What is a Body Lift?
A body lift is a re-sculpting of the abdomen, hips, thighs, back and buttocks by removing excess skin, fatty tissue and often tightening of underlying muscles. Broken down into its components, the body-lift can include a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), a thigh-lift, and a buttock-lift.
A bodylift is not a surgical treatment for weight loss. Overweight individuals who intend to lose weight should postpone all forms of body contouring surgery until they have reached a stable weight. A body lift procedure is performed 12-18 months post bariatric (gastric bypass) surgery. The body lift truly transforms patients that have experienced massive weight loss and have excess skin. However, results are just as dramatic in patients who in addition to a tummy tuck want a tightening of the skin in their thighs and buttocks. The body lift has the advantage that it can be done in one surgical session, or in stages, depending on the patients needs.
How is a Body Lift performed?
A body lift is an outpatient procedure; overnight hotel accommodations can be arranged if needed. With a body lift, excess skin and fat from the entire midsection of the body is removed. The skin closure is tailored to enhance the shape and contour. There are a variety of different techniques for a body lift. A body lift can be combined with other forms of body-contouring surgery, including suction-assisted lipectomy (liposuction), male breast reduction (gynecomastia), and arm lift.
What to expect during recovery
- Most people can return to work in 10 days to 2 weeks; however, it generally requires four to six weeks’ recovery before returning to normal activities
- Pain and discomfort will be managed with medication
- Drainage tubes are inserted, which will require personal home care for up to a week. These tubes can be safely removed in the office
- We will provide you with a garment to wear for the first 10 days or so at all times except while bathing. Showering is generally allowed after a few days
- Your post-surgery activities will likely be restricted until you have adequately recovered. This could include no exercise and no lifting of eight pounds or more. Walking is encouraged after surgery; however, further exercise is not recommended until sufficient healing has occurred