It is very common for people to have excess skin on the abdomen, outer thighs, and buttocks after losing a significant amount of weight. This can be very frustrating after working so hard to lose weight or after undergoing bariatric surgery. A lower body lift (also called a circumferential abdominoplasty) will rid you of this excess skin and any residual fatty tissue to re-contour your lower body and buttock area. Our expert surgeons have worked with many patients post-weight loss and helped them improve both health and appearance through lower body lift contouring.
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UNDERSTANDING WHAT SHAPES THE LOWER BODY OVER TIME
The lower body is particularly vulnerable to changes caused by aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and gravity. Over time, skin loses elasticity, fat distribution shifts, and muscles may weaken—leading to sagging in the abdomen, outer thighs, flanks, and buttocks. These changes can persist even with a healthy lifestyle, especially after significant weight loss. A lower body lift at The Waldorf Center addresses these concerns by removing excess skin and reshaping the body for smoother, more balanced contours.
YOUR LOWER BODY LIFT CONSULTATION
We believe you need to be well-informed about lower body lift surgery so that you can make an informed decision about your procedure and your surgeon. This includes the results you can expect, the processes of preparing for the surgery, and the recovery period. Your surgeon will meet with you about your concerns and personal goals. Your surgeon will examine you and tell you what they can accomplish for you. Your surgeon will also advise you what the lower body lift will involve in terms specific to your case.
Choosing a surgeon is an intensely personal decision. We encourage you to ask questions of our team. We want you to feel comfortable with us and your decision to have surgery at Waldorf Center.
YOUR LOWER BODY LIFT SURGERY
In a lower body lift, an incision is made around the lower abdomen and just above the buttocks. The scar can usually be hidden without difficulty under clothing and most swimsuits. Your surgeon will trim excess skin and fat, use liposuction, tighten the abdominal muscles, and re- drape the skin for a smoother, trimmer appearance.*
The surgery is performed with the patient under general anesthesia and generally takes two to three hours. Most of our patients spend one night at our accredited surgery center before going home to complete the recovery period.*
THREE TALENTED DOCTORS
ONE FOCUSED MISSION
The experienced surgeons at The Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery—Dr. Kathleen Waldorf, Dr. Rachel Streu and Dr. Heidi Johng—built the practice on a foundation of providing patients with high quality, ethical care. One of their guiding principles is a belief that cosmetic surgery is as much an art as it is a science.
Meet The Doctors
The experienced surgeons at The Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery—Dr. Kathleen Waldorf, Dr. Rachel Streu and Dr. Heidi Johng—built the practice on a foundation of providing patients with high quality, ethical care. One of their guiding principles is a belief that cosmetic surgery is as much an art as it is a science.
CANDIDATES FOR A LOWER BODY LIFT
Ideal candidates for a lower body lift have maintained a stable, healthy weight for several months, are in overall good health, and do not smoke. It’s important that patients are realistic about their goals and understand the recovery process.
Most of our patients have undergone significant weight loss, either naturally or through bariatric surgery, and are looking to remove excess skin and refine their shape. If your lower body contours do not match your new weight and wellness level, this procedure could be a transformative solution.
RECOVERING FROM A LOWER BODY LIFT
You will need to take two weeks off work and refrain from strenuous activity for six weeks after a lower body lift. You will experience some swelling, bruising, tenderness, and discomfort, but these symptoms can be managed with pain medication.*
Drains may be placed at the time of lower body lift surgery to collect excess fluid. These will be removed during a post-operative visit with your surgeon, who will also remove the sutures during one of your follow-ups. You will be fitted with a compression garment that you must wear for several weeks to facilitate healing and minimize swelling.
Your surgeon will, of course, give you full instructions for your lower body lift recovery and will monitor your progress carefully.
ENJOY LONG-TERM RESULTS THAT REFLECT YOUR TRANSFORMATION
The results of a lower body lift are designed to be long-lasting—especially when supported by a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Once excess skin and fat are removed in a lower body lift, they do not return. However, factors such as significant weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or natural aging can impact your long-term contour. At The Waldorf Center, we provide detailed post-operative guidance and ongoing support to help you maintain your outcome. Many patients enjoy their reshaped silhouette for years to come, finding that their lower body lift results serve as a lasting reminder of the hard work they’ve invested in their transformation.
To preserve your lower body lift results long term, it’s essential to maintain healthy, consistent lifestyle habits. Following a nutrient-rich diet and staying active with regular cardio and strength training can help prevent weight fluctuations that might affect your lower body lift outcome. Avoiding smoking and protecting your skin from sun damage are also key to maintaining optimal skin quality after a lower body lift. Routine follow-ups at The Waldorf Center allow your surgeon to monitor your progress and support your long-term success. With proper care, your lower body lift results can remain beautifully defined for many years.
The Waldorf Center in Portland, OR, offers special financing for the recommended surgical or non-surgical procedure you want. Convenient monthly payments can be structured to fit your financial situation. Call the practice for more information at 503-646-0101 or contact us online.
COMPLEMENTARY PROCEDURES TO ENHANCE LOWER BODY LIFT RESULTS
For many patients, a lower body lift is just one part of a comprehensive body contouring journey. Procedures like arm lift surgery, breast lift, or liposuction in other areas may further refine your figure. These complementary treatments can often be staged or combined depending on your health and goals.
Some patients may also benefit from non-surgical treatments to complement their lower body lift results. Technologies like EmTone® can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of cellulite, while CoolSculpting® Elite targets remaining areas of stubborn fat without downtime. CoolTone® uses electromagnetic stimulation to tone and firm underlying muscles, enhancing lower body definition. For additional skin tightening, Renuvion® (J-Plasma®) offers a minimally invasive way to contract tissue and improve skin firmness with controlled plasma energy. These options can be discussed during your consultation to create a personalized plan that enhances and extends the results of your lower body lift.
During your lower body lift consultation, your Waldorf Center surgeon will review any additional concerns you have and offer a treatment plan that delivers the most balanced and natural-looking results.