Bodylifting – Lower Bodylift

As part of your consultation at our Nymphenburg Clinic for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery in Munich, you describe your wishes and expectations for the procedure for the aesthetic improvement of your figure. We do not look at the abdomen without adjoining regions: typical female curves with waist, harmonious hips and firm round buttocks are equally crucial for a beautiful figure. If a harmonious body image is to be achieved, one must always consider the adjacent regions of the areas that need improvement. Frequently, following massive weight loss, a limp skin surplus on the abdomen occurs and is accompanied by an equally flaccid excess of skin on the buttocks and lower back. If a harmonious body image is to be achieved, this must be considered and a multimodal approach planned. No two bodies are the same, and only through an individually adapted approach can we achieve an aesthetically excellent result for you.

After the photo documentation, we will initially examine your stomach. In addition to the skin and fat surplus, our particular attention is paid to diverged abdominal wall structures or possibly existing navel or scar hernias. Afterwards we will also examine your figure from the back. If there is no pronounced excess of skin or you decide against the procedure, we will advise you to undergo a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. However if the skin excess on the lower back continues, only a lower Bodylift will achieve a harmonious figure. After this detailed analysis, we can recommend the appropriate surgical method for achieving your desired result.

In order not to unnecessarily increase the risk of postoperative bleeding, the use of aspirin should be avoided in the two weeks prior to the operation. The consumption of alcohol and nicotine should also be reduced to a minimum.

In the days and nights shortly after the operation, you should have as much support as possible at home for everyday activities. For the period of six weeks after surgery, you should not expose yourself to severe physical stress. When scheduling, consider the necessary recovery phase after the procedure.

For an optimal result, you should definitely wear compression underwear after surgery. A selection of different models and sizes are available in our Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Clinic. If necessary, we can order different models and sizes at short notice.

As a rule, patients are hospitalized on the day of the operation at the highly specialized Dritter Orden Clinic. In the days before the procedure you will have an appointment with the anesthetists and be asked in detail about your medical history, such as pre-existing conditions, allergies and intolerances, and the anesthesia will be discussed with you. In most cases, a one to two night stay is sufficient at the clinic.

On the morning of the operation, we will clarify any final questions and draw the appropriate markings for the operation with you in a sitting and lying position. After administering the anesthesia, the operating area is sterilized and covered per hygiene protocol. As a prophylactic measure, you will receive a single dose of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

These measures have been proven to reduce postoperative infections. In the first step, the buttocks are tightened with relining through the excess of localized tissue. Two drainages are usually applied to the area to drain the wound. After the dermal suture with self-dissolving stitches and sterile dressing, patients are repositioned in the supine position and the area is resterilised and covered. The next part of the operation is performed per tummy tuck procedure. After preparation of the abdominal wall, any possible gaps in the abdominal wall are reconstructed and the diastasis recti is corrected. By aligning the hip, the final extent of the skin to be removed is determined. The navel is then returned to its right position in the pulled-down abdominal skin. Two drainages are also applied tor the belly. The skin closure is done with self-dissolving stitches, so that no removal is necessary. After applying the sterile bandage, an elastic abdominal bandage is applied. This is removed the next day and the compression clothes are applied.

After being discharged, you will need to present at our office hours at regular intervals. The success of the operation is documented photographically.

As a rule, pain is limited. Cooling and painkillers, e.g., ibuprofen should alleviate existing pain within a few days. Prolonged “tweaking” or “weather sensitivity” are normal and no cause for concern.

Immediately after the lower body lift, you may notice an unpleasant tautness of the abdomen and buttocks. After a few weeks, however, the tissue will relax again.

It is very important at this stage to consistently wear your compression underwear. Initial swelling will disappear within six weeks.

Sport and activities that put strain on the abdomen and buttocks should be avoided for six weeks.

For scar therapy, silicone gel is recommended. In the case of unsightly scarring, silicone patches may also be required.

The lower bodylift is by no means a minor operation and is therefore reserved for experienced plastic surgeons only. In our hands, the lower body lift is associated with a low rate of complications but very high levels of satisfaction. As with any other surgery, there are general and specific complications due to the nature of the procedure.

Swelling and bruising are normal and retreat within two to three weeks.

In rare cases, accumulation of blood (hematoma) or fluid (seroma) may occur, even after a long time after drainage removal. The liquid can be detected by ultrasound and punctured under controlled conditions. Only very rarely may it be necessary to reopen the surgical site and remove the fluid (hematoma removal), otherwise wound healing or hardened scars may occur.
A postoperative sensory disturbance of the skin on the belly and buttocks is normal. In most cases, the feeling normalises within a few months. However, persistent sensory disturbances can occur.

In the middle area of the lower abdominal seam, wound healing disorders can occur. The risk is significantly increased in heavy smokers. Only in rare cases is a surgical procedure for correction necessary.

How scars develop is often unpredictable. By avoiding unnecessary tension in the skin and care, however, the scarring can be positively influenced.

An initial tightness of the abdomen can lead to a subjective difficulty in breathing. This settles within a very short time after the operation.