Torsoplasty

If you have had changes in the size and shape of your abdomen, lower back, or buttocks due to weight loss or pregnancy, you may be a good candidate for torsoplasty. The torsoplasty procedure consists of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and a lower back/buttock lift. This can also be combined with liposuction of the abdomen, flanks, and back.

Who is a candidate for Torsoplasty?

Torsoplasty is ideal for those in good health who have developed excess skin after weight loss or pregnancy. This procedure can complete your weight loss journey by contouring your excess skin to fit the frame of your smaller body.

Procedures

Abdominoplasty

Also known as “tummy tuck”, abdominoplasty is a procedure to contour the shape of your abdomen. This is accomplished through an incision in your lower abdomen that stretches from hip to hip. The excess skin from the lower abdomen is removed, and the skin of the upper abdomen is stretched down to become the skin of the whole abdomen. The belly button is left attached to the underlying musculature and brought through a new circular incision in the abdominal skin after it has been stretched. The rectus muscles (the “six-pack” muscles) are stitched together in the midline to correct for stretching from pregnancy or obesity. This helps to strengthen your core and acts as an “internal corset”. A drain is typically placed. The incision is closed with dissolvable stitches.

Lower Back/Buttock Lift

The lower back or buttock lift is a procedure to contour the shape of your lower back and/or buttocks after weight loss. An incision is made from hip to hip across the top of the buttocks and typically carries into the abdominoplasty incision on the front. Excess skin is removed, thereby tightening the buttocks and lower back, improving its shape. A drain is placed on both sides. Incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches.

Recovery

Your doctor will provide you with instructions regarding wound care and activity following Torsoplasty surgery. Recovery after Torsoplasty takes 4-6 weeks. Most patients are ready to resume normal activities by one month after surgery. Exercises involving the abdominal musculature cannot be done until 6-8 weeks after surgery in order to protect the muscle repair. You will be prescribed pain medication and antibiotics to take after surgery. Drains are usually removed by 1-2 weeks. Swelling can persist for up to three months, and final results are typically evident by three months after surgery.

If you are considering a torsoplasty and would like to ask questions, contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors.