Body/Thigh/Buttock Lift

These types of operations are not for the faint hearted. They are extensive operations leaving the patient with a circumferential trunk scar. Despite this note, patients flock to this operation if they are candidates for it. Body lift results can be very, very dramatic, and the scar is hidden in the underwear area. These patients are so happy with the improvement that they do not mind the scar at all. Candidates for body lift operations have considered less extensive procedures, or tried other alternatives and have not been able to achieve the results they are seeking. After full explanations of what is involved, they are eager patients. Drainage tubes are left in place and are removed ten to twenty days after surgery. This operation typically has a long recovery period, because of the extent of the internal sewing.

INFORMED-CONSENT*CIRCUMFERENTIAL BODYLIFT SURGERY

INSTRUCTIONS
This is an informed-consent document that has been prepared to help Dr. Michael J. Brown inform you of circumferential body lift surgery, its risks, as well as alternative treatments.

INTRODUCTION
Circumferential body lift is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fatty tissue from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten muscles of the abdominal wall. Circumferential body lift is not a surgical treatment for being overweight. Obese individual who intend to lose weight should postpone all forms of body contouring surgery until they have been able to maintain their weight loss.

There are a variety of different techniques used by Dr. Michael J. Brown for circumferential body lift. Circumferential body lift can be combined with other forms of body-contouring surgery including liposuction or performed at the same time with other elective surgeries.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
Alternative forms of management consist of not treating the areas of loose skin and fatty deposits. Liposuction surgery may be a surgical alternative to circumferential body lift if there is good skin tone and localized abdominal fatty deposits in an individual of normal weight. Diet and exercise programs may be of benefit in the overall reduction of excess body fat.

RISKS of CIRCUMFERENTIAL BODY LIFT SURGERY
Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand the risks involved with circumferential body lift. An individual’s choice to undergo a surgical procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit. Although the majority of patients do not experience the following complications, you should discuss each of them with Dr. Michael J. Brown to make sure you understand all possible consequences of circumferential body lift.

Bleeding- It is possible, though unusual, to experience a bleeding episode during or after surgery. Should post-operative bleeding occur, it may require emergency treatment to drain accumulated blood or blood transfusion. Do not take any aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications for ten days before surgery, as this may increase the risk of bleeding.

Infection- Infection is unusual after this type of surgery. Should an infection occur, treatment including antibiotics or additional surgery may be necessary.

Change in skin sensation- Diminished (or loss of) skin sensation in the lower abdominal area may not totally resolve after circumferential body lift.

Skin contour irregularities- Contour irregularities and depressions may occur after circumferential body lift. Visible and palpable wrinkling of skin can occur.

Skin scarring- Excessive scarring is uncommon. In rare cases, abnormal scars may result. Scars may be unattractive and of different color than surrounding skin. Additional treatments including surgery may be necessary to treat abnormal scarring.

Surgical anesthesia- Both local and general anesthesia involve risk. There is the possibility of complications, injury, and even death from all forms of surgical anesthesia or sedation.

Asymmetry- Symmetrical body appearance may not result from circumferential body lift. Factors such as skin tone, fatty deposits, bony prominence, and muscle tone may contribute to normal asymmetry in body features.

Delayed healing- Wound disruption or delayed wound healing is possible. Some areas of the abdomen may not heal normally and may take a long time to heal. Some areas of skin may die. This may require frequent dressing changes or further surgery to remove the non-healed tissue.

Smokers have a greater risk of skin loss and wound healing complications.

Allergic reactions- In rare cases, local allergies to tape, suture material, or topical preparations have been reported. Systemic reactions which are more serious may occur to drugs used during surgery and prescription medicines. Allergic reactions may require additional treatment.

Pulmonary complications- Pulmonary complications may occur secondarily to both blood clots (pulmonary emboli) or partial collapse of the lungs after general anesthesia. Should either of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment. Pulmonary emboli can be life-threatening or fatal in some circumstances.

Seroma- Fluid accumulations infrequently occur in between the skin and the abdominal wall. Should this problem occur, it may require additional procedures for drainage of fluid.

Umbilicus- Malposition, scarring, unacceptable appearance or loss of the umbilicus (navel) may occur.

Long term effects- Subsequent alterations in body contour may occur as the result of aging, weight loss or gain, pregnancy, or other circumstances not related to circumferential body lift.

Pain- Chronic pain may occur very infrequently from nerves becoming trapped in scar tissue after Circumferential body lift.

Other- You may be disappointed with the results of surgery. Infrequently, it is necessary to perform additional surgery to improve your results.

ADDITIONAL SURGERY NECESSARY
Should complications occur, additional surgery or other treatments may be necessary. Even though risks and complications occur infrequently, the risks cited are particularly associated with circumferential body lift. Other complications and risks can occur but are even more uncommon. The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee or warranty expressed or implied, on the results that may be obtained.

HEALTH INSURANCE
Most health insurance companies exclude coverage for cosmetic surgical operations such as circumferential body lift or any complications that might occur from surgery. Please carefully review your health insurance subscriber-information pamphlet.