Lifestyle changes, surgeries, and weight loss can all contribute to sagging skin. The folds can be a big issue for people who want to have a lean body. People who've lost 100 pounds or more are usually overjoyed by their success, but not with the excess skin left over. A body lift recontours the body by removing excess skin and fat and reshaping the affected areas. Also known as a belt lipectomy, body lifts correct saggy skin and unsightly excess tissue, giving you the shape you love.
As we age, it becomes more difficult to control our shape. Areas that were curved and contoured before no longer hold the same form. Youthful skin has a great deal of elasticity. Over time, collagen and elastin production decreases and our tissues become saggy and unsightly. A body lift eliminates both fatty deposits and excess skin, giving you the shape you want and the youthful appearance to go with it.
What is a Body Lift?
A body lift is an effective plastic surgery procedure. It aims to improve the shape and tone of the tissue that supports the skin and fat. The process also entails the removal of excess fat and sagging skin for a youthful appearance. Your doctor can customize your surgery to meet your unique needs and goals. You can combine it with other procedures like liposuction for the best results.
Which Areas of the Body are Altered?
The surgery can be performed on the upper, mid, or lower body, depending on the excess skin's location. If you have significant amounts of fat in the midsection or extremities, your surgeon can use the belt lipectomy technique to remove this extra fat. This treatment is an excellent option if you want to add flattering contours to your body or lift your buttocks. If your lower body skin has also begun to sag because of pregnancy, a belt lipectomy will also help.
Some of the body areas altered using a body lift procedure include:
- The Lower Torso
- Abdomen
- Waist
- Inner/Outer Thighs
- Buttocks
- Hips
Who is a Good Candidate for a Body Lift?
While you may want to undergo a body lift to achieve a smoother figure, you'll need to meet some eligibility requirements. The procedure is ideal for people who:
- Have lost 30-50% of their peak weight
- Suffer from excess skin and stretch marks
- Have stable weight
- Are in overall good health and can recover well from surgery
- Do not intend to become pregnant after surgery
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol excessively
- Are in good mental and psychological health
- Are committed to good health, nutrition, and exercise
How to Prepare for Body Lift Surgery
The preparation for body lift surgery involves discussing your health, lifestyle, and desires. Your surgeon will help you evaluate why you want the procedure, your expectations, and the desired outcome.
To ensure you're in the right condition for the procedure, they'll review your medical condition and any pre-existing health concerns. The discussion is not complete without checking your current medications, herbal supplements, vitamins, alcohol, drugs, and tobacco use.
A professional surgical team will also go over your customized treatment plan either at the initial consultation or a later appointment before the surgery. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to discuss them.
It would be best if you also continued eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Don't forget to stop smoking, avoid heavy drinking, and keep off certain medications and supplements. You also need to maintain your ideal weight for at least three months.
Your post-surgery preparation includes finding someone to drive you home and ensuring you have an adequate supply of compression garments and other supplies. You also need to arrange your home to suit the recovery process, so everything is easy to reach without a lot of movement.
What to Expect During a Body Lift Procedure
The surgeon will make an incision at the waist or just below it and carefully remove excess skin and fat. The incision's length depends on the location and amount of the additional skin removed. Once the reshaping process is complete, the skin is pulled together over the area and sutured together.
Sometimes, they may recommend combining liposuction with your body lift for an enhanced overall contour.
The surgery can be performed under general anesthesia with a hospital stay for a day or two. How long the procedure takes depends on your individual needs.
After the surgery, you'll enjoy several benefits from your newly formed contours. You can wear a variety of clothes that you previously couldn't, you'll be more comfortable while exercising, and you'll look younger. The procedure also helps you improve your hygiene by removing folds of skin where dirt hides.
Post-Surgery Recovery Instructions
We recommend that you have a medical compression garment to wear during recovery. You only remove it when bathing. Generally, the surgical dressings are removed within two days after surgery.
Remember to restrict your post-surgery activities, and this includes lifting heavy objects and exercise. Walking is recommended during this time, but it should not be strenuous. Remember that you need approximately four to eight weeks before you can return to normal activities and exercise.
Achieve the Look You've Always Wanted
Nothing should stop you from achieving the look you've always wanted. A body lift is a procedure that helps you eliminate sagging skin and excess fat. However, you should only entrust the process to a professional and licensed surgeon like Dr. Chasby Sacks of Arizona Cosmetic Surgery. Call us today to schedule your appointment.