A body lift is a combination of plastic surgery procedures that are performed with the aim of shaping and contouring various areas of the body and doing away with sagging skin. In most cases, a body lift will consist of a combination of or all of the following procedures: a buttocks lift, abdominoplasty (aka a tummy tuck), and thigh lifts.
Body lifts are suitable for people who have experienced major weight loss, whether through diet and exercise or bariatric surgery (like Lap-Band or gastric bypass), and have loose folds of skin, fatty tissue, and cellulite.
Excess skin not only looks undesirable but can also cause difficulty in movement and even cause rashes under the folds. Since skin loses elasticity as we age, huge amounts of weight loss after we are in our 20s means that loose skin is unable to shrink back on its own. A body lift will contour the body using liposuction and then tighten the skin by removing the excess loose skin.
Who Can Get a Body Lift?
To be eligible for the procedure, the person must have sufficient amount of loose tissue. The surgeon will perform a medical history review to determine whether a person is ready for a body lift procedure. Some of the conditions for eligibility include the following:
• The person must not have any health conditions that may cause risk during surgery or hinder proper healing after the surgery.
• Weight must have been stable for at least six months prior to surgery.
• The patient must be a non-smoker or must not having smoked for a few months prior to surgery.
• The person must be committed to leading a healthy lifestyle after the surgery.
The Body Lift Procedure
A lower body lift involves making an incision around the waist; this incision addresses the front, back, buttocks, and outer thighs. Incisions can also be made in the groin area and medial thigh in order to tighten those areas. Excess skin from the areas is removed and liposuction is done if needed for shaping. The skin is then sewn back together with deep support sutures to help keep the new contours.
After the Surgery
The surgeon will give specific instructions on post-surgical care and may recommend a special diet during recovery.
The results of a body lift are noticeable almost immediately after surgery, although it may take six month to a year for full results to develop. Recovery time in the hospital can be about one to two nights.
Incisions will be covered with dressings and bandages. Certain cases may require a thin tube inserted under the skin to drain any fluid or blood that may collect.
Swelling will take a few months to subside, and it may take a few weeks after the surgery before normal activity can be resumed. The effects of the surgery will only last if the patient is able to lead a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly and eating healthy.
Schedule Your Appointment
Visit Marietta Plastic Surgery for a consultation with a skilled medical professional to find out more about what a body lift can do for you. To schedule your consultation, contact us today.