Question:
Seeking Others Who Have Had a Belt Lipectomy

I'm researching itnow and would like information on this new type of plastic sutgery? Thank you. You are all my inspiration.    — susan P. (posted on July 24, 2003)

July 24, 2003
I, TOO, AM VERY INTERESTED IN THIS PROCEDURE. ALTHOUGH I JUST STARTED RESEARCHING IT, A PLASTIC SURGEON CAME TO OUR SUPPORT GROUP MEETING MONDAY AND DESCRIBED IT. ALL IT IS IS LIKE DOING A TUMMY TUCK ALL THE WAY AROUND. THEY CAN DO IT AT THE SAME TIME OR DO THE FRONT AND BACK AT DIFFERENT TIMES WHICH MAKES SENCE BECAUSE HOW DO YOU SLEEP IF BOTH SIDES ARE CUT? IT PULLS EVERYTHING UP BUT IF YOU HAVE HANGING SKIN ON THE INSIDES OF YOUR THIGHS, THEY WILL STILL NEED TO BE DONE IN ADDITION EVEN THOUGH THE OUTSIDE OF THE THIGHS WILL BE TAKEN CARE OF WITH THE LIPECTOMY OR BODY LIFT. HOPE THIS HELPS.
   — christina K.

July 24, 2003
I had a belt lipectomy (also called a lower body lift) along w/ a mastopexy (breast lift) with Dr. Simona Pautler of Pittsburgh (Loved her!) and I'm thrilled. I can't describe what a difference it made. I had lost 150 pounds, but my back still ached, I had to worry about rashes and infections, I had hanging skin ALL the way around, and I still couldn't wear or fit into a lot of things because of it. Those 7 1/2 pounds made a huge difference in my well being and appearance. I can now wear anything I like and feel and look sooooo much better. I finally have confidence in how I look in (and out of ;) my clothes.
   — mom2jtx3

July 24, 2003
I did. And all at one time. Recovery is long and hard enough as it is. I can't imagine doing it TWICE and dragging it out like that. But that's me. I don't want to go under anesthesia more than necessary and I like to get things over and done with. My recovery was long but the worst part of recovery long term was the work they did to the muscles. The front portion of my incision was no problem. With having the incision go all the way around it makes bending pretty slow and limited at first and NO twisting. The results are really good. They did lipo to remove extra fat in the backside before doing it so it was have a good result and then the incision they used went hip to hip in the smiley fashion (better than just cut across the tummy straight through), did the muscle work, cut off the loose skin, and sewed me back up. Because of the extensive nature I had to wait for the crotch lift portion for 6 months. If I had the money I should have had an inner thigh lift to complement it then too. Still saggy on the inner thighs. The rest (back, hips, tummy, upper butt, upper outer thighs) all tight. The scar works great for me. Its hid by normal unders and as it is has faded really well over the last year, even the front where they had to go back in to do the crotch lift portion. Oh, and as for sleeping its just like a tummy tuck, except maybe more pillows for propping in bed. I slept with pillows under my knees, behind my back, and along both sides. At first I used a chair to sleep in when I got home because getting up from bed was hard. That lasted for just over a week until I moved to the bed. It wasn't easy but it was well worth it. If you have a question you can email me. E-addy on my profile.
   — Shelly S.

July 24, 2003
I had this operation approx 4 months ago and am thrilled. They removed 13 1/2 lbs of skin. It is a very intense operation however I healed up quickly. In 6 weeks I was doing yoga again. Good Lux
   — Robert L.