A Guide to the Body Lift
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:
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Extra tissue and skin in the midsection and buttocks
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Loose skin in the lateral thigh area
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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.