Body Lift procedure
A body lift is also a cosmetic body sculpting procedure which removes unwanted fat pockets and tightens underlying tissues and loose skin for a smooth look. Areas normally corrected include the waist, hips, back, abdomen, thighs and buttocks. Skin with poor elasticity after massive weight loss which cannot stay in normal body form or aged skin can be corrected with the procedure. A body lift involves surgery to excise unwanted fat and skin and liposuction may be used to refine some fatty areas. Dr. Steven Bloch, from Body by Bloch, is a chicago board certified plastic surgeon and can give you your desired outcome. The procedure is done under general anesthesia in a hospital, in an accredited ambulatory setting or in a surgical center.
How do I prepare for body lift surgery?
Before you get a body lift:
Body lift procedure uses various incisions of different patterns. Your plastic surgeon will make an incision depending on location of skin to be removed and its amount. Care is given in making incisions to ensure that they can remain concealed by clothing or swim suits. Surgery begins with admission of anesthesia. Next, your surgeon will make a circumferential incision around your lower body. This removes unwanted skin apron on the abdomen, hips and back. Tissues can then be repositioned and tightened. Your surgeon may also make a bikini-pattern incision to tighten your belly, inner thighs, waist and buttocks in a single procedure. Liposuction may be involved in surgery to remove fat that is hard to excise. Deep sutures are used to support the newly contoured underlying tissues. Stitches, sutures, skin adhesives, clips or tapes are then used to close the incisions. You may also have drains to remove unwanted fluids on your surgical sites. Your operated areas are then dressed and wrapped with a compression garnet to promote a new contour. Body lift results are notable after surgery but it may take up to 2 years to see full results.
What are body lift risks?
Body lift risks and complications will be discussed before surgery. You will only be allowed to sign consent forms if you fully understand the potential complications. Some of these risks include:
After body lift procedure, you will likely stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days for professional nursing care. Home rest for 2 to 4 weeks is important. Walking after surgery is much encouraged to improve blood circulation. You will be provided with pain medication to help you stay comfortable and antibiotics to prevent infection. You will also be given instructions on specific diet to eat, how to take care of your drains, dressings and how to walk and rest. Instructions on watching for potential signs of complications are also issued. Redness and swelling will be felt after surgery. Swelling may persist for months or even weeks. You need assistance at home. Strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for 4 to 8 weeks after surgery. Drains may be removed after 2 to 3 weeks or stay even longer. Sutures may also be removed after two weeks. Weekly follow-up visits are advised by your surgeon to ensure you are recovering well. Any complications should also be reported. Swelling will disappear after a few months. Scars will disappear after 12 months but will not permanently fade though they will remain hidden in clothing. Body lift results are permanent but aging will slowly make skin sag but this will not be so severe.
How do I prepare for body lift surgery?
Before you get a body lift:
- You will be required to get a medical evaluation
- Stop smoking
- Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs or herbal supplements and Aspirin as they can increase bleeding
- Take prescribed medications or adjust those that you are currently taking.
Body lift procedure uses various incisions of different patterns. Your plastic surgeon will make an incision depending on location of skin to be removed and its amount. Care is given in making incisions to ensure that they can remain concealed by clothing or swim suits. Surgery begins with admission of anesthesia. Next, your surgeon will make a circumferential incision around your lower body. This removes unwanted skin apron on the abdomen, hips and back. Tissues can then be repositioned and tightened. Your surgeon may also make a bikini-pattern incision to tighten your belly, inner thighs, waist and buttocks in a single procedure. Liposuction may be involved in surgery to remove fat that is hard to excise. Deep sutures are used to support the newly contoured underlying tissues. Stitches, sutures, skin adhesives, clips or tapes are then used to close the incisions. You may also have drains to remove unwanted fluids on your surgical sites. Your operated areas are then dressed and wrapped with a compression garnet to promote a new contour. Body lift results are notable after surgery but it may take up to 2 years to see full results.
What are body lift risks?
Body lift risks and complications will be discussed before surgery. You will only be allowed to sign consent forms if you fully understand the potential complications. Some of these risks include:
- Anesthesia reactions
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Poor wound healing
- Skin loss
- Numbness
- Fluid accumulation
- Underlying fat tissue may die (fat necrosis)
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Unfavorable scarring
- Possibility for revisional surgery
After body lift procedure, you will likely stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days for professional nursing care. Home rest for 2 to 4 weeks is important. Walking after surgery is much encouraged to improve blood circulation. You will be provided with pain medication to help you stay comfortable and antibiotics to prevent infection. You will also be given instructions on specific diet to eat, how to take care of your drains, dressings and how to walk and rest. Instructions on watching for potential signs of complications are also issued. Redness and swelling will be felt after surgery. Swelling may persist for months or even weeks. You need assistance at home. Strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for 4 to 8 weeks after surgery. Drains may be removed after 2 to 3 weeks or stay even longer. Sutures may also be removed after two weeks. Weekly follow-up visits are advised by your surgeon to ensure you are recovering well. Any complications should also be reported. Swelling will disappear after a few months. Scars will disappear after 12 months but will not permanently fade though they will remain hidden in clothing. Body lift results are permanent but aging will slowly make skin sag but this will not be so severe.