Extreme body changes such as dramatic weight loss, pregnancy, and the aging process can cause loose skin and a change in fatty tissue around the body. These can cause excess skin and loose tissue around the body. Many patients, especially after weight loss surgery and dramatic weight loss, have large amounts of sagging skin left on the body. Body lift surgery is a tool to improve the tone and shape of various parts of the body. It removes excess skin and some fat, and can be performed on both men and women. This is most commonly performed on the stomach, back, buttocks, or thighs.
A Body Lift Can Be Done With Liposuction
A body lift is can remove some fat deposits, but it is mainly used to remove excess skin. If you are looking for a procedure mainly to remove excess fat, liposuction may be a better option for you. If you are looking for both, body lifts and liposuction can be performed together. If the area of liposuction has poor skin elasticity, the skin will not adhere to the new body contours. A body lift can be used in conjunction with liposuction on areas such as these, to help the skin tighten and fit closer to the body. Hardaway performs both of these services at her AAAASF certified surgical suite. For some patients, depending on their medical history, the surgery is performed in a hospital setting.
Back lifts are often needed in combination with liposuction to give the back a smoother appearance. Often liposuction is performed first to remove the excess fat. If the skin is then unable to shrink sufficiently, a back lift may be needed. The location of the incision depends on the location of the majority of the excess skin. This will be determined at the time of your consultation.
Sometimes back lifts are performed with other body contouring procedures, this is what constitutes a body lift. Various options will be discussed at the time of your consultation and tailored to your specific needs.
The Full Body Lift
A full body lift surgery, can remove extra skin and fat from the stomach, back, hips, buttocks, and outer thighs. This is often performed after dramatic weight loss, which can cause loose and sagging skin. A body lift can restore the contours of the body, as well as reshape the body. Body lifts can be combined with other procedures such as an arm lift, thigh lift, breast lift, or face lift. The procedure will vary depending on the specific needs and wants of each patient.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made around the waist, and the excess skin is removed. The skin is pulled, and sewn closed under tension. The time of the surgery depends on the individual needs and wants of each patient. If weight loss is still in progress, the body lift can be performed in stages, to better suit the patient’s needs.
The results of the surgery can be seen almost immediately after the procedure is completed.
Though it may take a few months for the skin to settle fully, and final results to be revealed after surgery. Maintaining a stable weight through good diet and exercise is encouraged after the surgery to keep results stable. Dressings will be applied to the incisions, and a drain main be placed under the skin to drain excess fluid. A compression garment is worn after surgery as well. The specific needs vary from patient to patient.
The average recovery time for a procedure is at minimum of 3 weeks.
A body lift is a fairly invasive surgery, and as such, the recovery time will be slightly longer. During this time, and for the following 4-6 weeks, you will be asked to restrict your activity and keep your exercise to a minimum. You will be asked to come to follow-up appointments, to make sure you are healing properly from the surgery. The healing process varies from patient to patient and depends on the expanse of the surgery.
Differences Between A Tummy Tuck and A Body Lift
A lower body lift surgery, also known as a belt lipectomy, focuses on the lower body: the buttocks, hips, inner and outer thighs. It lifts the skin and reshapes the contours of the lower body. This procedure can be combined with liposuction, and procedures such as a tummy tuck and other body lifts as well. If you are looking to change the contours of the lower body, such as to enhance the buttocks or create a larger butt, then a procedure such as a Brazilian butt lift could be what you are looking for. Dr. Hardaway performs this procedure as well.
Mid-Body Lift or Torsoplasty
A mid-body lift is a similar procedure, also known as a torsoplasty. This treats the same areas as a lower body lift, as well as the abdominal areas, namely the stomach and back. It does not cover all the areas of a full body lift, but is good for those who want to see a change in the abdominal area as well as the lower body.
Dr. Hardaway personalizes the procedure to the patient’s specific needs. The cost varies, depending on which areas the surgery is performed. Dr. Hardaway has payment plans available, so be sure to inquire during your consultation. For any financing options please fill out the CareCredit financing application on our website. The procedure is not usually covered by insurance. Occasionally, insurance will cover removal of excess skin on the abdomen after massive weight loss.
Results from a body lift will last a lifetime, provided that the recipient has proper diet and exercise to maintain their new shape. Surgery is not a replacement for proper diet and exercise. Losing a few pounds after a body lift should not have a dramatic effect, but an extreme amount of weight loss could cause skin to sag again. This varies from patient to patient, and has to do with the specific skin and needs of each patient. Dr. Hardaway will discuss this for you as you prepare for your surgery.