Body Lift
What Is A Body Lift?
After a successful weight loss, many patients find their journey is not complete until they can address the excess skin and folds which remain around the abdomen and back. A body lift eliminates excess skin and fat deposits to create a younger body shape by raising, reshaping, and recontouring a sagging midsection. A belt lipectomy can be used to add definition to the waist, abdomen, thighs, hips, and buttocks. Many patients choose to undergo a liposuction at the same time as a body lift.
Who Is a Candidate for a Body Lift?
In order to determine if you are a candidate for a body lift, you will need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Strazar. A lower body lift surgery targets not only the outside layers of skin but also the deeper tissues that have loosened. Patients who have gained and lost large amounts of weight are the best candidates for this procedure. It is imperative that you have arrived at your stable goal before undergoing this procedure. Future weight fluctuations can negatively impact the final results of the body lift. It is essential that you do not have any underlying health conditions that can pose a risk to an effective recovery and healing. This includes smoking. Patient who smoke will be asked to quit before they are considered eligible for any body contouring surgery.
What to Expect During a Body Lift
Depending on the extensiveness of the surgery, the procedure can take anywhere from three to seven hours and is performed using general anesthesia. The exact technique used varies based on the patient’s current body shape and the desired results. In most cases, the procedure involves making an incision that runs from the thigh to the waist. For more extreme body lifts, the incision may extend all the way around the lower back and waist. If the thighs and buttocks are to be lifted, an incision may be made along the buttocks’ crease. Once the incision is made, the doctor removes the unwanted fat and excess skin. The remaining skin is then pulled tight and stitched into place. Although this is an extensive procedure, and the results can be transformative.
What Recovery Looks like After Surgery
Patients are encouraged to walk around immediately after surgery but should avoid vigorous activity for 2-3 weeks. The bandages and compressive garments that are applied following surgery provide support and help keep swelling to a minimum. Most patients will have drains in place to allow any excess fluids to drain properly. The length of the recovery depends on the extensiveness of the procedure. At your consultation, Dr. Strazar will discuss the surgery with you in detail and will determine when it is acceptable to return to work and other activities.