The thigh and buttock skin can be elevated by removing a section of skin that lies under what is normally covered by underwear or a bathing suit-a Thigh Buttock Lift or Belt Lipectomy. This procedure lifts the thighs and buttocks by removing a circumferential segment of skin. The remaining scar lies across the lower abdomen and just above the buttocks on the back. It is basically an abdominoplasty tummy tuck that is extended around the back and is designed to be hidden by a bikini type brief. Skin striae or stretch marks if present preoperatively will not disappear but are usually dramatically diminished. The major effects of the belt lipectomy procedure are buttock tightening, diminishing or completely removing thigh cellulite and removal of back rolls or excess back skin after losing excessive weight. A simple way to test for the result of such a procedure is to widely pinch the skin just above the hips on both sides while looking in the mirror. The effect on cellulite is readily evident.

In the upper first case weight was lost after gastric bypass weightloss surgery leaving excess skin around the buttocks. This is very effectively addressed by the belt lipectomy. 34 years old, 5'7" tall, 250 lb.(after bypass)

In the lower second case there has also been a lesser but still significant weight loss. The amount of tattoo missing indicates the amount of excess skin removed. 150cc of fat has also been injected into each buttock as a free fat graft injection to improve buttock contours. The majority of this fat graft has survived producing a lasting result without any of the long term problems associated with buttock implants. The side view in this case shows the effect on the buttock contour 8 months after surgery as does the tracing of the buttock outline below. This makes the procedure a valid alternative to buttock silicone implants. 55 years old, 5'10" tall, 180 lb.

Read Dr. Stone's blog about abdominoplasty and belt lipectomy surgery
• Abdominoplasty, thigh buttock lift and belt lipectomy

Thigh-Buttock Lift surgery can enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Realistic expectations are important to be happy with any surgery. As each patient is an individual, different results can be expected in each patient.