Body Lift
A lower body lift is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen, hips and lower back. This procedure lifts the buttocks and outer thighs and tightens the underlying muscles of the abdominal wall. It is frequently combined with liposuction so you are also encouraged to also read our information on liposuction. If you are an Irvine, Huntington Beach, or Newport Beach body lift candidate, the best way to learn about your unique options for removing unwanted skin is to request a FREE surgical consultation with Dr. Smith. Or, call our Irvine plastic surgery office at 949.242.0851 or 951.817.7049 in Corona to schedule your appointment.
The combined effects of aging, gravity, childbirth, fluctuations in weight, and a loss of skin elasticity all contribute to loss of tone in the abdomen, buttocks and thighs as we age. A lower body lift can markedly improve the appearance of your abdomen, buttocks and outer thighs. Following a lower body lift, many patients experience an immediate improvement in their self-esteem and discover a greater self-confidence. In addition, many also find greater access to different clothing styles and fashions and are less self-conscious at the gym, around the pool, or at the beach after having a body lift.
Orange County plastic surgeon Dr. Smith approaches the lower body lift procedure to meet your specific needs. This means adequately assessing three factors—excess skin, excess fat, and anterior abdominal wall muscle weakness. Each of these components will determine which procedure is best for you.
If you are planning a future pregnancy or anticipate a significant loss of weight in the future, it is probably best to postpone your lower body lift until after these events have occurred to optimize your results.
If you think you might be a good candidate for a lower body lift, this page will give you a basic understanding of the procedure and the results you can expect. The cornerstone of Dr. Smith's approach is to individualize treatment to your specific circumstances and goals and to ensure that you have an adequate understanding of the issues involved so that you are able to make a fully informed decision. This will help you achieve the appearance you desire with the least invasive procedure available, thus creating a mutually rewarding experience.
As you consider plastic surgery, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing your surgeon. Our pledge to you is to provide the latest, state of the art cosmetic plastic surgery in a safe and professional environment. Dr. Smith is a recognized specialist in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery and is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. He is also an active member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Our goal is to provide you with “the ultimate patient experience.” Our well-trained staff will help you understand your procedure, our financial policies, the scheduling of your surgery, and your postoperative care.
The Consultation
During your initial consultation, Dr. Smith will inquire about your medical history, prior procedures, medications, allergies, and your motivations for seeking plastic surgery. It is very important that you be thorough when providing your medical history, as this information helps to prevent complications during your care. When asked about medications, be sure to include any vitamin or herbal preparations, as these can affect your blood pressure and clotting ability. Honesty regarding your use of tobacco and alcohol is also very important, as these may have a profound impact on your recovery period and your ability to heal following your procedure.
After reviewing your medical history, Dr. Smith will discuss your concerns, priorities and motivations for pursuing plastic surgery, as well as your fears. After examining you, we will be able to offer advice and options to help you achieve the appearance you desire. He will explain the advantages and disadvantages of the different options you have before you.
At the completion of your consultation, our patient coordinator will give you a written estimate of the cost of your procedure. At this time, you will also have the option to schedule your procedure if you so choose. The decision to undergo surgery is a very important one, and the final decision should be given very careful consideration. We realize the importance of this decision, and at no time will you be pressured to make a decision. You are also encouraged to bring your spouse, significant other, family member, or a friend to your consultation.
Where Your Procedure Will Be Performed
Dr. Smith has been granted staff privileges at local hospitals and outpatient surgery centers. In the interest of the safety of his patients, he only performs surgery in fully accredited facilities with the proper services and staff. Dr. Smith usually performs lower body lifts at Laguna Hills Surgery Center because the staff of these facilities are very experienced in the care of plastic surgery patients in general and specifically in the care of Dr. Smith' patients. The Laguna Hills Surgery Center is also conveniently located for all of Dr. Smith's Orange County and Newport Beach plastic surgery patients.
Type(s) of Anesthesia
Anesthesia is an essential part of any surgical procedure and must be performed safely. General anesthesia is the preferred method for a body lift. You are asleep, feel no pain, and will not remember the procedure. This form of anesthesia is required for a lower body lift procedure.
Dr. Smith will discuss all of these options with you more thoroughly at the time of your consultation, and please ask him about anything you do not understand.
Details of the Procedure
Lower body lift surgery usually takes four to six hours to perform. After you are properly anesthetized, Dr. Smith will make the incisions necessary for removal of excess skin and fat. This incision resembles a tummy tuck incision across the lower abdomen but also extends all the way around the waist and actually meets in the middle of the back over the lower spine/upper pelvic region.
After the incision has been made, Dr. Smith gently elevates the skin and fat off of the underlying muscles of the abdominal wall. If needed, these muscles are tightened using sutures. Some patients have hernias in the abdominal wall, and these may also be repaired during a lower body lift.
After the muscles have been tightened, Dr. Smith removes excess skin and fat and redrapes the skin over the underlying muscles. Four drains are typically placed beneath the incision. These slender, rubber tubes assist in draining any fluid that may accumulate beneath the incision and delay your healing.
The incisions are carefully closed to minimize your scar. Dr. Smith uses a technique in which all of the sutures are placed beneath the skin and are absorbed by your body. Not having to undergo suture removal has improved patient comfort and satisfaction.
A sterile dressing is applied to the incisions, and an abdominal binder is placed around your waist. This binder helps support your incision during healing, decreases postoperative swelling, and helps decrease any bruising that may occur.
Products to Help You Heal
- SinEcch: Arnica Montana is a natural product from Sweden which has been shown in clinical studies to reduce postoperative bruising and swelling. This can be used after surgery if needed.
- ScarGuard: A combination of hydrocortisone, silicone and Vitamin E, this product is painted on your scars topically like nail polish beginning three weeks after surgery, and it helps your scars fade so that they fade as much as possible.
All of these products are available for purchase in our office. Please ask us about these products and others if you have any further questions about whether or not these would be beneficial for you during your healing period.
After Your Procedure
Lower body lift surgery is performed in the outpatient setting at Laguna Hills Surgery Center.
After discharge from the surgery center, the antibiotics that were prescribed during your preoperative visit (usually Keflex) should be taken three times a day until it is gone. The pain medication prescribed by Dr. Smith during your preoperative visit (usually Darvocet or Vicodin) should be taken fairly regularly, every four hours or so (when you are not asleep, of course). Most patients find that they are able to transition to Tylenol after three or five days. It is not safe to drive a car within twenty-four hours of taking pain medication, as your reflexes and alertness may be altered.
You should plan to take it easy following your surgery. No strenuous activities, heavy lifting (over 20 pounds), aerobic exercises, swimming, contact sports, tennis, or golf should be planned for the first three weeks. As Dr. Smith monitors your recovery, he will advise you when it is safe to resume specific activities.
You should plan to wear the abdominal binder for three weeks following surgery. Dr. Smith will remove the drainage tubes when the drainage is appropriately low enough to allow drain removal.
The Results You Can Expect
You will notice an improvement in your abdominal contour immediately. However, your shape will continue to improve in the following weeks as the mild swelling subsides. You should be up and walking the day following surgery, although your abdomen will be sore for several days. You should able to resume your normal daily activities within one to two weeks following surgery, and you should be able to resume all of your physical activities within three to four weeks of surgery.
If, after reading about the body lift Orange County plastic surgeon Dr. Smith performs, you feel you'd like to take the next step and meet Dr. Smith, please request a FREE surgical consultation. Dr. Smith will meet with you at our Corona or Irvine plastic surgery office and discuss your cosmetic surgery expectations and personal goals.
Dr. Andrew Smith, providing cosmetic and plastic surgery for Orange County and Irvine area residents including Newport Beach, Huntington Beach & Riverside.