Eeeek- BL/BA with TT or LBL? Complication rate with LBL Freaking me out!
Aloha All-
I just had a consultation with a third plastic surgeon ( it's elective surgery, I want to be certain I am informed and that I choose wisely!). I was sold on a BL/BA and a CBL (Circumferential Belt Lipectomy) at the same time- I am a good candidate weight wise and health wise, and the combined procedures would entail 6.5-7 hours of anesthesia as well as an overnight stay.
At today's consultation, the surgeon disagreed with doing the CBL at the same time as other procedures, citing a complication risk of 37% with that particular procedure (the most serious complication being DVT /PTE in addition to infection, delayed wound healing, seroma formation, etc). Holy smokes, I had not heard that rate from either of the other PS's and and am now researching on the web til I can speak with them. What I've found so far states the rate of thromboembolism as high as 10% with a CBL when combined with other procedures, and confirms the overall 37% complication rate.
It has made me rethink my plan and wonder if I can get away with just the front tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) at the same time as the BA/BL. I was just so stoked about the simultaneous outer thigh and buttock lift with the CBL- but that complication rate is unacceptable to me.
Any thoughts from people who have had these procedures done ( success stories or not!) would be greatly appreciated. I have lost 190 lbs, been at or below goal for 8 months, body fat is nice and low now, but I do have excess skin with a pannus and wonder what sort of results I can achieve with solely a frontal incision abdominoplasty. The abdominal musculature will be tightened with either procedure so that's not a concern. But almost 40% complication rate???? Yikes!!!!!
Mahalo and congratulations to you all- you wouldn't be here if you hadn't been extremely successful! XOXO Lori
I just had a consultation with a third plastic surgeon ( it's elective surgery, I want to be certain I am informed and that I choose wisely!). I was sold on a BL/BA and a CBL (Circumferential Belt Lipectomy) at the same time- I am a good candidate weight wise and health wise, and the combined procedures would entail 6.5-7 hours of anesthesia as well as an overnight stay.
At today's consultation, the surgeon disagreed with doing the CBL at the same time as other procedures, citing a complication risk of 37% with that particular procedure (the most serious complication being DVT /PTE in addition to infection, delayed wound healing, seroma formation, etc). Holy smokes, I had not heard that rate from either of the other PS's and and am now researching on the web til I can speak with them. What I've found so far states the rate of thromboembolism as high as 10% with a CBL when combined with other procedures, and confirms the overall 37% complication rate.
It has made me rethink my plan and wonder if I can get away with just the front tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) at the same time as the BA/BL. I was just so stoked about the simultaneous outer thigh and buttock lift with the CBL- but that complication rate is unacceptable to me.
Any thoughts from people who have had these procedures done ( success stories or not!) would be greatly appreciated. I have lost 190 lbs, been at or below goal for 8 months, body fat is nice and low now, but I do have excess skin with a pannus and wonder what sort of results I can achieve with solely a frontal incision abdominoplasty. The abdominal musculature will be tightened with either procedure so that's not a concern. But almost 40% complication rate???? Yikes!!!!!
Mahalo and congratulations to you all- you wouldn't be here if you hadn't been extremely successful! XOXO Lori
Aloha G-
This is commonly called a Lower Body Lift - but specifically the incision goes around your entire body. A wide "belt" of skin and the associated SQ fat is removed from above your belly button to below your bikini line ( about where a lower C section scar is), and across your back it goes above your buttock crease. The lower half is then hoisted up (like a pair of pants) and sutured to the upper half. Your belly button is moved upwards.
The advantage is you get an outer thigh lift, buttock lift, abdominal muscle tightening, upper and lower abdominal sculpting, mons flattening and (very minor) inner thigh lift all at once- you end up being very contoured. The disadvantage is the time the procedure takes, and the fact that you have tension 360` all around your body- meaning there is tension on your frontside AND backside, so it is uncomfortable no matter what position you are in while healing, and the tug on your incision all the way around your body can lead to delayed healing.
Today I was told that the complication rate for a tummy tuck ( front only) is about 2-3%...the complication for a butt lift was 2-3%... but when the two procedures are done together, the complication rate soars to over 37%. That's just not acceptable for me- I tend to plan for the worst and hope for the best but I'm in the medical field and it's intimidationg to look at that high of a complication rate.
The results can be spectacular though! Here's a link to a NY PS, look at his Before and After Photos just above the trestimonials:
http://www.kolkermd.com/newyorkplasticsurgeon/innerthighbutt lift.htm
I will continue to research! XOXOLori
This is commonly called a Lower Body Lift - but specifically the incision goes around your entire body. A wide "belt" of skin and the associated SQ fat is removed from above your belly button to below your bikini line ( about where a lower C section scar is), and across your back it goes above your buttock crease. The lower half is then hoisted up (like a pair of pants) and sutured to the upper half. Your belly button is moved upwards.
The advantage is you get an outer thigh lift, buttock lift, abdominal muscle tightening, upper and lower abdominal sculpting, mons flattening and (very minor) inner thigh lift all at once- you end up being very contoured. The disadvantage is the time the procedure takes, and the fact that you have tension 360` all around your body- meaning there is tension on your frontside AND backside, so it is uncomfortable no matter what position you are in while healing, and the tug on your incision all the way around your body can lead to delayed healing.
Today I was told that the complication rate for a tummy tuck ( front only) is about 2-3%...the complication for a butt lift was 2-3%... but when the two procedures are done together, the complication rate soars to over 37%. That's just not acceptable for me- I tend to plan for the worst and hope for the best but I'm in the medical field and it's intimidationg to look at that high of a complication rate.
The results can be spectacular though! Here's a link to a NY PS, look at his Before and After Photos just above the trestimonials:
http://www.kolkermd.com/newyorkplasticsurgeon/innerthighbutt lift.htm
I will continue to research! XOXOLori
(deactivated member)
on 12/10/09 1:37 pm - West Central FL☼RIDA , FL
on 12/10/09 1:37 pm - West Central FL☼RIDA , FL
HI!
I too have done A LOT of research.....literally spent about 1000 hrs researching procedures and statistics, etc....You will hear many different approaches and opinions from different surgeons.
am very healthy. I did not have WLS so I don't have some of the risks that might be associated with that ( I lost my weight by eating healthy and exercise).
Sooo.
At first I wanted to to have all procedures done at one time...or within at least 2 procedures. I quickly learned from every surgeon I met with that this would not be a good idea. Of all the 7 or 8 surgeons I spoke to they recommended at least doing it in 3 stages and possibly 4. Only 1 said he would do it all in 2 procedures.
I was disappointed but starting to understand the magnitude of what a large undertaking this is.
I decided to split it into 3 procedures Arms and Breast - LBL - Inner Thighs. but then I had a major health issue arise (turned out to be ok but was alarming at first), so I had to postpone my surgery. During that time I decided to re-look at my plan.
I ended up deciding NOT to travel to another State but to search for a surgeon more local to me. I'm so glad I did....I LOVE MY SURGEON!
I also decided to spread it out even more and not have the full LBL done all at once. Instead I had a Tummy Tuck done on Sept 2nd and I just had the LBL (Butt Lift and Outer Thighs) done last week.
I am so glad that I did it this way.
YES I wish I was all done. BUT I realize that by not doing it all at once I'm reducing risks and improving my body's ability to heal before doing the next phase. My healing has been terrific! Knock-on-wood I have had no issues with incisions splitting open with any of my procedures (I've done the breasts, arms, tt, and LBL). I go back to the surgeon tomorrow for the first time post-op and I hope he will say everything looks good.
FYI - with all the swelling and pain in my butt right now I cannot imagine also having the pain from the tummy tuck and not being able to use those muscle. You cannot get into a comfortable position if cut all across/around the front and back.... OUCHIE!!!
My surgeon has said sure, he could do the whole LBL together....it is very possible..... but it does increase the risk of healing complications and could lead to lots of revisions so why take the risks.
It's a tough decision. I know it is very tempting to get it all done at once and all over with but I know I am very comfortable with the plan I ended up making. My best advise to you is listen to your gut. I wasn't comfortable until I finally listened to mine!
Hope that helps and that I didn't just confuse the whole thing..... let me know if you have questions.
Best wishes on your journey!!
Ruth
I too have done A LOT of research.....literally spent about 1000 hrs researching procedures and statistics, etc....You will hear many different approaches and opinions from different surgeons.
am very healthy. I did not have WLS so I don't have some of the risks that might be associated with that ( I lost my weight by eating healthy and exercise).
Sooo.
At first I wanted to to have all procedures done at one time...or within at least 2 procedures. I quickly learned from every surgeon I met with that this would not be a good idea. Of all the 7 or 8 surgeons I spoke to they recommended at least doing it in 3 stages and possibly 4. Only 1 said he would do it all in 2 procedures.
I was disappointed but starting to understand the magnitude of what a large undertaking this is.
I decided to split it into 3 procedures Arms and Breast - LBL - Inner Thighs. but then I had a major health issue arise (turned out to be ok but was alarming at first), so I had to postpone my surgery. During that time I decided to re-look at my plan.
I ended up deciding NOT to travel to another State but to search for a surgeon more local to me. I'm so glad I did....I LOVE MY SURGEON!
I also decided to spread it out even more and not have the full LBL done all at once. Instead I had a Tummy Tuck done on Sept 2nd and I just had the LBL (Butt Lift and Outer Thighs) done last week.
I am so glad that I did it this way.
YES I wish I was all done. BUT I realize that by not doing it all at once I'm reducing risks and improving my body's ability to heal before doing the next phase. My healing has been terrific! Knock-on-wood I have had no issues with incisions splitting open with any of my procedures (I've done the breasts, arms, tt, and LBL). I go back to the surgeon tomorrow for the first time post-op and I hope he will say everything looks good.
FYI - with all the swelling and pain in my butt right now I cannot imagine also having the pain from the tummy tuck and not being able to use those muscle. You cannot get into a comfortable position if cut all across/around the front and back.... OUCHIE!!!
My surgeon has said sure, he could do the whole LBL together....it is very possible..... but it does increase the risk of healing complications and could lead to lots of revisions so why take the risks.
It's a tough decision. I know it is very tempting to get it all done at once and all over with but I know I am very comfortable with the plan I ended up making. My best advise to you is listen to your gut. I wasn't comfortable until I finally listened to mine!
Hope that helps and that I didn't just confuse the whole thing..... let me know if you have questions.
Best wishes on your journey!!
Ruth
Aloha Ruth-
Super advice! And congratulations on changing your relationship with food- I cannot believe the miracle that the VSG has allowed me. I was SO tired of losing and regaining more for decades and I had literally lost all hope of being a normal size again. You should be VERY proud of your accomplishment!
I would not have considered doing the BL/BA and CBL at once if the first 2 surgeons had not offered it to me- and yes, they surely do not offer it to everyone. I will probably stage it also, doing the tummy tuck and BL/BA in one sitting ( 4 hours) then adding the butt and thigh lift if I feel I need more work. I am very happy with my arms, thought I'd have to do a brachioplasty 100 lbs ago but the weight lifting ( and now BOXING!) has really shocked me with the amount of toning and lack of saggy skin. I swear my arms looked worse when I was 100 lbs heavier. Props to the trainer who taught me free weights....and now teaches me boxing.
Thanks again SO much for sharing! Continued great success to you! XOLori
Super advice! And congratulations on changing your relationship with food- I cannot believe the miracle that the VSG has allowed me. I was SO tired of losing and regaining more for decades and I had literally lost all hope of being a normal size again. You should be VERY proud of your accomplishment!
I would not have considered doing the BL/BA and CBL at once if the first 2 surgeons had not offered it to me- and yes, they surely do not offer it to everyone. I will probably stage it also, doing the tummy tuck and BL/BA in one sitting ( 4 hours) then adding the butt and thigh lift if I feel I need more work. I am very happy with my arms, thought I'd have to do a brachioplasty 100 lbs ago but the weight lifting ( and now BOXING!) has really shocked me with the amount of toning and lack of saggy skin. I swear my arms looked worse when I was 100 lbs heavier. Props to the trainer who taught me free weights....and now teaches me boxing.
Thanks again SO much for sharing! Continued great success to you! XOLori
I had an LBL and brachio done at the same time which was about 7 hours. I had no complications (other than getting sick from the pain meds cus I took them on an empty stomach). My wounds healed great, no seromas or hematomas. My Dr. didn't want to do the BA/BL w/ the LBL because he thought those 2 combined would take too long (over 7 hours). I've also had a MTL along w/ BA/BL which was 6 hours and again, no complications.
I think if you are healthy, don't smoke, and have exercised you'll probably do fine and bounce right back. I was up and walking around my neighborhood 1 week post-op from the LBL & Brachio.
Sonya
I think if you are healthy, don't smoke, and have exercised you'll probably do fine and bounce right back. I was up and walking around my neighborhood 1 week post-op from the LBL & Brachio.
Sonya
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