A lower body lift (LBL) is a major body contouring procedure sought by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss. This surgery is designed to address the resulting skin laxity and excess tissue remaining after the body’s volume has decreased. A common question is the exact scope of the contouring, specifically whether the procedure includes work on the thighs. The LBL targets the entire midsection and lower body, integrating multiple lifting techniques into a single, circumferential operation.
Defining the Lower Body Lift
A Lower Body Lift is a circumferential procedure, often referred to as a belt lipectomy. It addresses skin and tissue laxity around the entire torso following massive weight reduction. The primary goal is to reshape and tighten the lower abdomen, the flanks, and the buttocks.
The operation involves a horizontal incision that extends around the entire lower trunk, typically positioned low enough to be concealed by underwear or a bikini. This “belt” incision allows the surgeon to remove a continuous band of excess skin and fat. This 360-degree removal simultaneously tightens the abdominal area, lifts the posterior tissues, and creates a smoother contour across the hips and waistline.
The Role of the Thighs in the Procedure
The answer to whether a Lower Body Lift includes the thighs is yes, but with an important anatomical distinction. The LBL directly addresses and lifts the outer (lateral) thighs. This inclusion is a natural result of the procedure’s circumferential design.
The skin of the outer thigh is continuous with the hips and flanks, which are elevated and tightened as excess tissue is removed from the lower torso. When the surgeon closes the incision around the waist, it exerts a lifting effect on the upper, outer thigh area. This action removes localized excess skin, improves the contour of the “saddle bag” region, and ensures a smooth transition between the hip and the leg. Liposuction may also be used concurrently to address any underlying, isolated fat deposits.
Comparison to a Dedicated Thigh Lift
While the LBL effectively treats the lateral thigh, it is fundamentally different from a dedicated thigh lift, also known as a thighplasty. A dedicated thigh lift primarily addresses skin laxity on the inner (medial) thigh. Significant loose skin on the inner leg, which often causes chafing and hygiene issues, requires a separate approach.
A medial thigh lift typically uses an incision placed along the groin crease, sometimes extending vertically down the inner leg toward the knee for comprehensive tightening. The vertical incision is necessary when there is a significant amount of excess skin along the entire length of the thigh, which the LBL cannot adequately address. Patients with considerable inner thigh laxity often require the LBL combined with a separate medial thigh lift procedure.
Post-Surgical Considerations
The extensive nature of a Lower Body Lift, integrating abdominal, buttock, and outer thigh tightening, necessitates a comprehensive recovery plan. The circumferential incision line requires movement restrictions across the entire lower half of the body. Patients are instructed to walk with a slight bend at the waist and hips initially to minimize tension on the suture lines, which are stressed by standing fully upright or squatting.
Managing post-operative swelling is a major focus, as fluid accumulation is expected across all treated areas. Compression garments must be worn continuously for several weeks to control swelling and support the newly contoured tissues. While light walking is encouraged soon after surgery to promote circulation, strenuous activities and heavy lifting are restricted for approximately four to six weeks.