Does your skin sag after losing weight? Let's talk about Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy)!

Imagine that you have worked hard, perhaps for years, and have lost a significant amount of weight. That is a great achievement! But when you look in the mirror and see that you have lost weight, you may feel a little sad. Even if you exercise and eat well, you may not be able to get rid of this sagging skin. This is when many people look into a surgery called a Lower Body Lift.

Simply put, what is this Lower Body Lift?

Another name for this is Belt Lipectomy . As the name suggests, this is a surgery that removes excess , sagging skin and fat around your waist, like wearing a belt. After this surgery, your lower back, that is, your stomach, waist, and buttocks, can look tighter and more toned. Simply put, it helps you regain the shape of your body that you lost due to weight loss.

What is the difference between a 'Tummy Tuck' and a 'Lower Body Lift'?

Many people confuse the two. Both surgeries have a common goal, which is to remove sagging skin from the abdomen, tighten the abdominal muscles, and give a shapely appearance. However, there are some major differences between the two. A 'Tummy Tuck' (Abdominoplasty) surgery focuses only on the front abdominal area . That is, only the stomach. However, a 'Lower Body Lift' or 'Belt Lipectomy' is a much larger surgery. Here, the surgeon makes an incision around the waist, that is, 360 degrees , and removes sagging skin not only from the stomach but also from the back and buttocks, lifting, tightening, and shaping that area. Let's understand this difference a little more clearly.

Who really needs this surgery?

When we lose a lot of weight, sometimes our skin loses its elasticity and doesn't tighten up. No matter how much we exercise or eat well, we can't get rid of this sagging skin. That's who this surgery is for. But before you get this surgery, you need to make sure you have these things:

• There is obvious sagging skin around the waist and buttocks .
• You should be at a healthy weight now and maintain that weight. There is no grand plan to lose or gain any more weight.
• After the surgery , you will be left with a scar around your waist. You will need to be able to live with this scar . (This scar is usually located in an area that is covered by underwear.)
• You cannot have other major medical conditions that would interfere with recovery, such as uncontrolled diabetes .
• You cannot be a smoker . If you smoke , you will need to stop completely a few weeks before surgery, as smoking can seriously interfere with wound healing.

How is the surgery done?

If your doctor decides that you are a good candidate for this procedure, here are the steps that usually take place: 1. Marking: Before the surgery, while you are standing, the surgeon will draw lines around your waist with a marker pen. This will determine the exact locations where the incisions will be made. 2. Anesthesia: You will be given general anesthesia. This means that you will be put into a deep sleep during the surgery. 3. Incision and skin removal: The doctor will then make an incision around your waist as previously marked. Then, a section of loose skin and fat in that area, called an 'apron', is completely removed. 4. Muscle tightening and shaping: If necessary, the abdominal muscles will be tightened and any remaining skin will be pulled up, tightened, and repositioned to create a beautiful, contoured appearance. 5. Closure: Finally, the incision is closed with stitches, skin adhesives, or clips. 6. Drainage: Often, small tubes called drains are placed under the skin to drain excess fluid (blood, water, etc.) that collects in the wound. These are removed after a few days.

What are the risks of this surgery?

Compared to other plastic surgeries, the risk of complications from a Lower Body Lift is slightly higher . The main reason for this is that our abdomen and waist area are constantly moving. Even when we are just sitting, our abdominal muscles are working. When we bend at the waist and walk, this area is put under more pressure. This is why there is a small chance of problems with wound healing. But don't worry. This does not mean that this is a dangerous surgery. If it is performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon, it is a safe surgery. Your doctor will clearly explain all these risks to you and how you can minimize them.

How is the recovery time after surgery?

Although recovery time varies from person to person, there are some general things to expect. After surgery, you will be bandaged until the wound heals. You will be asked to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling. If you have drains, as we discussed earlier, you will be instructed to keep track of the amount of fluid coming out of them and to empty them. During your recovery, you should definitely follow these steps:

• Change bandages according to medical advice.
• Manage drains properly.
• Get plenty of rest and eat nutritious food. This is very important for wounds to heal quickly.
• Avoid bending at the waist and making sudden movements.
• It is not recommended to lift any weights or exercise for about 6 weeks .
• Avoid bathing in bathtubs, swimming pools, or the sea until the wounds are completely healed.

When will I see results? And when should I see a doctor?

Immediately after surgery, you may notice that your underarm area has softened. However, it will take several weeks for the bruising and swelling to subside. Scars will fade over time, but they will not completely disappear. It may take a year or more for the skin and tissue to settle into their new position. If you experience any signs of complications during your recovery, you should contact your surgeon immediately. Weight loss, sagging skin, lower body lift, belt lipectomy, plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery, tummy tuck