LOWER BODY LIFT
A lower body lift procedure involves the excision of excess
skin and fat in the lower abdomen and buttock areas. It results in a
better contour of the abdomen, buttocks and outer thighs. Although it
results in a better shape of the lower body, it is not meant to be a
weight reducing procedure.
INDICATIONS
If you have excess skin and fat in the lower torso then it is
likely that you are a good candidate for a lower body lift. Patients
who have lost a large amount of weight are most commonly good
candidates for this type of procedure. It is important to remember that
this type of surgery should not be performed on patients with medical
conditions that decrease wound healing and in smokers.
PROCEDURE
The procedure and resultant scars will be discussed with you
at the consultation. The incisions sites will depend on the amount and
position of the excess skin. In general, the incisions go all around
the body and the resultant scar is kept within the swim suite lines.
This allows for an apron of excess skin to be removed. The remaining
fat and underlying tissue is then reshaped and the skin is closed. It
is possible that liposuction will be needed in certain areas to
maximize the results but this will be discussed with you at your
consultation. The skin is then sutured closed and the wounds are
dressed. You may be placed into a specialized compression garment after
the procedure.
After you are discharged from hospital, a follow-up appointment will be
scheduled in a few days. You should not allow the dressings and wounds
to get wet at home and you should rest. It is however important to walk
around in your home to ensure good circulation in your legs and prevent
blood clots from forming. At you follow-up appointment the wounds will
be assessed and the dressings changed. You will be informed on how to
manage the wounds further.
You should not perform any exercise for at least 4 weeks after the
surgery but this will depend on your recovery.
COMPLICATIONS / DISADVANTAGES
Fortunately, significant complications from abdominoplasty are
infrequent. Anyone considering surgery, however, should be aware of
both the benefits and risks. It is important to understand that any
surgical procedure has potential risks.
Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you
include:
Systemic complications
• Resp decompensation (due to the tight
tummy pushing up onto the diaphragm)
• Deep vein thrombosis or blood clot (due
to the tight tummy slowing blood flow from the legs back to the heart)
• Pulmonaery embolus (blood clot which
has developed in the deep veins may dislodge and move to the lungs;
this could be fatal)
• Fat embolus
• Anaesthetic complications
• Infection and Toxic shock syndrome
Local Complications
• Skin necrosis and wound dehiscence
occurs in 1-5% of cases (more common in patients who smoke or have
medical conditions such as diabetes)
• Infection 5% (antibiotics, drainage,
debridement)
• Haematomas or blood collection (this
may require surgical drainage)
• Seromas or fluid collection (this may
require surgical drainage or weekly aspirates with a needle and syringe)
• Intra-abdominal perforation
• Nerve injury (lateral femoral cutaneous
nerve problematic if cut d/t pain etc)
Aesthetic complications
• Umbilical deformities or necrosis
• Poor low transverse scar (hypertrophic
etc)
• Malposition of low transverse scar
• Malposition of umbilicus
• Contour irregularities
• Permanent pigmentary changes
Although these complications are rare, it is important to fully
understand the risks involved for your operation.
ADVANTAGES
The advantage of this procedure is the marked improvement in the shape of the abdomen, buttocks and thighs. Clothes are better fitting and you will be able to wear certain styles of clothing more freely.