Lower body lift surgery is a comprehensive procedure designed to address sagging skin and excess fat in the lower body, including the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. This surgery is particularly popular among individuals who have experienced significant weight loss and are left with loose, hanging skin that cannot be corrected through diet and exercise alone.  

In this blog post, we’ll cover the different procedures involved in a lower body lift, who is a good candidate for body lift surgery, and what kind of results you can expect. 

What’s Included in a Lower Body Lift? 

A lower body lift typically combines several procedures to achieve a more toned and contoured lower body. These procedures typically include a butt and thigh lift and tummy tuck with liposuction for additional contouring. Let’s explore each in more detail. 

Thigh Lift 

A thigh lift targets the inner and outer thighs to remove excess skin and fat, resulting in smoother and more contoured thighs. This procedure can be particularly beneficial for individuals with loose skin on their thighs due to aging or significant weight loss.  

There are two main types of thigh lifts: the medial thigh lift, which focuses on skin laxity on the inner thighs, and the outer thigh lift, which targets the outer thighs and can extend to the hips and buttocks. 

During a thigh lift, an incision is typically made in the groin area, extending downward along the inner thigh. The surgeon then removes excess skin and fat before tightening the remaining skin. This procedure can significantly improve the appearance of the thighs, making them look firmer and more youthful. 

Butt Lift 

A butt lift, or gluteoplasty, is designed to enhance the shape and contour of the buttocks. This procedure can involve the removal of excess skin and fat or the use of fat grafting to add volume and improve the buttocks’ overall appearance (popularly known as a Brazilian Butt Lift). For those with sagging or flat buttocks, a butt lift can create a more lifted and rounded look. 

The procedure involves making incisions in the buttock crease or along the lower back. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining skin is lifted and tightened to create a firmer appearance. In some cases, liposuction may be used to further contour the area. 

For plastic surgery after weight loss patients, this surgery is commonly performed as part of a “thigh buttock lift.” When paired with a tummy tuck, it becomes a lower body lift. 

Tummy Tuck 

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, focuses on the abdominal area. This procedure is ideal for individuals with loose, sagging skin and weakened abdominal muscles, often resulting from pregnancy, significant weight loss, or aging. A tummy tuck can restore a flatter, firmer abdomen. 

During the procedure, an incision is made along the lower abdomen, from hip to hip. An extended tummy tuck may use a longer incision that wraps around the hips. The plastic surgeon removes excess skin and fat, repairs any separated or weakened abdominal muscles, and tightens the remaining skin. This results in a smoother, more toned abdominal profile. Learn more about tummy tucks in our related blog post. 

Liposuction 

Liposuction is often included in a lower body lift to remove stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. This procedure can be performed on various areas of the lower body, including the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen, to enhance the overall contour and improve the results of the other procedures. 

Liposuction involves making small incisions in the targeted areas and using a thin tube, called a cannula, to suction out stubborn fat. This technique sculpts the lower body, providing a more defined and proportionate appearance. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Lower Body Lift Surgery? 

A lower body lift is an excellent option for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss but whose skin has not retracted to their newer body contours. Good candidates for this surgery include those who: 

• Have maintained a stable weight for at least six months. 
• Are in good overall health and do not have any medical conditions that could impair healing. 
• Have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery. 
• Are non-smokers or are willing to quit smoking before and after the surgery to promote better healing. 

Scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to determine your candidacy for a body lift procedure and get a personalized treatment plan. 

Lower Body Lift Results 

Patients often experience a significant improvement in the appearance of their thighs, buttocks, and abdomen, leading to increased confidence and comfort in their own skin. 

Immediately after the surgery, you will notice a difference in the contour of your lower body. However, it’s important to understand that swelling and bruising are common in the initial recovery period. As your body heals over the next few months, the final results will become more apparent, revealing a smoother and firmer lower body. 

Most patients can return to light activities within 2 to 3 weeks, with full recovery taking up to 6 months. The results of a lower body lift are long-lasting, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle and stable weight. While the natural aging process will continue, the improved contours achieved through surgery can last for many years. 

Explore Your Body Contouring Options 

Lower body lift surgery is a comprehensive solution for individuals seeking to improve the appearance of their lower body after significant weight loss or due to aging. If you would like to discuss your procedure options further, please request a consultation online or call Murphy Plastic Surgery at 303-788-8400 to get started.