Body Lift from Lake County Plastic Surgery

A body lift, also known as a belt lipectomy, is a procedure to raise and reshape sagging body contours. During the aging process, skin loses some elasticity, causing the mid-section to lose its natural shape and firmness.  This procedure is designed to remove loose skin for a more youthful appearance.  A body lift can be applied to the lower torso and upper legs including the abdomen, waist, inner/outer thighs, buttocks, and/or hips. Liposuction, brachioplasty and thigh lift may also be completed in conjunction with a body lift.

Reasons for Considering a Body Lift:

• Reshape mid-body contour
• Correct sagging skin and fat due to aging or excessive weight loss
• Weight gain and stretched skin caused by multiple pregnancies

General Procedure

The precise procedure varies with each patient, depending on the body type and desired surgical outcome. The body lift procedure entails making an incision that follows the upper and/or inner thigh, to the waistline.  In more extensive surgeries, the incision goes completely around the waist and lower back. Adjustments to the buttocks and thighs require an incision at the crease of the buttocks and excess skin is then removed. Finally, the skin is pulled taught and sutured into the new configuration. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

Brachioplasty

Fluctuations in weight, age and genetics can cause your upper arms to have a drooping, sagging appearance which cannot be corrected through exercise. An arm lift or brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that removes loose skin in the upper arm by tightening and smoothing the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm. Arm lift surgery may be right for you if the underside of your upper arms are sagging or appear loose and full due to excess skin and fat.

Thigh lift surgery reshapes the thighs by removing excess skin for a smooth and better-proportioned contours of the thighs and lower body. If fitness and weight control efforts have not achieved your goals for a body that is firm and proportionate to your overall body, a surgical lift may be right for you. 

Massive Weight Loss

Those who experience massive weight loss are often left with excessive amounts of sagging skin, particularly in the thighs, under the arms, around the abdomen and in the breasts. The excess skin can not only be unsightly and uncomfortable, in many cases it can be painful. 

Recovery Process

Generally, post-operative instructions require plenty of rest and limited movement.  Bandages are applied right after surgery to minimize swelling and provide support.  Tubes are often placed to drain excess fluids. The scars resulting from the incisions are permanent but are carefully placed so as to minimize visibility.  Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery which can be treated with oral medication.  Recovery time varies with the extent of the procedure.  While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions that are given after the surgery.

Contact us today for more information!