Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy)
A body lift, also known as a belt lipectomy, is a plastic surgery procedure often performed on individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight. This surgery aims to enhance the body’s shape by removing excess skin and tightening the underlying tissues in the lower body. Below is an overview of the procedure’s benefits, risks, and what to expect.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
This surgery is designed to reshape, tighten, and contour the buttocks and abdomen. It’s ideal for patients with significant weight loss or those dealing with excess skin and stubborn fat in multiple areas. Body lifts can address:
- Excess tissue and skin around the midsection and buttocks
- Loose skin on the outer thighs
- Stretching or separation of abdominal muscles
Body lifts often treat several areas in one procedure, providing both cosmetic and functional improvements. The best candidates are healthy individuals committed to maintaining their weight and who have realistic expectations about the outcomes.
What to Expect
Achieving the desired results may require multiple procedures. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes incisions to remove excess skin and reshape the underlying tissues. Liposuction may also be used to enhance body contours. Once reshaped, the skin is pulled tight and incisions are closed using skin adhesives, surgical tape, and sutures.
Recovery and Aftercare
Post-surgery, patients may experience soreness or pain at the incision sites, managed with prescribed pain medications. Drainage tubes might be placed to prevent fluid buildup, and wearing a compression garment may be recommended to reduce swelling.
Risks of Body Lifts
As with any surgery, there are risks involved, including reactions to anesthesia, delayed healing, skin discoloration, infection, scarring, changes in sensation, and asymmetry. These will be thoroughly discussed during your consultation.
Recovery Time
Body lifts are major surgeries requiring a recovery period that can last up to six weeks. Final results may take three months or longer to become fully visible.
Contact Hermosa Plastic Surgery
If you’re considering a body lift, contact us today to schedule your consultation.