Lower Body Lift vs Tummy Tuck: What's the Difference?
Both lower body lift surgery and tummy tuck surgery address excess skin and fat on the lower half of the body, including the abdomen. These surgeries, in combination with other common cosmetic procedures, are most often used for patients who've achieved drastic weight loss and are looking to firm up their midsection, buttocks, and thighs.
In this article, we'll be outlining the similarities and differences between tummy tuck vs body lift surgery. Of course, the best way to know which procedure is right for you is to schedule a consultation.
Body Lift vs Tummy Tuck
When it comes to lower body lift vs tummy tuck surgery, there are quite a number of similarities, which is why these two procedures are often confused. In fact, each procedure has its own unique benefits, but they also work in tandem with each other. So, for many patients, both surgeries are actually recommended.
Let's explore each procedure in turn.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
The tummy tuck procedure is a cosmetic surgery that aims to do three things: remove excess skin from the front of the abdominal area, remove excess fat (via liposuction), and tighten the abdominal muscles.
Most tummy tuck surgeries require one lateral incision, made on the lower abdomen beneath the bikini line (so, not noticeable when wearing underwear or bikini bottoms). In some cases, when a patient has lost a significant amount of weight and has a lot of drooping and sagging in the center of their abdomen, a vertical incision may need to be made from the belly button down to the lateral incision as well.
During a tummy tuck procedure, plastic surgeons are literally pulling down the abdominal skin, much like pulling down a window shade. They will then cut off the lower portion of excess skin.
Before closing the incision, however, the surgeon will also tighten abdominal muscles and reposition the draping of the skin for a smoother overall appearance. Liposuction is performed as needed in most tummy tuck surgeries.
What Is a Lower Body Lift?
While both a tummy tuck and a lower body lift address excess tissue and body fat on the front of the trunk, it is only a lower body lift that addresses excess skin, tissue, and body fat on the back, flanks, buttocks, and thighs. For this reason, the lower body lift is often seen as one of the best plastic surgery procedures for massive weight loss patients, who often have large amounts of sagging skin in these areas.
When an individual has achieved extreme weight loss (whether through diet and exercise or weight loss surgery), they often end up with a lot of loose skin and poor tissue elasticity. Patients may state that their buttocks looks low and that drapes of skin on their thighs sag down uncomfortably.
A lower body lift after weight loss can remove excess tissue and tighten loose skin in these areas. Basically, a “donut” (circular ring) of skin is removed from around the hip or lower abdominal area of the patient. The lateral thighs (outer thigh area) are also lifted.
Essentially, most lower body lift procedures include a basic tummy tuck, but extend that procedure around the backside of the patient's abdomen, ultimately achieving improvements down the buttocks, on the hips, and on the thighs.
What Procedure Is Right for Me?
Mentions of tummy tuck vs lower body lifts, 360 body lift vs tummy tuck procedures, circumferential tummy tucks vs 360 lipo, etc. can be confusing. We get it!
One thing to remember when reading or learning about these procedures is that they are often just marketing terms. In this way, they're often used “incorrectly” by different surgeons, who simply have their own way of interpreting various surgeries.
If you really want to know what cosmetic procedure is right for you after a significant weight loss, pregnancy, or just because you're finally ready for a change, it's always best to meet directly with your plastic surgeon for a consultation appointment. Consultation appointments are extremely useful, whether you are a patient who already knows they want surgery or just want to learn more about your options.
When you schedule a body contouring consultation appointment with Dr. Aghayan, we ask that you please bring information regarding your medical history, a list of any medications or supplements you are currently taking, and any pictures or references you think may be helpful when explaining what your desired results and expectations are for surgery.
Contact Us to Schedule Your Consultation
Hardly anyone who needs and gets tummy tuck surgery or a lower body lift regrets their decision to do so. These transformative procedures can achieve dramatic, life-changing results for many men and women.
Whether it was pregnancy, weight loss, aging, or genetics that caused you to seek information about removing excess fat and sagging skin with surgery, there are procedures that can help. Many patients benefit from what a lower body lift or tummy tuck can achieve, and there other body contouring procedures that can treat these common concerns as well.
To start your journey toward a new you today, contact our office and schedule your consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Aric Aghayan. We look forward to meeting with you.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/body-contouring
