What is a lower body lift? After going through a major weight loss, many patients come in complaining about the excess skin left behind. While home remedies, topical creams, and non-surgical treatments may help to an extent, large amounts of loose skin requires a more invasive, but permanent technique. Sagging or loose skin in the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and thighs can be removed with a lower body lift. This powerful body contouring procedure is used by board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Cara Downey and Dr. Jamal Bullocks, to give the lower body the younger look and feel that patients deserve after accomplishing their major weight loss.
How much does a lower body lift cost in Houston? The average cost of your lower body lift in Houston typically ranges between $8,000 and $15,000. The total cost for your lower body lift will depend on factors such as your surgeon’s fee, the location of your procedure, and other miscellaneous medical expenses. At Heights Plastic Surgery, we accept cash and all major credit cards. We are also happy to offer financing through CareCredit® for patients. Because a lower body lift is typically more about cosmetic appearance and is less of a medical necessity, it is not covered by most insurance plans.
Am I a good candidate for a lower body lift? At Heights Plastic Surgery, Houston lower body lift candidates typically experience the following concerns: Loose skin around the midsection Excess skin and fat around the thighs Sagging and loose skin around the buttocks Ideal candidates for a lower body lift are in good general health and have realistic expectations of their potential results. Patients will be required to be near or at their ideal body weight. The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for a lower body lift is to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks.
What techniques do you use during a lower body lift? A lower body lift is an outpatient procedure that typically takes about 4 to 8 hours to complete. To begin, a general anesthetic will be administered to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free throughout your surgery. Houston plastic surgeons Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will then perform a combination of any of the following techniques. The surgical techniques Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will use during your lower body lift will be discussed while developing your personalized treatment plan during your one-on-one consultation. Belt Lipectomy. This technique is the “complete” lower body lift procedure, which involves a circumferential incision along with your entire waist and along your outer thigh. The extent of these incisions enables a powerful lift on the entirety of the lower body, getting rid of fat, tightening muscles, and removing loose skin for a more contoured figure. Tummy Tuck. A lower body lift performed specifically on the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks. The main purpose of a tummy tuck is to tighten the abdominal wall and remove stubborn fat and skin from the stomach. This restores abdominal strength in addition to rejuvenating the mid-section. Lateral Thigh Lift. This technique removes excess fat from the other thigh, often performed in conjunction with liposuction to the area. Buttock Lift. During a buttock lift, we remove excess skin and fat from the buttocks and reposition remaining skin for a smoother, more contoured look. Panniculectomy. Panniculectomy specifically targets loose skin above the pubic area.
What can I expect during recovery for a lower body lift? For the first 24 hours following your lower body lift, you will be fitted with drains and compression garments. These will aid in reducing your swelling and promoting your healing. Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will also provide you with prescription medication that can help manage your pain. You will be able to resume taking full-body showers about two days following your lower body lift. After about 2 weeks, Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks and their team will encourage you to practice walking in your new body with the assistance of a friend or family member. Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks asks that you refrain from driving and working for at least 4 weeks, or until it is no longer painful to move and wear a seat belt. Most normal daily tasks, such as doing chores around the house and participating in light exercise, may continue after about six weeks. At 6 to 8 weeks, your scars should begin to fade, and will gradually improve over time. While you will see most results of your lower body lift after just 6 weeks, ultimate results will not become apparent until all swelling subsides and the skin has settled into its new position.
