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BODY LIFT

A body lift improves the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports fat and skin. During this procedure, excess sagging fat and skin are removed in circumferential “belt” fashion along the abdomen and lower back.

A lower body lift treats sagging buttocks, abdomen, waist, hips and outer thighs in one procedure. Incision patterns vary, and may include a circumferential incision around the body to remove the "belt" of excess skin and fat.

Contents

What is a body lift?

Aging, sun damage, pregnancy, significant fluctuations in weight, and genetic factors may contribute to poor tissue elasticity that can result in sagging of the abdomen, buttocks and thighs.

A body lift improves the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports fat and skin. During this procedure, excess sagging fat and skin are removed in circumferential “belt” fashion along the abdomen and lower back. A body lift may include these areas:

  • Abdominal area - locally or extending around the sides and into the lower back area

  • Buttocks that may be low, flat or shaped unevenly

  • Groin that may sag into inner thigh

  • Thigh - The outer and part of the posterior thighs are mainly addressed in a body lift

In general, candidates for a body lift include:

  • Individuals with significant soft tissue looseness in one or multiple body areas

  • Healthy individuals without medical conditions that impair healing or increase risk of surgery

  • Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals for what body lift surgery can accomplish

  • Non-smokers

  • Individuals committed to leading a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and fitness

Consultation and Preparing for Surgery

    • Your surgical goals

    • Medical conditions, drug allergies, and previous medical treatments

    • Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use

    • Previous surgeries

    • Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors

    • Examine and measure your body, this may include detailed body measurements

    • Take photographs

    • Discuss your body lift options

    • Recommend a course of treatment

    • Discuss likely outcomes of body lift surgery and any risks or potential complications

    • Get a lab test or a medical evaluation

    • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications

    • Stop smoking

    • Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

The Procedure

Body lifts are surgical procedures and they require extensive incisions. Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as surgical judgment. Advanced techniques usually allow incisions to be placed in strategic locations where they can be hidden by most types of clothing and swimsuits.

One common technique of complete lower body lift uses incisions similar to a bikini pattern to tighten the abdomen, groin, waist, thigh, and buttock in one procedure. An incision around the circumference of the body removes an apron of excess skin and fat while repositioning and tightening tissues. A combination of liposuction and surgical body lifts may be necessary to achieve an improved contour. Deep support sutures within underlying tissues help to form the newly shaped contours. Sutures, skin adhesives, and tapes, are used to close the skin incisions.

Step 1: Anesthesia

Step 2: The Incision

Step 3: Closing the incision

Step 4: See the results

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The anesthesiologist will discuss different options with you on the day of your surgery. Be sure to let your doctor know if you have had prior complications from general anesthetic.

A complete lower body lift treats the buttocks, abdomen, waist, hips and lateral thighs in one procedure. A circumferential incision around the body removes an apron of excess skin and fat and repositions and tightens tissues.

Sutures, skin adhesives, and tapes close the skin incisions.

The results of a body lift are visible almost immediately. It may take as long as one to two years for the final results to fully develop.

risks and safety

The decision to have a body lift is extremely personal. You will have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. Dr. Abedi will explain in detail the risks associated with your surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

Possible risks of body lift surgery include:

  • Anesthesia risks

  • Bleeding (hematoma)

  • Infection

  • Poor wound healing

  • Fluid accumulation (blood or serum)

  • Numbness or other changes in skin sensation which can be temporary or permanent

  • Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die causing lumps (fat necrosis)

  • Pain, which may persist

  • Recurrent looseness of skin

  • Persistent swelling in the legs

  • Asymmetries

  • Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications

  • Possible need for revisional surgery

  • Skin loss

  • Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation and require removal

  • Unfavorable scarring

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with Dr. Abedi during your consultation

RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY

After your body lift procedure is completed, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. Small, thin tubes are temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood that may collect. These drains can remain in place for up to 2 weeks.

Prior to your discharge, Dr. Abedi will give you specific instructions that may include how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, when to change dressings and shower, and when to follow up with her in the office. Dr. Abedi sees all her post op patients personally within a few days from their surgery and earlier if any issues arise.

Please be sure to follow all instructions carefully - this is essential to the success of your outcome. You will need to wear your compression garment around the clock for 4-6 weeks. You should avoid standing fully upright and stressing any internal sutures as they heal for the first 1-2 weeks. You may be instructed to avoid bending, straining, exercising, or heavy lifting for several days to 6 weeks. However, be sure to remain active and walk. To minimize the risk of DVT (blood clots in the legs) you will need to be up and walking as soon as possible, and drinking plenty of fluid. Dr. Abedi will discuss your limitations and duration of the limitations at your follow up visit based on your healing. If significant liposuction is done, compression garments need to be downsized at 2 weeks post procedure as the swelling improves. The surgical tapes along the incision will remain until they fall off and are then replaced with silicone tapes. These tapes should be worn continuously for 3 months to optimize your scar appearance. 

When you go home:

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.

results

The results of a body lift are visible almost immediately. However, it may take 1-2 years or more for the final results of the body lift procedures to fully develop. Some visible scars will remain, but the overall results are long lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness. However, most of your initial improvement should be relatively permanent.

Although good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.

Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. Prices for body lift procedures can vary based on your geographical location, amount of excess skin and fat needed to be removed, and experience of your surgeon. Dr. Abedi offers patient financing plans through Beautifi, so be sure to ask.

Cost may include:

  • Anesthesia fees

  • Hospital or surgical facility costs

  • Medical tests

  • Post-surgery garments

  • Prescriptions for medication

  • Surgeon's fee

Medical services plan DOES NOT cover the cost of Body Lift procedures

cost

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BODY CONTOURING AFTER MAJOR WEIGHT LOSS