Lower Body Lift
in Miami, FL
Revive Surgical Institute in Miami offers lower body lift procedures by renowned board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Morad Askari. He achieves excellent results and helps people restore their youthful figures. Lower body lift includes multiple operations that remove unwanted skin and fat bulges, creating a smooth appearance. Every procedure is customized to align with the patient’s needs. You can expect natural, long-lasting results delivered with expertise and compassion.
What Is a Lower Body Lift?
A lower body lift, also known as a beltplasty, is a comprehensive surgical procedure that addresses excess skin and fat in the lower portion of the body, including the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, and buttocks. It is designed for patients who have lost significant weight and want to contour the remaining bulges. This transformative treatment involves an incision that extends around the body, like a belt, allowing Dr. Askari to remove redundant tissue and create a more contoured appearance. The surgery typically combines elements of the following operations:
- Tummy tuck
- Buttock lift
- Hip lift
- Lower back lift
- Pulling the skin from the outer thighs (like during a lateral thigh lift)
This is one of the most extensive body contouring surgeries available. A lower body lift is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes 4 to 8 hours to complete, depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s specific needs. The surgery removes excess tissue that often cannot be addressed through diet and exercise, resulting in a smoother lower body silhouette.
Consultation & Preparation for a Lower Body Lift
The first step is a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Askari. During this initial meeting, he evaluates the patient’s overall health, medical history, and aesthetic goals. Patients must undergo various medical tests and screenings to ensure they are suitable candidates for the procedure.
Smoking cessation is typically required at least 4 weeks before surgery, as nicotine can impair healing and increase complications. Weight stability is also crucial, so patients should maintain a steady body mass for 3-6 months before surgery, ideally reaching close to their target weight. In addition, proper nutrition and hydration help prepare the body for the procedure.
Dr. Askari provides detailed pre-operative instructions, including guidelines for avoiding certain medications, dietary restrictions, and recovery arrangements. Photographs and measurements are typically taken during the consultation to aid surgical planning and make before-and-after comparisons.
Lower Body Lift Procedure
Surgical Markings
Before the lower body lift surgery, Dr. Askari makes detailed pre-operative markings on the patient’s body. These signs outline where loose skin and excess fat will be removed, ensuring precision during the operation. Correct markings are crucial for achieving the patient’s aesthetic goals.
Anesthesia
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia to ensure the patient remains comfortable. In some cases, a combination of general and epidural (spinal) anesthesia may be used for enhanced pain management. Our expert anesthesiology team monitors the patient’s vital signs during the operation.
Incision Placement
Dr. Askari carefully creates incisions according to the surgical plan. These are typically placed around the lower abdomen, hips, buttocks, and lower back. The incisions allow Dr. Askari to remove excess skin and fat while minimizing visible scarring. The exact placement varies based on the patient’s body type and areas of concern.
Excess Skin and Fat Removal
Once the incisions are made, Dr. Askari removes loose tissues to contour the lower body. Liposuction may be used to address stubborn fat deposits and refine the results. This step is essential to achieve a smoother, more toned appearance.
Tissue Tightening
The underlying tissues are tightened and repositioned to enhance body contours. This may involve suturing the separated muscles to create a more defined silhouette. Dr. Askari ensures the new shape provides both functional and aesthetic benefits.
Skin Redraping
The remaining skin is redraped over the contoured areas. Dr. Askari adjusts the skin for a natural and proportional appearance, ensuring no undue tension on the incisions, which helps promote better healing.
Closure
Dr. Askari closes the openings using sutures, adhesive strips, or skin glue. Surgical drains may be temporarily placed to prevent fluid buildup. The closure technique is given special attention to reduce scarring and support healing.
Final Checks and Dressings
Before concluding the surgery, Dr. Askari thoroughly reviews the patient’s lower body to ensure symmetry and optimal results. Sterile dressings or compression garments support the newly contoured areas and minimize swelling. This marks the completion of the procedure.
Add-On Surgery: Upper Body Lift
An upper body lift is a transformative cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and improves the shape of arms, chest, and back. It is often sought by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss due to bariatric surgery, semaglutide programs, and/or a healthy lifestyle. The procedure helps create a more toned appearance, enhancing confidence and comfort. Many patients choose to add this surgery for comprehensive body contouring. It may include the following operations:
- Breast lift
- Upper back lift
- Gynecomastia surgery (skin removal)
Recovery After Lower Body Lift
Week 1
Swelling, bruising, and tightness in the treated areas are common in the first week. Patients should wear compression garments to reduce symptoms and support healing tissues. Drainage tubes may remain to prevent fluid accumulation in the treated areas. All activities should be limited to avoid straining the incisions. Dr. Askari recommends light walks to promote circulation and prevent blood clots.
Weeks 2-4
By the second week, most patients experience reduced swelling and discomfort. Drains are usually removed during this period, depending on fluid output. Physical activity may gradually increase, though vigorous exercises remain restricted. Patients can return to work after 14 days if it does not involve heavy lifting or other strenuous movements. Incision sites may begin to form scabs. We recommend following our scar care recommendations, including silicone sheets or topical treatments.
Months 2-3
During months two and three, most patients notice a significant improvement in mobility and overall comfort. Swelling continues to diminish, and incision scars may appear less prominent. Many individuals return to exercise but are advised to avoid intense core engagement until Dr. Askari gives clearance.
Months 4-6
By the fourth to sixth month, most of the swelling resolves, and the final contours of the lower body lift become more visible. Patients typically resume all pre-surgery activities, including vigorous exercise. Scars continue to fade and flatten over time. Regular follow-ups ensure optimal recovery. The final results may take up to 1 year to emerge fully.
Scar Care
Proper aftercare is essential to promote healing and minimize the appearance of scars. Patients should keep the incision sites clean and dry, following Dr. Askari’s instructions for changing dressings. Silicone sheets and special gels are often recommended to improve scar texture and reduce visibility over time. Sun protection is also critical, as UV exposure can darken scars, making them more noticeable. Wearing sunscreen or covering the area with clothing is highly encouraged, especially during the first year of healing. Regular follow-ups with Dr. Askari allow for personalized guidance and monitoring of the scar maturation process.
Candidates for Lower Body Lift
Significant Weight Loss
Individuals who have undergone massive weight loss, either through bariatric surgery or a healthy diet and exercise, often experience sagging skin around the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks. A lower body lift is an appropriate option for addressing these concerns.
Genetics and Age-Related Changes
Candidates may have noticeable skin laxity due to aging or genetics. This condition involves sagging or folds of tissue that cannot be addressed through diet and exercise alone. Therefore, patients need a circumferential body lift to restore their figures.
Stable Weight
Candidates are expected to maintain a stable weight for several months before surgery. Significant weight fluctuations after the procedure may compromise the results and lead to complications.
Good Overall Health
Body lift patients must be in good physical health. They should not have underlying medical conditions that could increase surgical risks or impair healing. Common contraindications include active infections, uncontrolled diabetes, heart problems, lung disease, or blood clotting disorders.
Non-Smokers
Nicotine can impair wound healing and increase the risk of complications. Patients who do not smoke or are willing to quit well before surgery are better suited for body lift procedures.
Realistic Expectations
Ideal candidates understand what this treatment can achieve and maintain realistic expectations. Body lifts eliminate loose skin and fat. However, they may not remove all imperfections.
Commitment to Recovery
Recovery after a lower body lift is extensive, requiring significant downtime and post-surgical care. Candidates must be prepared to follow Dr. Askari’s instructions closely and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
Benefits of Lower Body Lift
A lower body lift addresses aesthetic and functional concerns, making it a highly beneficial procedure. Patients can remove excess skin and fat bulges while increasing their comfort in everyday life. Here are some of the main advantages of this plastic surgery:
Improved Body Contours
Removes loose skin and tightens the underlying tissue to create a smoother, more sculpted appearance in the lower body.
Enhanced Comfort
Eliminates chafing, irritation, and discomfort caused by folds of excess skin, improving daily activities like walking and exercising.
Better Fit in Clothing
Allows for more proportional and comfortable clothing options, as sagging tissues no longer interfere.
Boost in Confidence
Restores a more youthful and toned body shape, often leading to increased self-esteem and satisfaction with physical appearance.
Skin Health
Prevents infections and other medical problems caused by irritation from skin folds.
Long-Lasting Results
Provides enduring results that last many years when paired with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
Cost of Lower Body Lift In Miami, FL
The cost of a lower body lift in Miami, FL, ranges from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on factors like the surgeon’s expertise, the complexity of the procedure, and the amount of excess tissue that needs removal. The price typically includes the doctor’s fees, anesthesia, and operating room charges, but additional expenses like post-operative garments or follow-up visits may apply. Patients should schedule a consultation with Dr. Askari to receive personalized cost estimates tailored to their needs.
What Makes Our Lower Body Lift Different From Others?
Revive Surgical Institute is a premier destination for body lift procedures, thanks to the expertise of Dr. Morad Askari, our board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 13 years of experience and a compassionate approach to patient care. He combines advanced training from prestigious institutions like the University of Southern California and the Mayo Clinic with a commitment to safety and individualized treatment. Our team delivers outstanding results tailored to each patient’s goals. We always aim to provide an excellent surgical experience, helping people realize their vision of beauty and improve their quality of life!
