Body Lift Surgery

A body lift is a procedure in which extra skin and fat are removed and underlying tissue is repaired to improve the shape of the body. A body lift can help a person who has lost a massive amount of weight and has sagging skin and fat. This procedure removes excess and sagging skin and fat that have proved to be unresponsive to proper diet and exercise.

During the consultation, your doctor will doctor will discuss with you your reasons for wanting the surgery and your expectations. Your doctor will review your medical history and assess your current health to ensure you are a good candidate for surgery and to determine if you have any underlying medical conditions that could cause complications. You should also take the time during your consultation to ask questions. Your doctor may perform a physical exam, measure areas of your body and take photographs for your medical record. If you are a smoker, your doctor will advise you to stop smoking prior to surgery as smoking can cause complications during surgery and impede recovery. You will also receive instructions for the day of the surgery, post-surgery and follow-up.

You will be given either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your doctor's preference. Your doctor will then make the proper incisions to the areas to be treated. The underlying tissue will be repaired resulting in tighter skin and muscle. If the area contains excess fat, liposuction may also be used to remove the excess fat. Loose fat and skin will be excised. The incisions will then be sutured. The results of the surgery will be seen immediately. However, full results may only be noticed 1 to 2 years after surgery.

Your doctor will discuss the risks involved with the surgery. Some of the risks involved include infection, a reaction to anesthesia, scarring, accumulation of fluid, blood clots, skin loss, necrosis, numbness, complications with wound healing, wound separation, asymmetry, persistent pain, thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications, skin discoloration, swelling, possibility of revision surgery and complications with sutures.

Candidates For Body Lift Surgery

Ideal candidates for surgery should be in good general health. If you are considering pregnancy, you should postpone the surgery as pregnancy can diminish the results of surgery. You are a good candidate for this procedure if you have sagging skin and fat that does not respond to proper diet and exercise. You must also be in good health as certain medical conditions can create complications and impede healing. You should also be a non-smoker. Smoking increases risks associated with the surgery and recovery. You should also have realistic expectations of what will be accomplished with surgery. You should also be determined to lead a healthy lifestyle that includes a proper diet and regular exercise. If you choose to live healthy, the results of the surgery will be long-lasting.

Once surgery is complete, you will be required to wear bandages over the treated areas to reduce swelling. A small tube may also be placed under the skin to drain excess fluid. Your doctor will give you complete instructions to follow during recovery. It is important to follow the instructions as closely as possible to avoid complications. He or she will also tell you when it is necessary to seek immediate medical attention should a complication arise during your recovery.

Although you will be able to see the results of your surgery immediately, you should keep in mind that it can take up to 2 years to see full results. Results are long-lasting as long as you are determined to lead a healthy lifestyle. You must also keep in mind that the results of surgery may also change with age.

The cost of a body lift will vary depending on the areas of your body being treated, geographical location and the surgeon performing the procedure. Fees may include the surgeon's fee, hospital or surgery clinic fee, anesthesia fees and cost of prescription medications.