LOWER BODY LIFT
Body Contouring

CLICK HERE TO VIEW BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS

» Overview	» The Day of Surgery
» The Consultation	» After Surgery
» Preparing For Surgery	» Your Results
» The Procedure	» The Costs

Overview

The effects of aging, gravity, fluctuations in weight, and a loss of skin elasticity all contribute to loss of tone in the abdomen, buttocks and thighs, especially in gastric bypass patients because of the significant amount of weight lost in a short period of time. A lower body lift is a common surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the lower-middle body. This procedure tightens the abdomen and hips and lifts the buttocks and outer thighs. A lower body lift can markedly improve the contour of your abdomen, buttocks and outer thighs and will allow you to fit better in clothing and even wear clothing you have not been able to wear such as shorts or form fitting clothing.


The Consultation

Your consultation with the doctor is complimentary and there will never be any charges for office visits. During your initial consultation, you will be asked to give information about your medical history, prior procedures, medications, allergies, and your motivations for seeking plastic surgery. It is very important that you be thorough when providing your medical history, as this information helps to prevent complications during your care. When asked about medications, be sure to include any vitamin or herbal supplements, as these can affect your blood pressure and clotting ability. You also need to let the doctor know if you use any tobacco products, alcohol, steroids, or street drugs, as these may have a profound impact on your recovery period and your ability to heal following your procedure. After reviewing your medical history, Dr. Nguyen will discuss your desired results, your concerns, and your priorities. He will then explain the options that are available to you and explain the advantages and disadvantages of those options. In the end, he will present a surgical plan to help you achieve the appearance you desire.

After your consultation with the doctor, your patient coordinator will provide you with a written quotation for the cost of your procedure. At this time, you will also have the option to schedule your procedure if you so choose. We understand how important this decision is to you and you will not be pressured to make a decision. You are also encouraged to bring your spouse, significant other, family member, or a friend to your consultation.




Preparing For Surgery

On the day of your consultation, you will receive instructions on how to optimize your health before surgery. This will include what medications to stop and what testing will be required before surgery. If you are 45 years of age or older, or if you have any health problems, you will need to see your primary care physician to have bloodwork, an EKG, and obtain surgical clearance stating that there are no counterindications for you having surgery. You should not take aspirin containing products or smoke for two weeks before surgery. If you have health problems or a history of health problems, you may require additional testing or clearance.

For full details on our pre-operative requirements, Click Here To Download
“Optimizing Your Health Before Your Cosmetic Surgery.”

If you do not have a primary care physician, we recommend Dr. Chi Phan, located at 4050 Barranca Pkwy Suite 210; Irvine, Ca 92604 Phone: 949-654-7833. Dr. Phan accepts most insurance. For those who do not have insurance, Dr. Phan charges approximately $120 for surgical clearance, including EKG & bloodwork.



The Procedure

The abdomen is normally treated first by removing the excess skin from the belly button down to the pubic area. The belly button is cut out from the surrounding skin and left in place. The abdominal muscle is then tightened. The fat and skin above the belly button is then stretched down to the pubic area and sutured in place. A new opening is made and the belly button is brought through and sutured in place in its original position. The navel will remain in place but may change shape slightly. The patient is then turned to the side and the excess skin and fat from the side to the mid back is removed. The outer thighs may be liposuctioned at this time and the outer thighs brought up.

One or more drains may be placed to reduce the amount of swelling that will be allowed to accumulate during recovery. A compression garment will help support your midsection and legs during healing, decreasing postoperative swelling. After surgery, you will recover in the recovery room until you are alert enough to go home.

The Day of Surgery

While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed. Your surgery will be performed in our outpatient surgery center at 11190 Warner Avenue, Suite 400; Fountain Valley, CA. This procedure is an outpatient procedure performed with general anesthesia. You will not be allowed to have anything to eat after 9pm the evening before surgery or drink after midnight the night before surgery. You should shower the day of surgery but do not use any lotions or perfumed products on your body. Wear loose, comfortable clothing with an elastic waistband. Arrive two hours prior to surgery. You will need someone to bring you on the day of surgery and take you home and stay with you that night.




After Surgery

You will begin taking pain medication and antibiotics after surgery. Each time you take your pain medication, you should have a snack as the medication can be irritating to your stomach. For the first 24 to 48 hours you will have a sensitive stomach and you should eat mild foods such as you would normally eat if you had the flu (soups, crackers, etc.). Dr. Nguyen also strongly suggests Gatorade to replenish your fluid levels.

You should plan to significantly reduce your activity for several days following your surgery. You will need help getting in and out of bed and getting to the restroom. You should rest with your upper body elevated (approximately 45 degree angle) so that you can get in and out of bed more easily. One or two pillows should be placed under your knees for comfort. You will be limited to very slow, light walking in and around the house for a few minutes at a time. A little bit of light, slow walking is good for the circulation in your legs, which is important for the prevention of blood clots. You will be sore for several days, but this will rapidly subside. You will wear the compression garment 24 hours a day for the first 4-8 weeks.

The drainage tubes are usually removed within the first week, during your follow-up appointment. You may shower the day after the drains are removed. The tapes over your incision will protect the incision from the soap and water so you may shower as normal and pat the tapes dry. The surgical tape will begin to fall off during the second week and can be removed at the end of the second week. Patients with an office job are often able to return to work between two and four weeks after surgery. More strenuous jobs may require work restrictions for eight weeks, which you may request a certifying letter from the receptionist.

Avoid long periods walking or sitting upright for the first four weeks to minimize tension on the incisions. You should not do any strenuous activities or heavy lifting (over 5 lbs) for 8 weeks after surgery. You will be followed closely for the first three months after surgery and will be advised which specific activities you may resume as your healing progresses. You will continue to wear a supportive garment for six to eight weeks. During this time, you will slowly return to your normal activities.

Over several weeks, the swelling will continue to subside, bruising will fade, and normal sensation will return. Although you will notice a difference in the contour of your waist, buttocks, and thighs shortly after surgery, the improvement will become even more apparent as the swelling and fluid retention subsides over several weeks to months. Over the first three to six months, the last of the swelling, along with feelings of numbness or tightness, will disappear. Your scar will begin to fade and will continue to improve for the first year.

After two weeks, and once all incisions are well healed (no open areas or scabs), you can begin using Scar Guard® scar treatment or Neosporin Scar Solution® on the incisions. Scar Guard® and Neosporin Scar Solution® are available at the pharmacy in our building.

Your Results

You will notice that your clothing fits more comfortably and you will enjoy a new, slimmer appearance. Most patients are very happy with their firmer, flatter abdomen, and tighter buttocks and thighs. You may lose approximately 5-10 lbs. in weight and 1-4 dress sizes. Many patients are excited to wear clothing that they were previously unable to feel comfortable in, including shorts and form-fitting clothing. Your new contours will be permanent providing your weight is stable. In addition, most patients notice that changes in weight do not result in accumulation in this problem area as it did before.






The Costs

These fees are approximate and are only to give you an idea of what you can expect. Fees may change without notice. An official binding quote (valid for 30 days) will be given on the day of your consultation. These fees include Surgeon’s Fee, OR Fee, Anesthesia Fee, Surgical Garment), and Follow-Up Visits.

Lower Body Lift $7,000-$8,000