low back, in a circumferential fashion. The incisions are designed to be concealed below the undergarments. This allows maximal skin removal and improved appearance to the waistline. The outer thigh, mons pubis, and buttock skin will be lifted as well. An additional incision is made around the umbilicus to allow full contouring of the upper abdominal skin. Surgical drains are often placed. Absorbable sutures are placed followed by a light dressing. After surgery, patients are placed in a compression garment. Patients require an overnight stay in the hospital.

Cost

The average cost of a body lift is $12,000-$14,000. A consultation with Dr. Carpin is required to obtain a personalized quote.

Risks

Bruising, swelling, pain and scarring are the most common risks. Additional surgical risks will be discussed in consultation.

Schedule a Consultation Today!

Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Carpin to discuss if you are a surgical candidate, and to review the risks, benefits, alternatives, and expected outcomes of the procedure. Call (281) 333-4600 or click here to send us a Contact Form. Dr. Carpin performs lower body lifts for patients in Houston, League City and Clear Lake, TX and surrounding areas, including Friendswood, Pasedena, Kemah, Seabrook and Galveston.

FAQ

When’s the best time to get skin removal surgery after weight loss?

Dr. Carpin recommends that you are within 20 pounds of your desired weight, and have a normal BMI. Weight loss should be stable for at least 6 months. Additionally, blood work should all be normal. If you plan to have this surgery and loose additional weight afterwards, you may have additional skin laxity.

Will my health insurance cover skin removal or a body lift?

In most cases, health insurance will not pay for skin removal unless it is causing recurrent skin rashes or interference with urination. The coverage is often minimal and will only cover the cost of a panniculectomy, which is removal of the abdominal skin overhang. A tummy tuck and body lift is considered cosmetic, and thus not covered under health insurance.

Will skin shrink back to normal after a 100-pound weight loss?

Skin elasticity has many factors, including genetics, age, and solar damage. Unfortunately, after major stretching during obesity and then rapid weight loss, the skin loses its tone. Patients after massive weight loss (losing greater than 100 pounds), are often left with hanging excessive skin which drapes over their thinner frame. The skin laxity may be apparent in the face, neck, tummy, arms, legs, and back/buttock. In most instances, surgery is required to remove and lift the excess skin and improve the contour. Dr. Carpin advises patients to wait at least 6 to 12 months after weight loss to determine your final skin tone and decide if surgery is right for you.

Contact Our Office (281)-282-9555

575 E Medical Center Blvd – Webster, TX 77598

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