A body lift is a surgical body contouring procedure that removes excess skin and underlying fat, reshaping the body and improving its tone. Body lift surgery is an excellent solution for returning your body to a normal appearance after the skin loses its elasticity from age-related changes or extreme weight loss.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes discreet incisions easily concealable under most clothing and swimsuits.
Are You a Good Candidate for a Body Lift Procedure?
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends that patients meet these conditions to qualify for a body lift procedure.
- You have significant soft tissue looseness
- You have no underlying medical condition that could impair healing or increase the risk of surgery
- You have realistic goals for what the surgery can accomplish
- You are a non-smoker
- You have a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition and a fitness routine
Additionally, women considering pregnancy should wait until after delivery, as it could compromise the results in the abdominal area.
The Body Lift Consultation
Before the body lift procedure, you will schedule a consultation with your surgeon to determine your needs and discuss your aesthetic desires. The medical provider will also take a detailed medical history, a brief physical exam, and the risks involved.
During this consultation, your surgeon will also determine the cost of the procedure, and you will also discuss the available payment options.
How Is the Body Lift Procedure Done?
This procedure requires extensive incisions. And the incision length or pattern depends on the location and amount of excess skin and fatty tissue. A surgical body lift involves these steps:
1. Administering Anesthesia
The doctor administers anesthesia for comfort and a painless surgical procedure. Your provider recommends the best choice between general anesthesia and intravenous sedation.
2. Making the Incision
To achieve a lower body lift, the surgeon makes an incision similar to a bikini pattern, removes excess skin and fatty tissue, and repositions and tightens the tissues; this results in a tighter abdomen, waist, groin, thighs, and buttocks within one procedure.
The body lift may also require liposuction for a more enhanced body contour.
3. Closing the Incisions
The surgeon closes the incisions using deep sutures, skin adhesives, and tapes or clips; these support the newly formed contours and aid in faster wound healing. The surgeon also wraps the area with a bandage and supportive garment to help support the incision area and promote healing.
What You Should Expect After a Body Lift
The results of a body lift are instantly visible, but the final results could take up to one year to fully reveal due to the swelling post-op. After the body lift, you should avoid subjecting yourself to strenuous body activities that may delay healing.
While some visible scars could remain, the overall results of the body lift will remain. And with a consistent general fitness routine and diet, your body remains in great shape for many years.
But in some cases where the first surgery does not achieve the final desired results, another surgery may be necessary to contour the body even further.
Body Lift Costs
The final cost depends on the complexity of the body lift, your surgeon’s skills and reputation, and other costs, including the fees for the surgeon, anesthesia, medical facility, and medication. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a lower body lift procedure costs about $7,924.
Body Lift Recovery and Downtime
Usually, you will spend the first 24 hours in the medical facility as the medical staff observes and monitors your healing. The recovery time depends on the extent of the procedure, but complete healing takes about four to six weeks.
If you like to work out, you will have to delay any exercise activities for six to eight weeks to prevent any damage to the incision area.
Body Lift Q&As
Q: What is the main benefit of a body lift?
A: A body lift instantly gives you a smooth body contour that improves as you heal.
Q: Does a body lift procedure hurt?
A: You will likely experience some pain and soreness near the incision area during the first week after the body lift surgery.
Q: How long does a body lift take to perform?
A: A body lift usually takes about three to four hours.
Q: What medication does the doctor prescribe after the body lift?
A: Your surgeon will prescribe pain meds and antibiotics to promote healing, prevent infection, and reduce pain.
Q: When can I resume work after a body lift?
A: You can return to work after about 10 to 14 days after a body lift
Q: What type of anesthesia is used during a body lift?
A: The surgeon performs the body lift under either general anesthesia or monitored IV sedation
Q: Does the body lift leave scars?
A: While the scars are visible after the surgery, they fade away after two years, leaving an almost invisible scar.
Q: Is a body lift procedure worth it?
A: A body lift surgery results in an instant transformation that lasts for many years and is worth it.
Q: Is it necessary to keep a fitness routine after a body lift?
A: Though the body lift gives you an instant youthful appeal, you will need to keep a consistent exercise routine to stay in shape for longer.
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