A Guide to the Body Lift

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Dr. Miguel Gallegos

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8/28/2017

A body lift or belt lipectomy is a type of plastic surgery commonly done on those who have lost a significant amount of weight. The surgery is intended to improve the body’s appearance by removing extra skin and reforming the underlying tissues of the lower body. Read on to learn about the risks, benefits and costs of the procedure.

Who’s a Candidate for a Body Lift?

The main goal of the procedure is to reshape, tighten and sculpt the buttocks and abdomen. A patient who has lost a great deal of weight, or one who has excess skin or stubborn fat in multiple areas, can benefit. Body lifts can treat:

  • Extra tissue and skin in the midsection and buttocks

  • Loose skin in the lateral thigh area

  • Stretching in the abdominal muscles

Body lifts can address multiple areas in a single procedure, and the results are cosmetic and functional. The ideal candidate is healthy, committed to maintaining their weight, and has realistic expectations.

What to Expect

Multiple procedures may be necessary to achieve the desired result. Before a Body Lift, the patient will receive general anesthesia. Following that, the surgeon will make incisions to remove extra skin and reposition underlying tissues. Liposuction may be done to increase contouring, and the skin will be redraped across the patient’s body. Incisions are sealed with a combination of skin adhesives, surgical tape and sutures.

Aftercare

Following the procedure, many patients experience soreness or pain at the incision sites. The doctor will prescribe pain medication if necessary, and they may place drainage tubes beneath the skin. Some patients may have to wear a compression garment to minimize post-surgical swelling.

The Risks of Body Lifts

As with any surgery, body lifts involve a certain level of risk. Some of the most common risks include adverse reactions to anesthetics, poor healing, skin discoloration, infection, scarring, changes in sensation and body asymmetry. The surgeon will discuss the risks during the consultation phase.

Body lifts are major procedures, and as such, they often require lengthy recovery times. Complete recovery can take up to six weeks, and results may not appear for three months or more.

Contact Hermosa Plastic Surgery

If you are interested in getting a body lift contact us for a consultation.

I give Dr. Gallegos 5 STARS!! His staff was kind, informative, and knowledgeable. Dr. Gallegos was awesome! I can’t express how happy I am with selecting Dr. Gallegos for my surgery. He was excellent in every detail from start to finish and went above and beyond. I researched all the Surgeons in Albuquerque and chose Dr. Gallegos for his education, qualifications, and 20+ experience. After meeting him, I knew he was the one. He answered countless questions, was never rushed and I knew exactly what to expect. He exceeded all of my expectations! His staff Nurse and MA were also excellent. I received amazing care and kindness. If you want the best chose Dr. Gallegos and his staff. If you want life changing results choose Dr. Gallegos and his staff. How fortunate Albuquerque is to have such a such a incredible Physician/Surgeon. Thank you

C. Healthgrades

This is Marcy Britton and I'm using my friends post. This was the best experience I ever had. I look years younger and I love my new lips.

S.B. Google

Dr Gallegos is the best plastic surgeon in Albuquerque, I’ve been to others and he has done the best job in the state of New Mexico I had a breast augmentation... Amazing the scars are so fine lined you have to practically get a scope to see the scars. I was so pleased with his work that I had to have a tummy tuck.. a month later, it’s Amazing how I have healed in such a short time. Dr. Gallegos is extremely detailed with proficiency it’s unbelievable, I’ve had many many clients that have gone to many surgeons in the Albuquerque area and that is why I wanted Dr . Gallegos I didn’t want my body looking anything like in a horror movie. In all honesty if I could post the jobs he has done on my body I would, you wouldn’t question his work. Any women that wants her body looking amazing without the huge scars , Dr. Gallegos would be the one, trust me. I would absolutely have it done all over again , he’s the best in Albuquerque and I’m extremely picky on how my body looks internally and externally.... Paula

P.V. Google

I’ve been coming to Hermosa for years now. They’ve always done such a great job. The nurses are very friendly and can answer all my questions. I highly recommend Hermosa

D.S. Google

Two years ago I went to Dr. Gallegos’ office hoping he could help me. Not only did he help me, my experience with Dr. Gallegos and his staff has been nothing other than exemplary! Any time I have had a question or a concern I always get treated as if I mean something to the practice, I do not, not have a ever felt that I am just a warm body... If you want the best, go see Dr. Gallegos.

M.M. Google

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