The 4-1-1 on Body Lifts After Weight LossLosing a significant amount of weight is a huge accomplishment that will definitely help you feel better about yourself. However, you may notice that once you reach your weight-loss goal, your body might need a little more fine-tuning. The large amounts of excess skin that has been stretched around the abdomen, arms, legs, breasts and face often fails to shrink back to its former size and shape over time.
This is the stage when many people consider a body lift or body contouring procedure specifically designed for people who have experienced significant weight loss. By removing excess skin or fat, we tighten and lift your skin to help improve your appearance. This in turn will allow you to participate in your favorite activities and wear clothing that is more comfortable.
Related: Body Lift After Weight Loss
A body lift combines a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), and a buttock lift to treat both the front and back of the body. The surgery can also be combined with liposuction to change the contour of the abdomen, hips, and waist.
What to Expect
A body lift procedure takes a minimum of 4 hours, or longer if combined with liposuction. On the morning of the surgery, your surgeon will mark the incisions on your abdomen and back. The front body incisions are the same incisions you would get for a tummy tuck.
The incision then goes around the entire circumference of the body, and in many cases, the incision can be hidden in the panty-line. You can expect to have surgical drains in the front and the back area. These usually can be removed after one week, but sometimes drains may stay in longer depending on how much fluid your body produces. On occasion a body lift can be separated into two procedures at different times, separating the tummy tuck and gluteal lift.
Am I Candidate?
The best way to determine if you qualify as a candidate for a body lift surgery after a significant weight loss is to consult with a plastic surgeon who performs such operations. Your surgeon will examine your body, discuss your health history and then talk about your options.
Most candidates will have met the following criteria:
· Stable weight for at least a year with no further weight loss expected
· Good overall health – No chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease
· Healthy diet with no protein or vitamin deficiencies
· No smoking for at least 6 weeks prior to surgery
· A positive outlook and realistic expectations
Have More Questions About Body Lifts After Weight Loss
If you have experienced significant weight loss that has left you with excess or sagging skin, call the offices of Dr. Richard J. Brown today to set up a consultation. Come visit with Dr. Brown and find out if a body lift is the right option for you.
