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A well-toned body with smooth contours often is a sign of fitness achieved by healthy diet and exercise. But exercise cannot always achieve results for individuals who have loose, sagging skin and uneven contours. Aging, sun damage, pregnancy and significant fluctuations in weight as well as genetic factors may contribute to poor tissue elasticity and can result in sagging of the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. If you desire a firmer, more youthful-looking body contour, when a surgical body lift may achieve your goals. In general, a body lift reduces excess fat and skin in resulting in smoother skin and contours. These physical changes to the body can improve your body image and enhance self-confidence.
A body lift surgery is performed to correct excess loose and sagging skin and irregular contours of the abdominal, thigh, buttock and groin areas. This operation can improve the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports fat and skin. Excess sagging fat and skin is removed to treat conditions caused in part by poor tissue elasticity. In addition, a body lift can improve a dimpled, irregular skin surface, commonly known as cellulite. Body lifting procedures may be appropriate for individuals who are of the stable weight that is reasonably proportionate to their height and body frame. In addition, it is recommended that women considering future pregnancies postpone an abdominal body lift since pregnancy may diminish results. Body lift procedures may be performed on adults of any age who have realistic goals in mind for improvement of their body contour.
A body lift is usually performed under general anesthesia in a hospital, surgery center, or an office-based operating room. It usually entails an overnight surgical stay. The incision is often extensive and involves a circumferential incision around the mid-section of the body. Usually, the patient is first placed in a prone position and once the back is finished, the patient is then turned and the abdominal portion of the operation is performed. A body lift treats the buttocks, abdomen, waist, hips and thighs in one procedure. A circumferential incision around the body removes an apron of excess skin and fat and repositions and tightens tissues.
The body lift procedure is usually done with an overnight hospital stay. Once your procedure is completed, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage to minimize swelling and to support your new contours as you heal. You will be instructed to return to light walking as soon as possible to minimize the potential for blood clots and other complications. You must avoid bending, straining or lifting for several days. Where tightening of the abdomen or thighs is involved, your plastic surgeon may also instruct you to avoid standing fully upright and stressing any internal sutures as they heal, and to sleep with pillows elevating your knees. Initial wound healing may take 7-14 days, after which time sutures will be removed if necessary. You will be ready to return to work and normal activity in a few weeks, so long as you do not engage in any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise. Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling dissipates and incision lines continue to improve. You must practice diligent sun protection until the healing process is fully complete.
I have been a patient of Dr. Garri at MOSA for 4 years now. At MOSA I have had Botox, laser hair removal, and liposuction. Consultations are always informative and entertaining. The support staff is professional, courteous and accommodating. I have always been very happy with the results. I have referred many of my friends and family and all have been extremely pleased. -Erica L.
The results of body lifts are visible almost immediately, however it may take several months for your final results to fully develop. Numbness and a firm feeling over the skin’s surface will resolve over time. It may take a year or more for incision lines to refine and fade to some degree. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness. However, most of your improvement should be relatively permanent. The information provided above is for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary. A personal consultation with your plastic surgeon is the best way to gain information about your particular complaint, and about potential treatment options to address the same.
