A Body lift or ‘Belt Lipectomy is a procedure that involves the lifting of many areas of the body at one time. It can include a lower body lift, buttock/thigh lift, tummy tuck and arm lift. The procedure removes excess skin, tissue and fat and the remaining skin is tightened. It is very common after a large weight loss or weight loss surgery.
After a large weight loss it is common to have folds of loose skin left, which cannot be reduced with diet or exercise and can only be removed surgically. The goal of a body lift is to improve the shape and tone of the body’s underlying tissue, this is the tissue that supports fat and skin. The end result is a firmer, more youthful-looking body contour.
A body lift is generally performed on these areas of the body:
Buttocks- to correct areas that may be flat, low or unevenly-shaped
Thigh- including the inner, outer and posterior thigh, or circumferentially
Abdominal area- locally as well as extending around the sides and into the lower back area
The key incision for the lower body lift is placed along the lower abdomen and flanks and just above the buttocks. This incision and the areas for skin removal are designed with long-term aesthetics in consideration. While offering dramatic results, a full body lift is a major operation often lasting several hours or longer.
The results of a body lift are visible almost immediately but the final result will not be seen until the swelling has reduced. It may take as long as one year for the results of the body lift procedure to fully develop. After surgery you will feel some discomfort, but any pain can be controlled with medication. You can expect the areas lifted to be bruised, swollen and sore which can last for a month or more. A surgical compression garment may be worn post surgery to help support the muscle tightening. As with any surgical procedure, there will be scarring in areas where the skin has been removed. We will work together to minimize scarring. It is recommended that you rest or 2 – 4 weeks and should not participate in strenuous physical activity for 6 – 8 weeks.
After your lower body lift you will find that your tummy is flat and the pubic area and groin areas are elevated into normal positions. Your waistline and flanks will be flat and smooth and the outer thighs and buttocks will be elevated. The results are very dramatic and life-changing for most patients and usually greatly exceed the results that can be accomplished with an abdominoplasty alone.
