360 Belt Lipectomy (Lower Body Lift)
Body contouring surgery, such as the 360 belt lipectomy, helps address excess skin and fat in the buttocks and lower torso, particularly in individuals who have lost considerable weight.
What Is a Belt Lipectomy?
Significant weight loss, fluctuations in weight, pregnancy or the natural aging process often lead to sagging skin below the waistline. Even after reaching a healthy weight or undergoing bariatric surgery, some people usually have excess skin on the lower abdomen and loose skin on the thighs and buttocks.
People who have lost considerable weight from dieting or after bariatric surgery and are not achieving results from exercise or have developed skin laxity from aging may benefit from belt lipectomy.
Also referred to as lower body lift, a belt lipectomy is a cosmetic surgery that addresses loose skin and tightens muscles in the lower body, including the buttocks, back of the thighs, outer thighs, inner thighs, hips and lower abdomen.
What Does a Lower Body Lift Do?
Whereas liposuction targets fat deposits, body lifts such as the 360 belt lipectomy address skin quality issues leading to body contour deformities in a single surgery. Lower body lift procedures work by a 360-degree removal of excess skin around the trunk. A typical lower body lift surgery involves an abdominoplasty-like procedure, where surgeons excise the excess back skin in a circular manner. Instead of removing all the excess tissue from the backside, some may be retained to enhance the buttocks. Additionally, medial thigh lifting is occasionally included to address sagging inner thighs.
Some of the benefits of a lower body lift surgery include:
- Removal of excess fat or skin to help reveal a more youthful appearance and tone or dramatic weight loss results
- Tightening of loose and sagging skin
- Eliminating painful chafing, rashes and infections from overhanging skin
- Boosting self-image and self-confidence
Let us help determine if 360 belt lipectomy is right for you. Call us at 210-600-9110, and we will provide helpful information and assist you in making an appointment.
How To Prepare for a Lower Body Lift
Before the procedure, your surgeon will provide comprehensive preoperative instructions, answer your questions, take a detailed medical history and conduct a physical examination to assess if the procedure is right for you.
In preparing for a lower body lift surgery, your surgeon may advise you to:
- Achieve a stable weight: Losing weight or making lifestyle changes can help ensure optimal results and reduce the risk of complications. It is essential to be at a stable weight before undergoing a belt lipectomy.
- Quit smoking: Stopping smoking promotes better healing. Your surgeon will guide you on the recommended timeframe for quitting before your surgery.
- Avoid certain medications: Refrain from taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements that can increase bleeding.
- Stay hydrated: Proper hydration before and after surgery supports safe recovery.
- Stock your refrigerator: Fill your fridge with high-protein, low-sodium foods, fresh fruits, vegetables and caffeine-free beverages. During recovery, avoid salt-containing foods and drinks.
- Prepare your home for recovery: Arrange supplies at counter level for easy access. Stockpile items like your phone, charger, TV remote, medication organizer, water, low-sodium crackers, tissues and necessary pillows for support.
- Complete chores beforehand: Minimize worries during recovery by handling tasks like lifting, laundry and cleaning before surgery.
- Secure a support system: If you have children (under five years old), arrange for someone to care for them during the initial recovery period.
- Choose comfortable clothing: Plan your attire for the first few days. Choose items that open in front. Wear slip-on shoes to eliminate bending.
- Plan your stay: Whether your surgery is inpatient or outpatient depends on various factors, including medical issues and the number of procedures. Consult your surgeon for guidance. If you go home the same day, arrange for transportation and a nurse to assist you during the initial 48 hours post-surgery.
What To Expect After a Lower Body Lift
A lower body lift requires several hours to complete and may involve a challenging recovery for some patients. Knowing what to expect after the procedure can help facilitate a smoother recovery process.
After surgery, you must wear a compression garment for at least six weeks. The recovery period for this procedure usually takes three to four weeks, and you should be able to return to a sitting job within the same period. However, you may need to wait two to three months post-surgery to perform heavier physical activity. Most of the swelling subsides after six to eight weeks. While you may experience some pain, it is usually manageable with pain relievers. Drains are placed inside your body and exit through the pubic region to collect fluids. These drains are typically removed during the second or third week of your recovery.
Choosing to undergo body contouring surgery is an important decision. If you are considering cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, consult an experienced aesthetic plastic surgeon to understand better what procedure is right for you and research online to see the improvements surgical and minimally invasive procedures can make.
Plastic and Reconstructive Institute of Texas
At the Plastic and Reconstructive Institute of Texas, a part of Baptist Medical Network, we understand that having a belt lipectomy is a highly personal choice that requires finding the right plastic surgeon and making the right decisions based on complete information.
Let us help bring your confidence back with information to help you decide if lower body lift surgery is right for you. Our dedicated plastic surgeons and staff have the experience and solutions to explain your options and answer questions to help you get started.
Healthcare is better together. Visit our website to learn more about our providers and how we can help you achieve your health goals and desired results.
