BODY LIFT PROCEDURE

Typically performed under general anesthesia, a body lift can vary greatly and can last between four and six hours.

The incision for a lower body lift is made all the way around the body below the hips, just low enough to be covered by the top edge of a bikini bottom or underwear. For a belt lipectomy, the incision is made just above the hips, allowing the waist to be tightened and any sagging or drooping skin on the abdomen or lower back to be corrected. In some cases, another incision may be made vertically, either along the center of the abdomen or along each side of the abdomen, in order to remove additional tissue. In both procedures, excess skin and fat is buttocks, and abdomen. Abdominal muscles are tightened and any hernias that may be present are repaired. The skin is then pulled tight and the incision is sutured closed. Finally, dressings are applied to promote healing.

A body lift is often combined with other procedures such as an inner thigh lift, breast lift, and augmentation in women or gynecomastia correction in men. Sometimes this requires that the surgeries be performed in stages, and the areas that pose the most concern are usually addressed first.

BODY LIFT PREPARATION

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BODY LIFT POST-PROCEDURE

After your surgery you should expect some pain, swelling, and bruising. Pain medication will be prescribed to control discomfort. However, severe pain that is not relived by medication is not normal and we would want to know about it immediately. Bruising may take a week or more to resolve, and swelling may remain up to six weeks or longer. Drains will usually be placed to help remove excess fluid, and will be removed within one to two weeks depending on drainage. After they are removed, you will usually need to wear a compression garment to aid healing.

The recovery process is different for everyone. Even though you might not be able to stand up completely straight and may still have some pain, it is a good idea to start walking the first day after surgery. Be sure to change positions frequently when you are lying down, as this will help improve blood flow. You may shower after your dressings and drains have been removed. You should plan on being out of work and away from your usual activities for three to four weeks. During this period, you may gradually return to light activities such as lifting, exercise and sex. Avoid any high impact activities for about one month. In particular, you should avoid jogging, bouncing and heavy lifting for up to eight weeks.

Though scars may appear to stand out at first, they will usually fade with time. The scars from a lower body lift are usually hidden when wearing underwear or a swimsuit. However, those from a bielt lipectomy are usually above the belt line and may be visible. After six months to two years, the scars will reach their final appearance and become less noticeable. Although you should see an immediate improvement in your contour, the appearance of your lower body will improve overa a period of several months and you shold be able to keep results that you will love for a very long time.