Lower Body Lift

Loss of skin elasticity in the buttock and upper outer thigh is a problem that can be seen with increasing age or after significant weight loss. It is very common after massive weight loss following bariatric surgery. A lower body lift improves the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports fat and skin. The primary method to tighten the skin of the perigluteal regions by lifting and excising redundant tissue is called a gluteoplasty or lower body lift.

Body Lift Candidates Include:

• Individuals with significant soft tissue ptosis in one or multiple body areas
• Individuals who maintain a stable weight
• Lower body muscles that have been weakened by pregnancy or aging
• Healthy individuals without medical conditions that can impair healing
• Non smokers

The standard lower body lift is performed is by an incision that extends across the entire lower back from hip bone to hip bone like a heart shape just above the buttock. This technique allows for removal of excess skin and fat below this level while simultaneously lifting the sagging tissues in the lower buttocks and upper outer thigh. There are variants of this technique that use a less extensive incision but will give less dramatic results. Free fat transfer may be combined to better define the buttock area.

Lower body lift surgery will take between 4-6 hours depending on the amount of skin and fat that needs lift.

After the body lift surgery, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. Small, thin tubes or drains may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood that may collect. A compression garment will be worn for 4-8 weeks after surgery. There may be moderate pain during the first few weeks after your surgery. Pain medication will be prescribed to alleviate as much post-surgery pain as possible. There will be visible bruising in the area of the surgery and swelling will be severe. Bruising and swelling may take 3 to 4 months to completely disappear. It is important to start moving or walking within a day of your surgery.

Some possible side effects include infection, loss of sensation, areas of wrinkling or slight depression in the skin and scarring.

Lower body lift surgery can dramatically tighten sagging thigh, hip and buttock tissue to enhance the appearance of the hips, flanks, upper thighs and buttocks. The results are long-lasting unless large weight gain or pregnancy takes place.

To learn more about lower body lift procedure, or to schedule your consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Moenster, please fill out the form on this page. You can call our Tucson location at 520-207-3100 or our Sierra Vista location at 520-458-1787. We look forward to seeing you soon!