| Procedure | Weight changes can stretch the skin of the buttocks and the outer thighs and leave behind lax tissues and stretchmarks. A buttock and outer thigh lift removes various degrees of excess skin between flanks and hips and fat, leaving behind a transverse scar with a small dip above the natal cleft. This procedure can be combined with liposuction. I don’t use drains routinely. The wounds are repaired with sutures under the skin which don’t require removal and dissolve within four months. A support garment following surgery is recommended. This operation can be combined with a tummy tuck (=abdominoplasty) and as a full body lift (other terms: circumferential abdominoplasty, belt lipectomy, 360° lift) |
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| Scars | Transverse around back between hip and flanks with dip at natal cleft (circumferential extension for full body lift) |
| Operation time | 2 – 3 hours |
| Anaesthesia | General > (Local) |
| Hospital Stay | Day Surgery > (Overnight) |
| Benefits | Cosmetic, Psychological, Functional, Symptomatic |
| Risks | Bleeding, Infection, Scar problems (stretched, thick, abnormal pigmentation, red, retracted etc.), Skin discoloration, Skin cones, Wound separation, Slough, Necrosis of skin, Fat cysts, Pain, Numbness, Weakness, Bruising, Swelling, Overcorrection, Undercorrection, Asymmetry, Remaining stretch marks, Recurrent redundancy, Cosmetic imperfections (higher risk after subsequent weight changes), Seroma, Contour irregularities, Functional problems, Liposuction: Friction / thermal burns and fat embolism, Allergic reaction, Need for further surgery, Chest infection, Heart attack, Stroke, Blood clots in legs & lungs |
| N.B. Most complications are unlikely and serious risks are rare | |
| Risk factors | Smoking / contraception / flights within 6 weeks of surgery, overweight, weight changes, high blood pressure, bleeding tendency, diabetes |
| Optimising factors | Diet rich in Vitamin C and protein, plenty of fluids, fresh air, scar massage, sun protection, support garments, a healthy and stable weight |
| Discomfort | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Bruising | 2 – 3 weeks |
| Recovery | Light activities 2 weeks, Driving 3 weeks, Physical work & sports 6 weeks, Unrestricted 3 months |
| Acceptable appearance | 2 – 4 weeks for most patients (This is subjective and patient dependent) |
| Final result | 6 –18 months |
| Alternatives | No Surgery, Garments, Exercises, Weight loss, Liposuction |
Anstey Hall
Maris Lane
Cambridge
CB2 9LN
