Body Lift Surgery:
A body lift improves the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports fat and skin. Excess sagging fat and skin are removed and the procedure(s) can improve a dimpled, irregular skin surface, which is commonly known as cellulite.
A body lift may include the abdominal area locally or extending around the sides and into the lower back area, the buttocks, the groin area, and thighs.
Aging, sun damage, pregnancy, significant fluctuations in weight, and genetic factors may contribute to poor tissue elasticity that can result in sagging of the abdomen, buttocks and thighs.
Body lifts are not intended strictly for the removal of excess fat. Liposuction alone can remove excess fat deposits where skin has good elasticity and is able to naturally conform to new body contours in cases where skin elasticity is poor, a combination of liposuction and body lift techniques may be recommended.
Body Lift Cost:
A surgeon’s fee will be based on his or her experience, the type of procedure(s) used, and geographic location.
Most health insurance does not cover body lift surgery or its complications, but many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.
Body lift surgery cost may include:
- Anesthesia fees.
- Hospital or surgical facility costs.
- Medical tests.
- Post-surgery garments.
- Prescriptions for medication.
- Surgeon’s fee.
When choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area for a body lift, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.
Body Lift Candidates:
In general, body lift candidates include:
- Individuals with significant soft tissue looseness in one or multiple body areas.
- Healthy individuals without medical conditions that impair healing or increase risk of surgery.
- Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals for what body lift surgery can accomplish.
- Non-smokers.
- Individuals committed to leading a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and fitness.
Body Lift Consultation:
During your body lift surgery consultation be prepared to discuss:
- Your surgical goals.
- Medical conditions, drug allergies and previous medical treatments.
- Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use.
- Previous surgeries.
Your body lift surgeon will also:
- Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors.
- Examine and measure your body, this may include detailed body measurement.
- Take photographs.
- Discuss your body lift options.
- Recommend a course of treatment.
- Discuss likely outcomes of body lift surgery and any risks or potential complications.
Body Lift Preparation:
In preparing for body lift surgery, you may be asked to:
- Get a lab test or a medical evaluation
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
- Stop smoking
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding
Body lift surgery may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical facility, ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital.
Body Lift Procedural Steps:
1. Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.
2. Step 2 – The Incision
One common technique of complete lower body lift uses incisions similar to a bikini pattern to tighten the abdomen, groin, waist, thigh and buttock in one procedure. A circumferential incision around the body removes an apron of excess skin and fat and repositions and tightens tissues.Body lift procedures are surgical procedures and they require extensive incisions. Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as surgical judgment. Advanced techniques usually allow incisions to be placed in strategic locations where they can be hidden by most types of clothing and swimsuits.
3. Step 3 – Closing the Incisions
Deep support sutures within underlying tissues help to form the newly shaped contours. Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes, or clips close the skin incisions.
4. Step 4 – Results
The results of a body lift are visible almost immediately. It may take as long as one to two years for the final results to fully develop. Get more information on body lift results.
Body Lift Recovery:
During your body lift surgery recovery, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions after the procedure is complete. Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood that may collect.
You will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, how to care for your drains, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.
If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.
Body Lift Risks and Safety Information:
Body lift surgery risks include:
- Anesthesia risks.
- Bleeding (hematoma).
- Infection.
- Poor wound healing.
- Fluid accumulation (blood or serum).
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation.
- Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis).
- Pain, which may persist.
- Recurrent looseness of skin.
- Persistent swelling in the legs.
- Asymmetries.
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications.
- Possible need for revisional surgery.
- Skin loss.
- Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation and require removal.
- Unfavorable scarring.
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.