Question:
Question for those that have had lower body lift...

I am 3 1/2 weeks post op from a lower body lift with liposuction. So far I love the results, but my skin still feels extremely tight especially near the incisions. I'm almost afraid to lift my leg up high or bend down or reach/stretch because it feels like I might pop something. How long does this tight feeling last? Thanks for any information on this.    — Hackett (posted on December 6, 2004)

December 6, 2004
My ps was glad that I felt tight for a long time, because that let him know I would have the appearance I wanted when the swelling went away. He said I wouldn't want to sag when the swelling was gone, so the longer I stayed tight, the better and he was right. It was nerve racking and you are at the time frame I was when I thought I would go bonkers, but it will pass and you will be happy with your results. Just be careful with your incisions and I am sure within a couple more weeks you will feel much better. You will still be tight, but you don't want to sag and believe me, if you aren't feeling tightness at this point, you would be sagging after the swelling is gone and you would be terribly upset! My ps said I would be hating him for awhile, but I love my results and him!!
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 6, 2004
I had a LBL in May of this year. I was soooo tight till about last month, then it started to lossen. I still canoot lay flat, for if I do, it feels like I will split something. You aren't even supposed to stand up straigt for 6 mos. It will get easier, promise, but, I am still numb on my thighs 6-7 mos later.
   — heathercross

December 7, 2004
Dear Susan, After the body lift, there is a significant amount of tension within the actual incision. The deep connective tissue on either side of the scar is joined together with multiple layers of suture. You may notice some bunching of the skin around the incision. Over time the swelling goes down, but then there is a good deal of scar formation inside and that may felt by the nerves on the skin. It may take 3 to 6 months for the area to stretch and smooth out. Just be careful not to exert yourself beyond the point of discomfort. I hope this information is useful to you. Joshua Kreithen, M.D. Lakewood Ranch Plastic Surgery, Bradenton FL - www.lakewoodranchplasticsurgery.com
   — Joshua Kreithen, M.D.

December 8, 2004
I woke up from my LBL and could not believe the pain from the super tight skin. I had prepared mentally for a lot of pain but not from tight burning skin. 9 months later I still occassionally get some burning of the skin over the left hip. I'm sure it relates to some swelling going on for some reason, but it's uncomfy when it happens. In general I no longer feel like I will rip any incisions open. That stopped at around 3-4 months. I have had 2 extensive PS since the LBL, so each time I have new tight incisions to focus on. At 3-1/2 weeks you won't likely pop anything unless you just go crazy. Start to massage the incisions with lotion so that they will soften up some. For me, I will always have some tight feeling from all 3 PS's, but you get used to it and it's no big deal. At 3-1/2 weeks you don't want things to be nice and comfy because otherwise you may not be happy with the results long term. Hang in there!
   — zoedogcbr