Body Lift
Many individuals with loose skin, poor tissue elasticity, and uneven contours feel very self-conscious about their appearance. Even if they’ve undergone a gastric bypass or other bariatric surgery and put in the work to achieve massive weight loss, they’re still plagued by insecurities and hesitate to put on a swimsuit each time summer rolls around. Fortunately, a body lift is an effective way to remove excess skin and underlying fat in the body. Body lift procedures remove excess skin and excess fat to correct irregular contours of the abdominal area, buttocks, inner thigh, and upper arms. In a circumferential body lift, incisions are made around the entire circumference of the body.
Only a surgical intervention can create the youthful physique most patients are looking to achieve. Body lifts provide a way to tighten loose skin and enhance your appearance. Somewhat similar to a tummy tuck, the body lift procedure is a safe and effective method of improving the shape and tone of your body. It can also be combined with other body shaping and body contouring treatments.
Body Lift Candidates
Individuals with significant soft tissue looseness in one or multiple body areas, and those who are in good general health are good candidates for a body lift surgical procedure. Significant weight loss can impact skin elasticity and leave individuals with sagging skin. A body lift is a great way to eliminate this excess loose skin and add newly shaped contours to the entire body.
Body Lift FAQs
Your surgeon will make an incision in a location that will best hide the scar. Incision length will vary depending on your body type, the target area, and the amount of skin surrounding it. The excess skin is removed and repositioned, and drain tubes may be inserted. After the surgeon removes excess skin, your incisions will be closed with either absorbable sutures or stitches that will be removed within one to two weeks following your body lift.
Body lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes around three to four hours to perform.
Most patients will need four to six weeks of total recovery time for a body lift, but you can resume normal activities and return to work in as little as ten days. Light walking is recommended, but you should avoid exercise and heavy lifting for up to eight weeks. Like most surgical procedures, some swelling and bruising are to be expected following body lift surgery. This will dissipate over time. You may also be required to wear a compression garment for several weeks following your procedure to minimize swelling and support the healing tissues.
Some swelling will occur. The smoother contour will be apparent almost immediately, but it can take several months before you start to see the full results of your body lift. Weight gain can negatively impact the outcome of a body lift, so you should keep up with a healthy diet and active lifestyle to maintain your results and stay within a healthy weight range.
Your surgeon will provide a list of detailed post-operative instructions for you This list will make the after-surgery process as smooth as possible. Generally, most patients resume normal activities and return to work after approximately ten days.
Some scarring is inevitable after the body lift procedure, but your plastic surgeon will carefully place each incision to minimize the visibility of scars. Our before-and-after photos will give you a better idea of what to expect. There are also several post-procedure scar treatment options and scar-fading gels and creams available to minimize the appearance of scars.
Interested in a body lift? Contact us at Pinnacle!
A body lift can greatly enhance your body image. A smooth, toned silhouette that matches your body image and personal goals is achievable with this cosmetic procedure.
The results of a body lift will be long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. There is no other plastic surgery or method of body contouring that can restore body shape, skin appearance, and skin tone as effectively as surgical body lifts. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Klenke is dedicated to partnering with you to achieve your best results. Whether you are curious about a tummy tuck or a complete lower body lift, we are here to help you meet your body goals!