The lower body lift is a combination of procedures combining a tummy tuck, technically known as abdominoplasty; a thigh lift and a buttock lift, which combined are called a belt lipectomy. These combined procedures remove excess skin and fat from the stomach, thighs and buttocks.

This procedure requires serious surgery and is for extreme cases only; it is not a cosmetic procedure or an alternative to weight loss. Patients are left with permanent scarring. People who were obese and have lost a great deal of weight usually profit from this procedure.

Procedure information
In the belt lipectomy, excess skin and fat is removed from the thighs and buttocks, and the superficial fascia suspension system (SFS) is resuspended in order to maintain shape and keep muscles in their proper positions. The SFS is a collective tissue network responsible for keeping tissues elevated.

For the stomach, a large incision is made across the midriff and the skin is then lifted, requiring the belly button, or umbilicus, to be separated from surrounding tissue. The vertical stomach muscles will be pulled tightly together to strengthen the abdominal wall and flatten the tummy. The skin is then pulled down over the muscle tissue and a new hole is cut for the belly button before the excess skin is removed and stitches are administered.

Recovery time
There are varying degrees of severity when dealing with lower body lift procedures, and thus the recovery times for individuals can vary greatly. Patients are normally required to stay at hospital for least a day or two after the operation, while more severe cases could be hospitalized for 2 to 3 weeks.

Physical activity is limited for the first few weeks following, and even months in serious cases. Medication can help with the post procedure pain, but there will be stiffness for some time.