[Body contouring surgery in the massive weight loss patient]

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Body Contouring
• Post-Bariatric Surgery

Context:

• Massive weight loss leads to skin laxity in multiple body regions.
• Stepwise procedures like abdominoplasty and liposuction often fail to address underlying deformities.
• The lower body lift offers a comprehensive solution for post-weight loss body contouring.

Purpose:

• To present a 10-year experience with the lower body lift procedure.
• To discuss patient selection, surgical techniques, and outcomes.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of lower body lift in managing deformities after massive weight loss.

Summary:

• The lower body lift, introduced by Ted Lockwood in 1993, allows simultaneous skin resection and tightening of the abdomen, buttocks, hips, and thighs.
• This article details the authors' decade-long experience, covering patient selection, technical aspects, pre- and postoperative care, complications, and results.
• The procedure is presented as a solution for the skin laxity and tissue-tension loss common after significant weight reduction.

Impact:

• Provides valuable insights into the long-term outcomes of lower body lift surgery.
• Offers guidance for surgeons considering this comprehensive body contouring technique.
• Highlights the potential for improved patient satisfaction and aesthetic results in post-massive weight loss patients.