Dr. James D. Namnoum | Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Body Procedures
Lower Body Lift
Post Weight Loss Surgery may be performed to eliminate loose skin and fat in patients who have achieved significant weight loss. In these patients, excess skin can not only diminish the appearance of their accomplishments: it can also be very uncomfortable and cause significant health problems. By performing a Lower Body Lift, Dr. Namnoum can help his Atlanta-area patients achieve a slimmer waistline and increased self-esteem after they lose a large amount of weight.
What is a Lower Body Lift?
Following massive weight loss, especially after bariatric surgery, a loss of skin elasticity can cause loose skin to hang from a patient’s slimmer frame and excess fat deposits can make it difficult for patients to achieve the body shape they desire. Loose, saggy skin after weight loss can be extremely heavy, can rub against other skin or clothing, and can negatively impact a patient’s self-esteem.
A Lower Body Lift, sometimes referred to as a circumferential body lift, is a combination of plastic surgery procedures performed to eliminate excess skin and fat that remain after weight loss. This procedure, formally known as belt lipectomy, is commonly performed following bariatric surgery to slim the appearance of the abdomen, flanks, and lower back. A Lower Body Lift combines a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) with a buttock lift through an incision that tracks completely around the torso. Liposuction is also frequently performed as part of body contouring surgery after weight loss.
Benefits of Lower Body Lift Surgery
Removal of saggy, loose skin and stubborn excess fat deposits during a Lower Body Lift surgery offers a number of cosmetic and health benefits, improving a patient’s:
Appearance
For patients who have done the hard work of losing a significant amount of weight, body contouring surgery can help their figures accurately represent their accomplishments by revealing a more slender, toned appearance.
Mobility
Excessive loose skin can make it difficult for patients to perform even the simplest physical activities.
Quality of Life
Patients who undergo post-weight loss body contouring enjoy higher self-esteem, an improved body image, improved social functioning, and a more active lifestyle.1
Hygiene
Keeping excess skin folds clean can be challenging and time-consuming.
Health
Excess skin after weight loss can lead to skin irritation, infections, and rashes. The excess weight of loose skin can also cause back pain and other physical discomfort.
Preparing for Your Body Lift
Dr. Namnoum will meet with you personally in a Lower Body Lift Consultation. During this appointment, he will physically examine your body and you will have the opportunity to discuss your cosmetic concerns with him. Dr. Namnoum will also review your medical history and any medical conditions you may have to determine whether you are a good candidate for belt lipectomy.
Once your plastic surgery has been scheduled, you will be given detailed instructions about how to prepare for the procedure as well as clear expectations for the recovery process.
The Belt Lipectomy Procedure
Belt Lipectomy is typically an outpatient procedure and is performed under general anesthesia.
Before beginning the Lower Body Lift procedure, Dr. Namnoum will draw lines on your torso while you are standing to determine optimal incision placement. During a Lower Body Lift, an incision is made around the circumference of the torso. Excess skin and fat are removed, the abdominal muscles are tightened, and tissues are repositioned to reveal a more streamlined silhouette. The incisions are closed with sutures, then drains are placed to hold excess fluid and the patient is fitted with a compression garment.2
Lower Body Lift Recovery
Recovery time after a Lower Body Lift varies according to each patient’s unique treatment plan. Following your procedure, your incisions will be kept clean and secure with bandages and dressings. These will be removed during a follow-up visit with Dr. Namnoum.
You can expect to experience swelling and bruising as your body heals after a Lower Body Lift, and Dr. Namnoum will prescribe pain medication to help you stay comfortable. You will need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a number of weeks after your procedure, but you will be encouraged to get up and walk as soon as possible.
You can expect to see the results of your post-weight loss body contouring surgery very quickly, and they will only improve as swelling resolves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lower Body Lift
How much does a Lower Body Lift cost?
The cost of a Lower Body Lift after weight loss depends on each patient’s unique goals. Before your procedure, a member of our team will go over all factors that contribute to the cost of your cosmetic surgery, which will include:
- Dr. Namnoum’s surgeon fee
- Cost of each surgical procedure
- Anesthesia fees
- Operating room fees
- After-care prescriptions and medication
Who is a candidate for skin removal surgery?
Dr. Namnoum will consider a number of factors when determining whether you are a good candidate for body contouring surgery after weight loss. In general, candidates for Lower Body Lift:
- Are in good overall health
- Have reached a stable weight
- Are not smokers
- Are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Have realistic expectations about what can be accomplished through cosmetic surgery3
Will I have scars after Lower Body Lift surgery?
Yes, scars will be present after a belt lipectomy. Dr. Namnoum is careful to place the circumferential incision for this procedure where it will be covered by underwear or a bathing suit. The scar is placed in the same place where a thong panty would drape in a woman. The scar is placed higher in a man but below the swim trunk or boxer short line.
Can I combine my Lower Body Lift with other procedures?
Yes. To help patients achieve their desired body shape, Dr. Namnoum may combine a body lift with Liposuction, Thigh Lift, Arm Lift and/or fat grafting augmentation of the buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift). Patients may also choose to undergo Face Rejuvenation or Breast Rejuvenation after weight loss, though these procedures may be performed during a separate surgery.
How long is recovery after a Lower Body Lift?
Most of Dr. Namnoum’s patients feel comfortable going back to work within a few weeks of their body contouring procedure and are able to resume all of their normal activities within 6-8 weeks.
Is Lower Body Lift covered by insurance?
When a patient’s excess skin impairs their movement, causes skin infections, or otherwise impacts their health negatively, this procedure may be covered by medical insurance. If body contouring is performed solely for cosmetic reasons, it is deemed an elective procedure and may not be eligible for coverage.
What are the risks of body contouring surgery after weight loss?
As an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Namnoum’s highest priority is the health and safety of his patients. However, there are risks and complications associated with any surgical procedure. Risks of a circumferential body lift may include:
- Infection
- Fluid accumulation
- Bleeding
- Asymmetry
- Blood clots
- Sub-optimal scarring
- Numbness or changes in skin sensation4
1 Toma T, Harling L, Athanasiou T, Darzi A, Ashrafian H. Does Body Contouring After Bariatric Weight Loss Enhance Quality of Life? A Systematic Review of QOL Studies. Obes Surg. 2018 Oct;28(10):3333-3341. doi: 10.1007/s11695-018-3323-8. PMID: 30069862; PMCID: PMC6153583. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30069862/. Accessed July 13, 2023.
2 Cleveland Clinic. Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy). Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23375-lower-body-lift. Accessed July 13, 2023.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for body lift surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/body-lift/candidates. Accessed July 13, 2023.
4 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What are the risks of body lift surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/body-lift/safety. Accessed July 13, 2023.
