Lower Body Lift in McLean and Northern Virginia

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Alex Mesbahi is pleased to offer lower body lifts to his patients. This is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat to lift and reshape certain sections of the body affected by weight loss or pregnancy. It specifically targets the mid and low body, including the buttocks, stomach, flanks, low back, and thighs. Depending on the amount of skin removed, a circumferential 360 incision may be performed, which permits the greatest amount of skin excision and lift. Contact Mesbahi Plastic Surgery in McLean, VA, Washington, D.C., or Beverly Hills, CA to schedule a consult. In many cases, a lower body lift surgery allows people who have lost an extreme amount of weight to complete their total transformation with a taut figure.

An individualized lower body lift surgery by Dr. Mesbahi not only provides a dramatic new look to your body, but it also has a number of benefits, including:

• Addressing multiple body concerns
• Eliminating excess loose skin
• Tightening sagging skin
• Recontouring the body
• Reducing stubborn fat from problem areas
• Diminishing wrinkles and stretch marks
• Achieving a rejuvenated, younger look
• Enhancing the overall body aesthetic
• Reducing rubbing, chafing, and skin irritation
• Improving mobility
• Pairing well with other aesthetic enhancement procedures (breast lift, butt lift)
• Boosting confidence and self-image

Ideal candidates for this surgery are usually people who have lost a sizeable amount of weight and are battling different challenges. These challenges may be loose, wrinkled skin on the upper thighs, hanging skin on the abdomen, and sagging tissue throughout the midsection of the body. For those who are considering this surgery, it's important to understand the procedure and to have realistic expectations, which can be talked about with Dr. Mesbahi during your consultation. First, scars are a result of this surgery due to the size of the incisions. Second, this procedure does require a lengthy recovery period versus many other cosmetic surgeries so it's essential to prepare in regard to work and family care. Lastly, it's necessary that you are at your healthy goal weight before undergoing lower body lift surgery.

This procedure is completed with general anesthesia, and generally, patients will need to stay overnight in a medical facility. The surgery time can be lengthy, taking about 4 – 7 hours. Incisions are made along the midsection of the abdomen, in the thighs, or within the natural curves of the buttocks, depending on which areas are being treated. Incision placement is usually predetermined during your initial treatment planning session with Dr. Mesbahi. Once an incision is made, liposuction will be used to remove small pockets of fat and excess tissue is then trimmed and removed. The remaining skin will be pulled tight and secured with sutures. This process is repeated with each treatment area until all target locations are addressed. If you are treating multiple locations, Dr. Mesbahi may space out your surgeries to allow optimal healing in between procedures. Prior to your release, we will also place compression garments to help protect the incisions, minimize swelling, limit bruising, and catch excess bleeding.

A lower body lift is classified as a comprehensive surgery. It takes most patients about 2 – 4 weeks to get back to everyday activities, and in some patients, as long as six months before they can get back to more active movements, including exercise. Dr. Alex Mesbahi or a member of our team will discuss post-recovery instructions and information on wound care so that scars heal nicely. While the recovery may feel lengthy, the results are extraordinary, providing patients with a smoother, tighter body without the loose, hanging skin that holds them back from living a full life. 

Will I have visible scarring?
Scarring is a part of lower body lift surgery. Several factors can contribute to how many scars you have and their visibility after a lower body lift. Dr. Mesbahi designs incisions so they're either easily concealed in less visible areas, like in natural skin folds, or where they will be covered by undergarments. Dr. Mesbahi or a member of our team will provide you with aftercare instructions on how to help your sutures heal properly so the scars are flat and eventually blend into your natural skin tone.

What can I expect during recovery?
After a lower body lift procedure, you might have moderate bruising and inflammation in and around the treatment areas. Appointments for follow-up exams will be scheduled so Dr. Mesbahi can track your healing. It is imperative that you contact our office if you notice any abnormal symptoms or have any questions.

When should I consider getting a lower body lift?
If you're thinking about getting a lower body lift, make a consultation with Dr. Mesbahi to learn more about the process and the right time for you to get one. You should be at or close to a stable, healthy weight because losing or gaining a significant amount of weight once you've had a lift may alter your results. Prior to surgery, Dr. Mesbahi will also complete a physical examination to make sure that you're healthy enough to undergo the procedure.

Will I have to stay overnight in the hospital?
Generally, Dr. Mesbahi requires his patients to spend a minimum of one night in a hospital or medical facility after surgery. This overnight stay is to ensure your safety and comfort so your health can be monitored and your pain and be controlled. Depending on how many areas are being addressed and how quickly you recover, Dr. Mesbahi might recommend you spend multiple nights. We work with several local hospitals that you can choose from for your recovery.

Is a lower body lift painful?
Patients may experience some discomfort following a lower body lift, particularly in the first few days after surgery. Pain management is typically addressed through prescribed medications, and most patients find that discomfort can improve after the first week. The level of pain varies depending on the extent of the procedure, but it is generally manageable and subsides as the healing process continues.

Can a lower body lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes, a lower body lift can be combined with other procedures such as liposuction, breast lift, or arm lift to achieve more comprehensive body contouring. Many individuals choose to combine procedures to maximize results and minimize total recovery time. Dr. Mesbahi will assess your goals and recommend the best combination of treatments to achieve your desired outcome.

Mesbahi Plastic Surgery in McLean, VA, Washington, D.C., and Beverly Hills, CA has an exceptional team of staff who are dedicated to providing you with outstanding aesthetic care. Dr. Mesbahi invites all weight loss patients to consult about our skin removal treatments and your choices for lower body lift surgery. If you are concerned about extra skin and sagging folds on the middle and lower portion of your body, reach out to our practice to learn more about how this procedure can transform your figure.