Patients often have significant excess sagging fat and skin due to extreme weight loss from gastric bypass or banding procedures or even pregnancy. They can benefit from what’s known as a body lift surgery. This extensive surgery consists of multiple steps to remove and tighten skin in the midsection and lower half of the body. Here is what you need to know about this life-changing surgery.
A body lift is a several-hour surgery done under general anesthesia. It consists of removing sagging fat and skin and improving the shape and tone of underlying tissues to support the body’s new contours.
The reason why this is an extensive surgical procedure is because a continuous incision is made around the entire belt line. The abdomen, thighs and buttocks are recontoured through this incision. A tummy tuck is done at that time as well. Excess skin and fat is removed from the lower waistline, lower back and buttock area.
Deep sutures are placed within the underlying tissues to help them shape the new contours.
Liposuction is often necessary to contour the body to a desired appearance and to enhance results.
After surgery, patients usually require an overnight stay and need to have a drain placed beneath the skin temporarily after surgery. They will wear a compression garment with an abdominal binder to maximize results from surgery.
Recovery can range from 2 to 3 weeks. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise and other activities for at least six weeks.
Patients can expect some visible scars, but they should fade over time with good after-surgery care.
While patients can expect swelling, they will see results almost immediately. It could take a year or more to see final results once the body is fully healed from surgery.
Results are permanent as long as patients maintain a healthy weight. Patients can expect that they will lose some firmness as they continue to age.
If you are interested in learning more about body lift surgery and whether you are a candidate for this extensive procedure, please call (773) 763-3990 today to schedule your consultation.
