A lower body lift is a procedure to raise and reshape unsightly, sagging skin in the buttock, lateral (outside) thighs, and abdomen.  During the aging process, skin loses some elasticity, causing the mid-section to lose its natural shape and firmness.  Most patients who require this surgery are massive weight loss (MWL) patients who have lost substantial weight due to diet/exercise or bariatric surgery.  This lower body lift (LBL) is designed to remove loose skin and related fat deposits, thus, providing a more youthful appearance.  A body lift can be applied to the lower torso and upper legs including the abdomen, waist, inner/outer thighs, buttocks, and/or hips. Liposuction may also be completed in conjunction with a body lift.  Other similar procedures are called "belt lipectomy", "torsoplasty", or "central body lift".  Our experience tells us that the LBL is the procedure of choice over these other variants. 


This video shows the main steps in a lower body lift (note: graphic content).



The lower body lift is composed of an abdominoplasty, outer thigh lift, and buttock lift.  These three procedures together are the lower body lift.  This is without question the procedure of choice for optimizing the cosmetic outcome in nearly all the MWL patients, and also in some non-MWL patients. 

We emphasize aesthetic improvement of the buttock using specialized techniques developed here at BIDMC.  If the surgeon simply removes tissue and lifts the buttock, the result is usually severe flattening of the buttock with a suboptimal cosmetic result.  To prevent this, we usually use a procedure called the SGAP (superior gluteal artery perforator) flap which moves the otherwise discarded tissue into a good position to prevent buttock flattening and help achieve harmonious volume distribution in the buttock.  We have developed a system of cosmetic analysis to plan buttock surgery very precisely.  The photograph below shows a graph of how we measure and analyze the buttock in the MWL patient.  On the left is our analysis of her preoperative view and on the right is the postoperative result of the buttock, superimposed over our measurements to quantify improvement in the appearance (photo to be added soon):




This video demonstrates buttock rejuvenation in the MWL patient (note: graphic content):




A second option for buttock contouring (in the MWL patient or the non-MWL patient) is fat injection.  Browse our website for more information on fat grafting.

Reasons for Considering a Body Lift:

• Reshape mid-body contour.
• Correct sagging skin and fat due to aging or excessive weight loss in buttock and thighs.
• Remedy weight gain and stretched skin caused by multiple pregnancies.

General Procedure

The precise procedure varies with each patient, depending on the body type and desired surgical outcome.  Generally speaking, the body lift procedure entails making an incision that follows the upper and/or inner thigh, to the waistline.  In more extensive surgeries for the MWL patient, the incision goes completely around the waist and lower back.  Excess skin is then removed, followed by the underlying fat deposits.  Finally, the skin is pulled taught and sutured into the new configuration.  The entire procedure can last from 3 to 7 hours.  The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

Recovery Process

Generally, post-operative instructions require plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time.  Bandages are applied right after surgery to minimize swelling and provide support.  Tubes are often placed to drain excess fluids.  The scars resulting from the incisions are permanent but are carefully placed so as to minimize visibility.  Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery which can be treated with oral medication.  Recovery time varies with the extent of the procedure.  While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions that are given after the surgery.