Body Lift Surgery: Everything You Need To Know
What Is A Body Lift?
A Body Lift procedure, or belt lipectomy, is a highly effective way to improve the shape and tone of the body by removing excess or sagging skin, cellulite, and fatty deposits. Body Lifts are surgical procedures, but they are highly customizable according to a patient’s specific needs.
Typically, after a patient loses a significant amount of weight they are left with an abundance of loose skin. This loose skin cannot shrink down to the body’s new dimensions. Dealing with excess skin can be difficult as it can cause irritation, soreness, or infections while also limiting a patient’s mobility. It can also cause patients to feel self-conscious about their image and stop them from enjoying all of the aesthetic benefits of weight loss.
A full Body Lift surgery can target many areas of the body including waist, hips, thighs, buttocks, back, and abdomen to reveal a drastic transformation and allow you to enjoy your post-weight loss life to the fullest. During a Body Lift, a plastic surgeon will typically implement a circumferential incision around the waist, and utilize multiple drainage points in the front and back of a patient to remove the excess skin.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Body Lift?
As with any plastic surgery, a patient should be in good health to be considered for the procedure. The patient’s health and ability to remain healthy through and after a procedure are the most important factors. Plastic surgery is a personal decision, and should not be influenced by the opinions of others. However, consultation with a surgeon is necessary to make sure that you know exactly what to expect.
Besides good health, and a personal desire to undergo the procedure, what makes a good candidate for a Body Lift? Here are some possibilities:
· The patient must maintain a steady weight for a minimum of one year.
· The patient has lost a significant amount of weight.
· The patient has stubborn excess skin around the stomach or back.
· The patient feels self-conscious about the excess skin on their body.
How Long Is Body Lift Recovery?
The actual Body Lift procedure usually takes around 4-5 hours. Recovery can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks. The recovery for a Body Lift procedure usually takes longer than that of a Tummy Tuck or some other surgical procedures because the procedure is very comprehensive and effective. Some patients have been able to return to work in as few as two weeks following their procedure, but it is important not to rush your recovery, as a patient’s health is the most important factor to consider.
Recovery depends on many individual factors. For instance, recovery time can depend on what type of body lift procedure the patient has undergone (upper body lift, lower body lift, full body lift). Recovery also depends on how the patient responds to their surgery. Each individual is different, and so recovery times can vary.
It is important to stay away from strenuous activity until getting the okay from your doctor. Strenuous activity can compromise the results of your surgery and damage your incisions. Be sure to follow all of your doctor’s instructions, and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions about your recovery. Keep communication with your physician open and frank.
Should I Get A Body With At HZ Plastic Surgery?
If you live in the Orlando area and are considering a body lift or other plastic surgery procedure, schedule a consultation with HZ Plastic Surgery. Dr. Z is a highly trained expert in many cosmetic surgery procedures and can help you figure out which one is right for your individual needs. We're here for you every step of the way!