What to Expect When Having A Lower Body Lift (Buttock Lift or Lower Body)

Anesthesia: General. You will sleep during the entire procedure.

Location of Operation: Hospital, outpatient surgery center, or office-based suite.

Length of Surgery: Buttock lift, 4 hours; total bodylift 6-8 hours.

Length of Stay: Buttock lifts may require an overnight stay. Total body lifts will require 3-5 days in the hospital.

Discomfort: Moderate to severe. Anticipate 5-14 days of prescription pain medicine.

Swelling and Bruising: Both are expected, but will improve within 4-6 weeks. Swelling may be reduced by keeping your legs elevated. As thigh swelling improves, you may notice swelling in your knees and ankles. Bruising improves in 10-14 days.

Drains: If drains are placed, they will be removed in 3-7 days depending on drain output.

Bandages: Removed in 2-4 days.

Stitches: All stitches/sutures are dissolvable.

Work: You may return to work in approximately 1-4 weeks if you have stopped taking pain medication. If you are able to elevate your feet during work hours, you may return sooner. If your job requires lifting, you should wait 6 weeks to return.

Exercise: May be gradually resumed in 6 weeks.

Presentable in a bathing suit: 8-10 weeks.

Sun Protection: If your scar(s) is exposed while outdoors, you should protect it with sunscreen SPF 15 or higher for at least one year to prevent permanent discoloration.

Final Result: Final results are seen in approximately 6 months to 1 year after scar maturation.

Special Care: ABSOLULTELY NO SMOKING!!!!!!! No smoking is prohibited 4 weeks prior to surgery and at least 4 weeks after surgery for proper healing and best results.

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