Weight loss and getting in shape are wonderful, but the excess skin that can result can be embarrassing. A surgical procedure known as a body lift is able to address this loose hanging skin. Body lifts raise, tighten, and firm the skin around the buttocks, groin, hips, thighs, abdomen, and waist.
Body lifts are also called lower body lifts or belt lipectomies. The reason for the name “belt lipectomy” is because the incisions make a circle around the body in the same way that a belt does. The surgery removes excess skin and repositions the surrounding tissues in order to create more youthful and aesthetically pleasing body contours.
Are You a Good Candidate for a Body Lift?
People with large amounts of hanging loose skin on various parts of their abdomen and legs make excellent candidates for a body lift. The main goal of the surgery is to help the body return to a normal appearance after a loss of skin elasticity due to age-related changes or extreme weight loss.
Many people assume that a body lift deals with the removal of significant fat deposits. However, body lifts aren’t a good option for removing fat deposits from the body. Candidates should make sure that their weight is stabilized at or near their ideal weight before they consider a body lift.
There are situations where there are small localized fat deposits found around the body. In these situations, Dr. Gayoso might recommend liposuction in tandem with a body lift.
Ideal candidates for a body lift include non-smokers and patients who are in good health. In addition to this, people considering a body lift should be able to maintain a stable weight by committing themselves to a healthy diet and lifestyle. Realistic expectations and a positive outlook about the outcome should be practiced.
Recovery After a Body Lift
Body lift surgery can be done in an outpatient setting as long as you have adequate support from family or friends, who should stay with you for several days after surgery.
It will be important for you to get up and out of bed the evening of surgery and in the days immediately after surgery. Mobilization will help prevent complications like blood clots in the legs. Some patients elect to have body-lift surgery in a facility that has overnight observation capability.
Most patients return to work two to three weeks after the surgery. Exercise and strenuous work should be avoided until Dr. Gayoso has cleared you to return to these activities. Walking is encouraged, as long as the pace and distance are not too strenuous.
Set Up an Informative Consultation
Schedule a visit with well-reputed board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Antonio Gayoso if you’re interested in learning more about the body-lift procedure. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
