Body Lift Improves Abdomen, Thighs, Buttocks-Raleigh,NC*

This patient underwent bariatric surgery over 10 years ago her weight went from 300 pounds to 170 pounds. She was never happy with the extra loose skin and finally decided to something about it. She underwent several procedures to address the excess loose skin that resulted. She underwent a circumferential abdominoplasty or body lift where she had excess skin and fatty tissue removed and a 360° fashion. This improved her abdomen anterior and lateral thighs as well as buttock. This procedure requires placement in the prone position and subsequent positioning in the supine position during the surgery. Despite the extensive nature of the surgery, weight loss patients tolerate this quite well provided they are healthy and appropriate candidates. The decision to perform full body lift versus abdominoplasty alone depends on the degree of skin laxity and location of excess skin and fat. Performance of a abdominoplasty alone would not have improved her buttock and lateral thighs as much and likely would result in loose skin gathering in her back resulting in a dog ear deformity. This patient was very satisfied with her new body appearance.