BODY LIFTS

A body lift is an extensive surgical procedure aimed at removing redundant skin from the lower body that cannot be improved by diet or exercise alone. It is often performed post bariatric weight loss surgery, once the patient has achieved a stable weight, and can considerably improve one's comfort and hygiene.

 Who is eligible for a body lift?

Individuals who have lost a substantial amount of weight and have excess skin on their abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, and midsection may be suitable candidates for a body lift. Nonetheless, applicants must have attained a stable weight and be capable of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to be considered for the procedure.

How does a body lift work?

During a body lift procedure, a cosmetic surgeon removes excess skin and fatty tissue that remains after weight loss. This approach addresses multiple areas of the lower body and improves the overall shape and tone of your natural contours. In some cases, liposuction may also be used to remove localized fat deposits. However, liposuction alone cannot improve the appearance of drooping or sagging skin. A body lift can be performed in a single surgery or scheduled as multiple separate procedures, depending on your needs and preferences. Your cosmetic surgeon will discuss the best approach for you.

Some areas include:

• An upper body lift, also known as a bra-line lift, is a surgical procedure that targets excess skin on the upper back that extends to the side of the chest. This procedure is typically performed on patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and have loose, sagging skin.

• A lower body lift is a surgical procedure aimed at removing excess skin from the outer thighs and buttocks. This procedure is usually performed on individuals who have lost a considerable amount of weight and are left with loose, sagging skin. The lower body lift can effectively tighten the loose skin around the outer thighs and buttocks, resulting in a significant improvement in the patient's appearance.

• An arm tuck, also known as an arm lift or brachioplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the upper arms. It is typically performed on individuals who have excess skin and fat in the upper arms, which can be caused by factors such as aging, weight loss, or genetics. If you have sagging or drooping upper arms that give the appearance of batwings when you raise your arms, you may be a suitable candidate for brachioplasty surgery.

•  A medial thigh lift involves making an incision on the inner thigh to remove excess skin and fat. In some cases, improving the contours of the outer thigh may require a more extensive incision that extends from the groin area around the hip.

Risk

• Cardiac and pulmonary complications

• Persistent edema (swelling) or fluid accumulation

• Persistent pain

• Temporary or permanent change/loss of skin sensation

• Unsatisfactory aesthetic results requiring additional surgery

• Recurrent looseness or sagging of skin

• Possible need for revision and/or further surgery.

• Wound opening up

• Unfavorable scarring and/or skin discoloration

• Excessive bleeding or hematoma

• Skin or fat necrosis (tissue death)

• Poor wound healing or wound separation

• Blood clots

• Anesthesia risks

• Deep vein thrombosis