Have you been able to achieve significant weight loss but still have too much sagging skin? A body lift is a procedure that could be right for you. A typical body lift is used to improve the tone and shape of underlying tissue that supports your skin and fat. During the procedure, excess skin and fat are removed. The procedure can also remove the irregular, dimpled skin surface, which is caused by cellulite.
Areas Commonly Targeted With a Body Lift
Many areas can be treated with a body lift. The abdominal area is frequently a target of body lifts. The procedure might be used to target the area locally or around the sides towards the lower back. Another such target area is the buttocks. A body lift can correct buttocks that are shaped unevenly, flat or low. In some cases, patients have a groin that sags into the inner thighs. A body lift can even be used to correct the posterior, outer and inner thigh. In some situations, it is used to correct thigh circumference.
There are many different causes of poor tissue elasticity, with some of the most common being genetic factors, large weight fluctuations, pregnancy, sun damage and aging. The result of many of these issues is sagging of the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen.
Am I a Candidate For A Body Lift?
There are certain characteristics that could make you a great candidate for a body lift. If you have significant soft tissue looseness in one or more areas of your body or have similar issues as well as no serious medical conditions that would hinder the recovery process, you are a candidate. An ideal candidate does not smoke, has a positive outlook on life and has realistic goals concerning what can be accomplished with the procedure. The best results are achieved by individuals who are actively engaged in fitness, nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle.
How the Procedure Works
A typical body lift can require several different incisions. The pattern and length of each incision depend on the location and amount of excess fat that must be removed. The surgeon will use his or her judgment to determine how to make the incisions. Advanced techniques can be used to place incisions in locations where they are mostly hidden.
The first step of the procedure involves the administration of anesthesia, which numbs the target areas and ensures the patient is comfortable. Next, the doctor will make the incisions. In some cases, incisions for a lower body lift are made in a bikini pattern, which lets the surgeon tighten the buttock, thigh, waist, groin and abdomen in a single procedure.
The final step of the procedure consists of closing the incisions. The good news is that the results from the body lift are visible almost immediately. In some cases, it is common for the procedure to involve liposuction.
What to Expect
If you undergo this procedure, you can expect almost instant results post-surgery. However, it can take several months for the results of the procedure to become visible. The results from the procedure are expected to last for a very long time, assuming they are not counteracted with unnecessary weight gain or similar issues.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at the Cosmetic Surgical Arts Center. Our doctors will be able to assist you and make sure if a body lift is right for you. Schedule your consultation today.