Body Lift

A body lift is a series of surgical techniques that remove excess skin from the lower body after massive weight loss.  This rather extensive set of operations is typically performed for patients who have lost about 50 percent of their body weight.

Body lift techniques may include torsoplasty, belt lipectomy, buttock plasty, and others.  The body lift may also be combined with abdominoplasty, thigh plasty and breast lift surgery.

Are You a Candidate for Body Lift Surgery?

If you have lost a significant amount of weight and now exhibit loose, sagging skin in multiple body areas, a body lift may be right for you.  Redundant skin can be a hygienic problem, cosmetic problem and a source of discomfort.  To truly enjoy the rewards of significant weight loss, a procedure such as the body lift may be necessary.

Good candidates should also be:

  • Motivated to improve their body shape
  • Non-smokers or prepared to quit long before surgery
  • At a stable body weight (not losing or gaining weight)
  • Bothered by excess skin on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, hips, etc

During a consultation with Dr. Ljung, you can ask specific questions and discuss the benefits, risks, costs and other details of your body lift.  The doctor will inquire about your medical history and general health to determine if you can safely undergo this surgical procedure.

How A Body Lift Works

The body lift will be tailored to meet your individual goals and circumstances.  Sometimes the surgery will be divided into separate stages to address each issue.

Body Lift After

In general, surgery requires about 2 to 5 hours of operating time.  The doctor will mark areas of your body for incisions, taking extra care to place them in locations that can be hidden if possible.  General and local anesthesia is administered and incisions are placed in natural creases of skin.   In a circumferential fashion, Dr. Ljung removes and lifts the excess skin.  Meanwhile, liposuction is utilized to remove persistent areas of fatty tissue.  Incisions are then closed with sutures.

After Your Body Lift Surgery

After surgery, you will likely be on bed rest for about 24 hours.  Antibiotics will be prescribed and narcotic pain medications will help manage discomfort during your recovery.  On day two, you will be advised to ambulate (walk around) with assistance.  Elastic compression garments will need to be worn to minimize swelling and promote optimal skin contraction.  For the first week, surgical drains will be in place to address fluid accumulation.

Possible Complications

Because the body lift is such an extensive and varied procedure, it is not prudent to attempt to list all possible complications.  The rate of complications is believed to increase with body mass index, so it’s important to reach a healthy weight before considering this procedure.  Some of the documented risks include seroma, infection, delayed healing, scarring, DVT, and pulmonary embolism.  Ask Dr. Ljung for more information if you are concerned about these adverse events.

Contact Azalea Coast Plastic Surgery to learn more about body lift surgery in Wilmington and Jacksonville NC.