One cannot help but be impressed by those formerly obese individuals who have mustered the discipline and determination necessary to lose massive amounts of weight in a relatively short time, as part of a commitment to a healthier, more active lifestyle. It is unfortunate, then, that such commendable weight loss should leave behind a souvenir, in the form of flabby, sagging folds of skin where the fat used to be. These unsightly folds can be even worse to look at than the person’s original grossly overweight body. This condition does not only affect people who were once obese, but is also experienced by pregnant women and as a result of aging, when skin loses its elasticity. By way of a solution to this problem, cosmetic surgeons offer relief through a procedure known as a belt lipectomy, or a lower body lift. The lower body lift consists of extensive resculpting and trimming of the abdomen, hips and thighs, resulting in a truly significant alteration of the patient’s lower body. One appreciated advantage of this procedure is that it can be done in several phases, or in a single session, depending on the preferences or needs of the patient.

The lower body lift is performed under general anesthesia, due to the substantial reconstruction that is normally involved. The procedure consists of three stages, with the first two stages consisting of the excising of excess skin and fat from the buttock and hip areas of the patient, while the patient is lying on her side. The third stage has the patient lying on her back and is similar to a tummy tuck in that extra skin and fat are removed from the patient’s midsection, and the abdominal muscles are tightened with the application of sutures. The incisions used during a lower body lift normally circle the upper thigh area, so that they can be concealed by a patient’s underwear, and will not be visible if she wears a swimsuit. If performed in stages, the lift is treated as three separate operations, spaced over the time it would take for normal recovery of each. This may be perceived as much more inconvenient for the patient, but some patients may not be able to, for various reasons, endure such an extensive procedure in one sitting. As such, the lower body lift must be divided for the patient’s safety.

In either case, after the surgery, tubes will be placed in the incisions to drain away fluid that may collect in the treated area. Bandages will be applied as necessary to minimize bleeding and facilitate recovery, as well as protect the area from exposure to the elements and subsequent infection. In certain instances, a special compression garment will be worn to maintain the sculpt and contour of the lower body. The patient will be kept in the clinic for one to two days for monitoring purposes, to ensure that no untoward complications have occurred, and for the periodic changing of the bandages and drainage system. Afterwards, the patient may return home, but should not expect to return to work for about two to three weeks. The patient should also refrain from any strenuous physical activity at this time, while the body heals.

The results of the surgery are not immediately apparent due to the expected swelling, bruising and bleeding that occur, which should resolve themselves eventually as the patient recovers. Pain and discomfort are also typical in the aftermath of a lower body lift, but these can be managed with standard medication. Eventually, these effects will subside, and after several months have lapsed, the radical transformation of the patient’s lower body will become readily apparent.