Body Lift

WHAT IS TOTAL BODY LIFT SURGERY?

Through our lifetimes various factors, such as weight gain or loss, pregnancy, aging, smoking, and others, contribute to a decrease in the tightness of our abdominal wall.  Additionally, extreme weight gain and loss causes loss of tone and elasticity of the skin, and often results in significant excess skin and fat in a circular nature involving the abdomen, flanks, hips, back, and buttocks.  A total body lift, also known as lower body lift or belt lipectomy, is a procedure performed to reshape the entire lower torso by removing excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, flanks, hips, upper buttocks, and back. Total body lift is an extensive procedure and is performed in only specific clinical conditions.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR TOTAL BODY LIFT SURGERY?

The best candidates for total body lift are individuals in good physical condition with fat and loose skin at the lower abdomen, the flank and hips, the buttocks, and the lower back.  Usually, these are patients who were formerly obese and have lost massive amounts of weight either through bariatric or anti-obesity surgery such as gastric bypass surgery, the lap band, sleeve gastrectomy, or through diet and fitness habits.

INITIAL CONSULTATION PRIOR TO TOTAL BODY LIFT SURGERY

At your initial consultation, Dr. Skarparis and you will carefully discuss your aesthetic concerns, and define a tailored plan to improve the appearance of your abdomen, flanks and hips, buttocks, and lower back.  Your goals and expectations will be carefully considered and clarified.  Your medical and surgical history will be reviewed in detail, and a physical examination will be conducted.  Dr. Skarparis will advise you which type of total body lift surgery technique is best for you, and also discuss whether any additional procedures are appropriate.

WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA DO YOU NEED FOR TOTAL BODY LIFT SURGERY?

Total body lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia.  We will carefully explain in detail all of the risks, benefits, and alternatives to general anesthesia.

PROCEDURE

There are several different techniques for performing total body lift.  Common to all is the removal of fat and excess skin from the lower torso, including the lower abdomen, the flanks and hips, the upper buttocks, and the lower back.  The scar is hidden below the bikini line, enabling you to show off your results in shorts and jeans. Tightening of the abdominal muscles is performed.  Total body lift can be combined with liposuction, or other procedures.

RECOVERY AND THE POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD

You will have surgical drains, and a compression garment applied to the treated area.  You will be encouraged to stay as less active as possible at home for several days while maintaining appropriate positioning and posture.  In most cases the bruising is minimal and resolves after the first week, at which time the drains are removed.  Most patients return to work and social activities after 2 weeks.  Dr. Skarparis recommends avoidance of strenuous physical exercise for approximately 6 weeks following body lift surgery.

RESULTS OF TOTAL BODY LIFT SURGERY

The results of cosmetic total body lift surgery are a new abdominal and flank region that is smooth and flat.  Hips that finally don’t sag and now show your real curves.  Buttocks that are lifted into place, and a back free of redundant skin and tissue.  Not only will you look great, you will also notice an immediate change in the way your clothes fit.  The change in the appearance of the entire torso is immediate and dramatic.  In fact, it is not uncommon for patients report additional weight loss following total body lift, due to the increased level of physical activity.  Total body lift surgery results are permanent, though various lifestyle and hereditary factors may impact on your long-term results.