Procedures / Body

360 BODY LIFT (CIRCUMFERENTIAL BODY LIFT)

Due to the significant number of massive weight patients, the 360 body lift has gained considerable popularity.  The 360 body lift is a unique procedure because this surgery dramatically changes the entire torso in one surgery.  The 360 body lift not only addresses the anterior abdomen, but also removes skin and fat from the hips and buttocks.  Similar to the abdominoplasty, the 360 body lift removes central abdominal skin and fat, tightens abdominal musculature, and flattens the stomach. However, the 360 body lift goes much further.  The incision is made over the hips and Dr. Katzen dissects the outer thighs.  This maneuver allows Dr. Katzen to pull the outer thighs up like a pair of loose pajamas.  The result is a very tight outer thigh.    Another benefit to the 360 body lift is that this procedure can raise the buttocks and give a much better to the profile to the buttocks.  Often after weight loss, the buttocks lose a significant amount of fat and become “deflated”.  The 360 body lift can restore some of this flattening.  The resulting incision from a 360 body lift is an incision that extends all the way around the body and meets in the back, like a belt.

The Consultation

If your abdomen, sides, “love handles”, and buttock bother you, then you may need a 360 body lift. During your consultation with Dr.  Katzen, he will examine your abdomen, hips, and buttocks.  If these areas concern you, mention this to Dr. Katzen.  If indicated and Dr. Katzen thinks reasonable, a 360 body lift might be your answer to a new body.   

The Procedure

 The 360 body lift takes between 5 to 7 hours.  As with all other procedures, Dr. Katzen performs this surgery only with board certified anesthesiologist. This surgery can be performed in a board certified surgery center or hospital.  Before the surgery, markings are placed were the incisions are planned.  Once the patient is completely asleep, the patient is placed face down and the buttocks and posterior torso are sterilized and draped.  Incisions are made and dissection is carried through the buttocks and hips.  Excess buttock and hip skin and fat are removed.  The incisions are then closed with sutures.   The patient is then carefully turned onto their back.  The abdomen is then sterilized and draped. Incisions are made and dissection is carried through the abdominal skin.  The abdominal incisions connect with the posterior hip incisions.  Excess abdominal skin and fat are removed.  All incisions are then closed in multiple layers with sutures.  The patient then is awakened from anesthesia.  An abdominal binder is placed.   Typically, you will spend 1 to 2 hours in the recovery room.  Due to the extensiveness of the procedure, you will need to be monitored by a nurse for 1 or 2 nights. Similar to the abdominoplasty, your abdominal binder will be left for several weeks to flatten the scar and minimize swelling.  Depending on work type, most patients are able to return to work approximately 3 to 4 weeks after a 360 body lift.