The Mermaid Lift

The design of most lower body lifts often does not address each of these crucial aspects, leaving many patients disappointed with their results. Over the last ten years, working with over 2500 post-bariatric patients, we have developed the Mermaid Lift. The feminine curves of these mythical creatures, emulated both in art and fashion, inspired this procedure that enhances and accentuates the female body.

Often those who have successfully lost weight following bariatric procedures
are left disappointed by the toll that this massive weight loss has imposed with the loss of elasticity and redistribution of skin and subcutaneous tissues. A Mermaid Lift seeks to restore and enhance these fallen tissues. The Mermaid Lift is designed to achieve the following:

• Accentuate the waistline to create a more feminine flare at the hips.
• Flatten the abdomen to improve its contour and definition
• Lift the pubic area to create a smoother, youthful transition to the lower abdomen
• Redefine the belly button to compliment the hourglass waistline
• Lift and restore shape and volume to the buttock and lateral thighs
• Cinch and redirect the skin to reduce or eliminate the appearance of cellulite in these areas
• Keep the scar low and hidden under a bikini bottom.

The key to this surgery is properly placed tension. Just as in any graceful, well-constructed wedding dress, the lines smooth out wrinkles, lift key areas, augment curves, and give an overall pleasing shape. We begin centrally by making sure to lift the pubic area smoothly without leaving any unsightly mound, and while flattening the upper abdomen without any need for a vertical scar. The incision is then carried out to the sides along a bikini cut, lifting and curving the thighs. We always tighten the midline abdominal muscles since this helps lower the scar further and brings in the waist, allowing us to have the thighs flare out naturally from an hourglass shaped abdomen. The incision is then carried to the back along an imaginary bikini line, and the buttocks lifted and augmented with fat from the lower back, creating a pleasing curve. The total effect is similar to that achieved with so-called mermaid cut dresses, and perfectly addresses all the key points that concern most massive weight loss patients.

Another very important aspect to achieving the optimum shape is that we pre-operatively size every patient for a compression garment customized to her figure. By choosing the right size and shape of garment before the surgery and placing it directly on the patient in the operating room, we are able to better control tension, allowing the newly placed tissues to conform to their ideal positions. This also allows easier mobility for the patients, and they are encouraged to begin walking the same evening after their surgeries.

Proper preparation before surgery is also crucial. A patient’s weight needs to have stabilized, and her nutritional status must be optimized. In addition, any anemia must be addressed pre-operatively. We are often able to combine tummy tucks or the Mermaid Lift with hernia repair or gallbladder surgery by the bariatric surgeon, saving the patient recovery and expenses. Because of the extent of the surgery, we are cautious about doing a great deal of additional surgery. On select patients, we will also do breast or arm lifts or augmentation along with a Mermaid Lift.

For most patients, a day or two in the hospital is sufficient, but depending on whether other procedures are done simultaneously, we sometimes keep our patients longer. Recovery is usually about three weeks, but varies a great deal. Insurance coverage for at least a portion of these procedures has improved dramatically over the last few years, and this often takes a great deal of the financial pressure off of patients, allowing them to recover with a little more peace of mind.

Plastic surgery is often the “icing on the cake” of the bariatric experience. Once a patient has lost the weight and is feeling good, she feels complete when her newly restored inner harmony is matched by a newly harmonious outer appearance. A Mermaid Lift transforms these patients’ figures and helps them radiate their new inner happiness outwards.

Mark Broudo, MD, and Nick Masri, MD, have practiced plastic surgery in Miami for over 12 years. Their practice primarily focuses on post-Bariatric massive weight loss patients. Their team approach has created innovative techniques that have addressed many of the most vexing problems in dealing with massive weight loss patients. They may be reached at www.FaceBody.net or 1-800-745-FBCS or (305) 262-6484.

 

-Mermaid photo courtesy of Jolante