Schedule Appointment
If you have lost a massive amount of weight, you may struggle with general discomfort, hygiene, and clothing size. In this case, you can turn to our plastic surgery team to undergo a body lift (also known as belt lipectomy) to correct the excess skin.
- Extensive surgical procedure to remove excess skin from the lower body
- Performed after a massive weight loss (50% of body weight lost)
- Designed to improve comfort and hygiene
|
Body Lift
Procedure Information
|
|
Would a Body Lift be Right for Me?
After losing an exceeding amount of weight (often after bariatric surgery), you may now struggle with a large amount of excess skin on the midsection, thighs, buttocks, hips, and/or abdomen. A body lift may be right for you. Not only will this operation further slenderize the body, but it will also remove skin folds, which can cause hygiene issues as well as aesthetic concerns. In order to be considered for a body lift, you should be at a stable body weight and be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
How is a Body Lift Performed?
Typical body lift incisions and outcome
A body lift procedure generally takes between two and five hours to perform under general or local anesthetic. Your plastic surgeon will make incision sites that are placed in the natural folds of the skin where they can be hidden if possible. The body lift treatment is circumferential and is often done in stages. After the incisions are made, the excess skin is lifted and removed. Additionally, liposuction may be performed for contouring. Antibiotics will be administered both before and after the procedure.
What Can I Expect After a Body Lift?
Body lift surgery is an extensive operation, so you should expect a recovery period of four to six weeks. You will likely be on bed rest for the first 24 hours. On the second day, you may be advised to walk with assistance. Any drains to collect fluid will be removed after about a week. Your plastic surgeon will provide compression garments to aid in healing and promote skin contraction; these must be worn for six weeks.
Possible complications associated with this major surgery may include seroma (pockets of clear blood plasma that can develop after surgery), infection, delayed healing, scarring, and deep vein thrombosis. If you have lost a massive amount of weight through conventional methods or bariatric surgery, you are encouraged to learn more about body lift procedures by contacting us.