WHAT IS A BODY LIFT?

Body lift surgeries are designed to enhance a large part of the body, focusing on the midsection. This technique is often performed following significant weight loss, which frequently leaves behind folds of excess skin. During the body lift surgery, excess skin and fat are trimmed, lifted, and re-contoured to create a sculpted, more toned-looking physique with smoother curves.

BENEFITS OF A BODY LIFT

A body lift is a plastic surgery procedure that has been proven safe and achieves the following benefits:

• Tones and tightens the upper arms, diminishing fatty areas around the armpit.

• Tightens and sculpts the thighs, removing bulges and bumps.

• Tightens and firms the abdominal area, reducing “love handles” and “spare tire”.

• Tightens and lifts the groin.

• Tightens and lifts the buttocks.

• Tightens the underlying tissue that supports the skin.

• Diminishes surface irregularities, such as dimples, creases, and cellulite.

IS A BODY LIFT RIGHT FOR ME?

After losing a significant amount of weight, many people expect that their bodies will look fit and toned. However, significant weight loss often leaves behind hanging folds of skin, along with small pockets of excess fat. Many patients opt for a body lift to counteract this effect. Others seek a body lift after aging has reduced their skin’s elasticity, allowing it to droop into wrinkles. Ideal candidates are at or near a healthy weight and are looking for a way to rid their bodies of excess skin or small amounts of excess fat.

HOW INVOLVED IS THE BODY LIFT SURGERY?

Body lifts require general anesthesia and up to seven hours of surgical time, making this a fairly involved form of plastic surgery. Some procedures will even require an overnight stay in the hospital for recovery. Body lift surgery typically combines a variety of plastic surgery techniques, such as a buttock lift, thigh lift, and tummy tuck. Each surgery is designed with the patient’s unique goals in mind. This surgical plan will dictate the placement and length of incisions. During the procedure, excess fat and skin are removed. The remaining natural tissue is lifted and sculpted to provide smooth, natural-looking contours.

HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY AFTER A BODY LIFT?

Because this surgery involves a large portion of the midsection, a fairly lengthy recovery process can be expected. Most patients take three weeks to a month off from work. During the first few days, you will be advised to recuperate in bed, before gradually returning to your daily activities. You will be instructed to wear a compression garment to support the new contours of your body. Side effects such as discomfort, soreness, and bruising are common. Most patients find that the full results of their surgery become visible in about three months.

HOW MUCH DOES A BODY LIFT COST?

The costs of a body lift will vary greatly due to the wide variation in the extent of surgical work being done. This surgical procedure can combine a buttock lift, thigh lift, and tummy tuck. This combination approach is less expensive than performing each of these techniques individually, but this usually requires hospitalization with an overnight stay. Financing is available.

WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?

Are you a Fort Lauderdale or Broward County resident who’s looking for a way to tighten your curves through the removal of excess skin? Contact double board-certified plastic surgeon Nathan Eberle, M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S. at the Weston Center for Plastic Surgery today for your consultation.