A lower body lift is an operation that includes an abdominoplasty but also treats sagging buttocks, hips, and outer thighs. Sometimes called a belt lipectomy or an extended abdominoplasty, this procedure requires a circumferential incision to remove a belt-like strip of skin and fat from around the waist. Several position changes are usually required during the operation to dramatically lift the fallen tissues. Back rolls are sometimes improved as well, depending on their location. Dr. Brian Braithwaite and Dr. Lorri Cobbins perform lower body lifts under general anesthesia, often as an outpatient procedure. Like tummy tuck surgery, we usually recommend disposable pain pump catheters during recovery to ease muscle pain. We also use temporary drains for roughly one week. We often instruct body lift patients to wear a compression garment even if liposuction was not performed. Light exercise is encouraged soon after surgery but strenuous activity is limited for at least several weeks. Patients may drive and return to work once they discontinue narcotic pain medicine.

For more information about lower body lift surgery or to schedule a consultation at our office, please contact The Aesthetic Institute of Chicago today.