Body Lift (Post Weight Loss Surgery)

Aging, genetics, significant fluctuations in weight, and pregnancy may contribute to poor tissue elasticity that results in sagging of the abdomen, buttocks and thighs.

What Is A Body Lift?

A body lift is a surgical procedure to restore the shape and tone 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 patients a “body lift”.

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Often the patient requires a combination of an abdominoplasty and a posterior lift to achieve the necessary body sculpting.  For some, armlift or thighlift may be beneficial.  One surgery does not fit all, and sometime liposuction maybe an option as well.

What is a Full Body Lift?

Body lift surgery is a relatively broad term that's used to describe a combination of procedures that are performed to improve body contours, usually after massive weight loss. When the major areas of the body are affected by loose flesh and minor fatty tissue, Dr. Krummen may break down a full body lift into two separate surgeries, an upper body lift, and a lower body lift. 

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 anyone else. The purpose of the upper body lift is to improve the contours of the arms, breasts or 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 incurs scars on the inner aspect of the arm. These may run from the armpit to the 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, also personalized to your needs, can address excess fat and skin from your midsection down. This procedure may tighten and sculpt the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, and low back. 

Liposuction may be included in both an upper and lower body lift as needed to get rid of stubborn pockets of fat that might diminish the final results of surgery. 

How is Recovery After a Body Lift?

Recovery from an upper or lower body lift looks different for everyone. One of the reasons is that procedures are customized. You may have more or fewer procedures than others, or more or less tissue removed. You may not need liposuction where another person will. Additional factors that can contribute to the recovery from body lift surgery include your age and general health. 

As comprehensive as a body lift sounds, and as dramatic as the results are, the short-term recovery may 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. The purpose of walking is to prevent blood clots from forming due to inactivity. Prescription medication will help you manage post-surgical discomfort, as will rest. 

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. 

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.

How Can You Get Rid of Sagging Skin After Weight Loss?

When someone loses a lot of weight, it can cause the skin to sag. This is because the skin stretches to complement your current weight. The skin’s collagen and fiber can become damaged, which results in sagging skin. However, it is more than possible to get rid of sagging skin without the need for surgery.

First, you must 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?

This depends on the amount of weight you have to lose. If you only have to lose a few pounds, then you most likely will not require surgery. However, if you are someone who lost 100 pounds or more, surgery is the best way to tackle the problem.

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!

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