Body Lift

Dramatic weight loss is a remarkable achievement; however, substantial weight loss often results in skin and tissue laxity throughout the body. Sagging skin and unwanted fat in the abdomen, hips, thighs, and upper buttocks may be corrected with body lift surgery. A body lift improves the quality of the underlying tissue and removes excess tissues that do not respond to diet and exercise. Patients who undergo body lift surgery can celebrate their weight loss with a tighter silhouette that reflects their hard work.

Body Lift Candidates

Candidates for body lift surgery experience debilitating skin laxity due to extreme weight loss. The ideal candidate for a body lift can relate to the following:

• Significant amounts of excess skin throughout the lower body
• Good physical health
• Stable body weight
• Realistic expectations about the results

Body Lift Procedure

A standard body lift involves a circumferential incision around the torso. A ring of excess tissue is removed below the incision, the underlying tissues are tightened and repositioned, and the lateral thighs and buttocks are lifted. There are several options to address any remaining issues:

• Abdominoplasty: Should abdominal contouring be necessary, abdominoplasty may be performed to tighten the stomach muscles and surrounding tissues.
• Inner Thigh Lift: An inner thigh lift can be combined with a body lift procedure to correct laxity in the inner thighs that is not affected by the standard body lift. Usually, only a medial thigh lift is necessary.
• Liposuction: Many patients benefit from combining body lift surgery with liposuction. Liposuction smooths out uneven fat deposits, and it allows for contouring away from the body lift incision site.

Recovery From Body Lift Surgery

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions regarding incision and drain aftercare, medication, and signs of complication. You will need to take at least two to three weeks off of work, and limit your everyday activity for four to six weeks after surgery. During this time you must wear your compression garment to keep any swelling to a minimum. You can ensure the best results and the shortest recovery time by carefully following your surgeon’s postoperative instructions.

Body Lift Results

Results are immediately noticeable, but it may take two years or longer to see the final outcome. The body contouring, skin tightening, and tissue removal that result from body lift surgery are permanent, providing you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Some scars will be visible, but most can be covered by clothing. Many patients report that the scars are a small price to pay for the overall benefits of body lift surgery, as the improvements have an incredibly positive effect on quality of life and confidence.

Risks and Side Effects of Body Lift Surgery

As with any surgery, there are some risks involved with body lift surgery. These include:

• Reactions to anesthesia
• Infection
• Bleeding or blood clots
• Poor wound healing
• Nerve damage
• Changes in skin sensation or color
• Asymmetry
• Scarring
• Contour irregularities
• Damage to deeper structures
• Persistent swelling

Body Lift Consultation

Dr. Thompson can help you determine whether body lift surgery is right for you during your personal consultation. If you are considering this procedure, please request your consultation with us by calling (732) 410-4789 or by completing our online contact form today.