Lower Body Lift Houston, TX

If you’re interested in body contouring, a lower body lift may be an option for you. This procedure addresses loose or excess skin in the outer thighs and buttocks area that often occurs as a result of weight loss or aging.

Find out more about what lower body lift surgery is and why you may want to explore it with an experienced doctor who can guide you through this decision. Dr. Leo Lapuerta is a trusted, triple-board-certified plastic surgeon who performs lower body lift surgery in the Houston, Katy, and Pearland, Texas areas.

Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight will often experience loose and excessive skin, while others may notice sagging skin as they age. However, it’s not just the unfavorable appearance of excessive skin that troubles patients. Overhanging skin can also cause mobility issues and painful rashes, infections, and chaffing. 

Those who are coping with loose, sagging, or excessive skin below the waist often turn to lower body lift surgery. This procedure can help improve the patient’s contour and shape while reducing the discomfort and irritation associated with excess skin. Dr. Lapuerta sometimes refers to this method as a body lift 360 — removing excess skin from the lower abdomen, hips, lower back, and buttocks.

Depending on the desires, needs, and goals a patient has going into the procedure, there are several techniques the surgeon can take. Some patients may only request a procedure focused on their stomach, while others may want to address excess skin around their hips, buttocks, and thighs, too. This will determine what techniques the surgeon will need to take. 

With those focus areas determined and an end-goal in mind, Dr. Lapuerta will apply the agreed-upon technique during the surgery. This involves “lifting” the lower body and tightening the underlying tissue to create a smooth and toned effect. 

Lower body lift surgery can redefine the entire lower body. It is often considered a final step in one’s transformation towards a new, beautiful figure. This surgery can boost self-confidence and help eliminate ailments related to excess skin.

Prior to undergoing lower body lift surgery, patients must first meet with Dr. Lapuerta for a consultation to determine if they are a good candidate. He will assess the patient’s health and discuss their goals to help decide if the surgery is the best course of action. If the patient and surgeon agree to move forward, they will schedule a pre-operative appointment to review more details and expectations before booking the surgery date. 

Dr. Lapuerta performs all lower body lift surgeries under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. The duration of the surgery depends on the extent of the surgery and if it is being performed in conjunction with other procedures. It is common for a surgery of this nature to take three to four hours or longer.

During lower body lift surgery, Dr. Lapuerta makes an incision horizontally across the lower abdomen, circling the body. Through these incisions, the surgeon will remove excess fat pockets using liposuction and pull underlying tissue and muscle tight. Dr. Lapuerta will make every attempt to trim away as much loose skin as possible while protecting the incision area to minimize scarring.

A lower body lift aims to create a natural shape and a leaner, more toned figure. Patients who adhere to a healthy lifestyle can enjoy their surgical results for years. Before reaching this end result, however, patients can expect several weeks of lower body lift recovery. 

Most patients will be required to spend a couple of nights in the hospital following the surgery. They will likely have surgical drains to help remove fluids from the incisions, and will wear bandages and a compression garment to reduce swelling and support the tissue. Patients should expect two weeks or longer before work and normal activities can resume, and should avoid any strenuous activities for at least four to six weeks, depending on the state of their lower body lift recovery. 

Dr. Lapuerta will provide recovery instructions and require several post-op appointments to ensure the patient heals properly. During these appointments, the surgeon will assess the patient’s incisions, address any concerns or questions, and eventually remove the drains and sutures. 

In terms of lower body lift scars, patients can expect some noticeable scarring, particularly around the lower stomach and hip areas. However, the surgeon will work to place the incisions as low as possible, making it easier to hide the lower body lift scars while wearing clothing.

The cost of a lower body lift will vary. The final lower body lift cost will depend on how many procedures the patient needs and how many stages it takes to complete the process (surgeries that are staged will inevitably cost more). On average, most patients can expect to pay between $10,000-$17,000. During the initial consultation, the patient will receive a detailed surgical plan with the costs outlined for each specific case.

If you are looking to learn more about lower body lifts, Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Dr. Lapuerta has performed more than 20,000 plastic surgery procedures. During the consultation, Dr. Lapuerta will listen to your goals, discuss your options, and help you decide whether lower body lift surgery is the right choice for you.