If you're struggling with sagging skin and tissue due to aging, genetics, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy, a body lift could be the solution you've been looking for. This body contouring procedure, offered by Donna Krummen, MD, FACS, can help you achieve a firmer physique.
Dr. Krummen is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in personalized procedures that restore your body’s natural shape and tone, helping you feel more confident in your skin.
What Is a Body Lift?
A body lift is a surgical procedure to restore the shape of the underlying tissue that supports the fat and skin of the abdomen, buttocks and thighs. Excess sagging fat and skin are removed from multiple areas to give you a “body lift.”
Many patients need combination of an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and a posterior lift to achieve the necessary body sculpting. For some, an armlift, thighlift, or liposuction may also be beneficial. One surgery does not fit all!
What Is a Full Body Lift?
A full body lift combines multiple surgeries to enhance your body contours, typically after significant weight loss. If you have loose skin and minor fatty tissue in multiple areas, Dr. Krummen might suggest dividing the procedure into two parts: an upper body lift and a lower body lift. This approach allows for a more targeted and effective transformation, addressing all your specific needs.
What Is Included in an Upper Body Lift?
An upper body lift is a personalized procedure, so it may look different for you than it does for someone else. The purpose of the upper body lift is to improve the contours of the arms, breasts, chest, and back.
Incisions for an upper body lift may be made in a few different areas based on where you have excess tissue. Dr. Krummen always makes incisions where scarring will be as discreet as possible. For example, upper arm lift surgery creates scars on the inner part of the arm. These may run from your armpit to your elbow area and should only be visible when you raise your arms overhead.
What Is Included in a Lower Body Lift?
The lower body lift addresses extra fat and skin from your midsection down. This procedure can tighten your abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, and lower back.
Liposuction may be included in both an upper and lower body lift as needed to remove stubborn pockets of fat.
How Is Recovery After a Body Lift?
Recovery from a body lift looks different for everyone because the procedures are customized. You may have more or fewer surgeries than others or need to remove more or less tissue. You may not need liposuction where another person will. Your age and general health can also impact your recovery.
As comprehensive as a body lift sounds and as dramatic as the results are, the short-term recovery can take just a couple of weeks. If you work a sedentary job, you may return to work after about 10 to 14 days. If your job is more active, you may need three to four weeks off. If you do strenuous work, you may need six to eight weeks off.
During the early stage of body lift recovery, you can expect to feel sore, tender, and tired. You will need to walk several times a day. At first, you may walk around the house for just five or 10 minutes. As you gain energy and comfort, your walks can increase in time and distance. Walking helps prevent blood clots from forming due to inactivity. Prescription medication and rest will help you manage post-surgical discomfort.
Before your surgery, our team will review your post-op instructions and answer any questions you have. You will also receive written instructions to follow after your body lift procedure.
Benefits of a Body Lift
Here are some of the amazing benefits you can look forward to after a body lift of any kind:
- Enjoy a more toned look by removing excess skin and fat.
- Daily activities become more comfortable with reduced discomfort and chafing.
- Your clothes fit better, giving you more confidence in whatever you choose to wear.
- Lasting results, especially with a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
- You’ll have higher self-esteem and feel happier with how you look.
- Your procedure is tailored to your body and needs.
- Address multiple areas of your body in one procedure.
Why Choose Dr. Donna Krummen?
Dr. Donna Krummen is a highly respected plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Cincinnati with over 20 years of solo private practice experience. She has been recognized as one of Cincinnati’s top doctors every year since 2010.
Dr. Krummen has a strong educational background, including a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University and a medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. She completed her surgical training with an internship at the University of Cincinnati Hospital, a residency at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Cleveland, and a fellowship at the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo. Dr. Krummen is affiliated with several local hospitals and professional organizations, ensuring comprehensive and top-quality care.
FAQ
How Painful Is a Body Lift?
As an invasive surgical procedure, there is going to be a recovery period. During this period, you will most likely feel soreness, swelling, tenderness, and even pain. Patients who have received a body lift have said that the first few days, typically three to four, are when the symptoms are at their worst. After this period, the symptoms gradually subside. If any of your post-operation symptoms continue to persist, contact your doctor immediately.
Is It Better to Lose Weight Before Body Sculpting?
Yes, it is highly recommended you finish losing weight before your body sculpting procedure. This is to ensure that no complications arise during the procedure. If you are overweight, it can impact the healing process and even increase the chance of blood clots. Furthermore, losing weight can help you achieve the figure you are hoping for.
What Causes Skin Sagging After Weight Loss?
When you gain weight, your skin has to stretch out to adjust to your higher weight. The skin’s collagen and fiber can become damaged, resulting in sagging skin once you shed the extra pounds.
Can You Get Rid of Sagging Skin After Weight Loss Without Surgery?
It’s more than possible to get rid of mild cases of sagging skin without the need for surgery.
Non-surgical treatments can include:
- Microneedling: Creates micro-injuries to the skin with tiny needles, encouraging a natural healing response and collagen growth.
- Plasma Pen: Uses plasma energy to create micro-traumas on the skin's surface, stimulating collagen and elastin production for tighter skin.
- Chemical Peels: Exfoliates the outer layer of dead skin cells to refresh your skin.
- Injectable Treatments: Stimulates collagen production from within, adding volume and improving skin firmness.
- PDO Thread Lift: This treatment is focused on the face. It involves the insertion of polydioxanone (PDO) threads into the skin to lift and tighten sagging tissue, stimulating collagen production for long-lasting results.
These treatments can provide noticeable improvements in skin tightness and texture without the need for invasive surgery.
You should also eat a well-balanced diet and always remain hydrated. You also need to quit smoking or drinking alcohol, as it can impact your body’s processes. It is also important to minimize your exposure to the sun and always apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Do You Need to Have Skin Surgery After Weight Loss?
You are of course not required to have skin surgery when you’ve lost weight. However, if youw want to address sagging skin, it may be necessary. It depends on the amount of weight you have to lose. If you only have to lose a few pounds, you will most likely not require surgery. However, if you have lost 100 pounds or more, surgery is the best way to tackle the problem.
Is Post-Weight Loss Skin Surgery Covered by Insurance?
Insurance coverage for post-weight loss skin surgery, such as a body lift, depends on your specific plan and the surgery's purpose. If the procedure is medically necessary due to health issues like severe skin infections or rashes, it is more likely to be covered. You will need to provide detailed medical records and photos to prove this necessity. Pre-authorization from your insurance company may also be required. Generally, cosmetic procedures are less likely to be covered, while reconstructive surgeries have a better chance of being approved. Consult your surgeon and insurance provider to understand your coverage options.
Schedule a Consultation
At your consultation Dr. Krummen will address your personal goals, your health history, as well as everything you can expect during surgery and recovery afterwards. Contact our office at 513.985.0850 to schedule a consultation today!
