Lower Body Lift

Overview: Lower Body Lift

Seattle cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Craig Jonov, has reshaped the bodies of countless men and women as they complete their weight loss transformation. A lower body lift (also known as a body lift 360) is designed for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, yet still battle loose and excess skin on the hips, butt, flanks and abdomen. To create a beautiful new figure, Dr. Jonov uses a circumferential excision that extends around the body along the lower hip. During this process, he removes excess skin and then pulls the lower body up and tightens the underlying tissues, securing the opening with sutures. The result is a smooth and toned appearance that diminishes the look of unsightly hanging skin, wrinkling and cellulite. For many weight loss patients, this serves as a final step in their weight lost journey.

Surgical Technique

During a lower body lift, firstly, Dr. Jonov makes an incision horizontally across the lower abdomen, circling the body. Secondly, through these incisions, he removes excess fat pockets using liposuction. Finally, the underlying tissue and muscle will be pulled tight. An experienced surgeon will make every attempt to trim away as much loose skin as possible, while protecting the incision area to minimize scarring.

Questions about Lower Body Lifts

How Bad is the Scarring?
While this procedure produces great results, scarring is inevitable. However, every effort is made to create clean incisions and leave a thin scar line. These incisions are also created low to follow the natural bikini line and keep them hidden if a bathing suit is worn. The scars will continue to heal and fade over time. Most patients feel their sleeker, tighter body outweighs the scarring.

Is This Surgery Painful?
Because of the extent of this procedure, patients may feel discomfort during the recovery process. For this reason, patients are required to stay in the hospital for a couple of days for monitoring and prescribed pain medication to help reduce pain and discomfort.

Will Insurance Apply?
Yes, insurance may cover some portion of a body lift procedure. For massive weight loss patients, there may be chronic skin infections or other issues caused by obesity. This varies by patient condition, insurance policy and procedure. You can discuss patient benefits during the pre-op meeting with one of our billing and insurance coordinators.

Best Time for Surgery?
Individuals contemplating a lower body lift will need to be at or near their goal weight. If they anticipate losing a significant amount of weight, this needs to happen first. Once the weight has been lost, a physical will be required to ensure the body has stabilized enough to endure surgery.

During/After Lower Body Lift Surgery

Dr. Jonov performs all lower body lift surgeries under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. The length of the surgery depends on how many procedures are performed and to what extent. It is common for a surgery of this nature to take 3-4 hours or longer. The recovery can also be quite trying. Most patients will be required to spend a couple of nights in the hospital. It could take 2 weeks or longer before work and normal activities can resume. A lower body lift can create a natural shape and a leaner, more toned figure. Patients who adhere to a healthy lifestyle can enjoy their surgical results for years.

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