Conveniently located for Fairfield County & Westchester patients
WHAT IS BODY LIFT SURGERY?
The pride and joy that comes from a major weight loss can, unfortunately, be lessened by the sagging excess skin that is left behind in the thighs, abdomen, buttocks, and hips. Body lift surgery is ideal for people in this situation as the procedure helps adjust the contours of the body, for a more youthful, proportionate, and appealing appearance.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Body Lift?
People with loose skin on their lower torso are the best candidates for body lift surgery. Losing around 60 to 100 pounds can leave behind sagging skin. Thankfully, a body lift can bring back the skin’s youthful tightness.
Since the procedure will involve incisions, body lift candidates must be in good overall health with no conditions that would affect wound healing. Wound healing can also be delayed by smoking.
Smokers are discouraged from getting body lift surgery, unless they are willing to stop smoking for two to three weeks before and after the procedure. Any form of nicotine, including cigarettes, vape devices, nicotine gum, and even secondary smoke, must be avoided for best results.
Smokers may experience complications such as tissue loss, infections, death of fat cells, thick and wide incision marks, and increased pain during the procedure. Smoking also increases the chance of more serious issues such as blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, and pneumonia.
Your Body Lift Consultation
The consultation for body lift surgery includes an in-depth conversation regarding your medical records, current medications, and appearance goals.
Dr. Raskin will discuss the results that can be achieved and will determine whether your skin’s repair and healing cycle is suited for this process. Lab tests and X-rays may be conducted to further help Dr. Raskin finalize your consultation.
How to Prepare for a Body Lift
Body lift surgery will require a recovery period. For this reason, tasks at home and at work must be completed in advance. Get ample rest the day before the surgery, and refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages 48 hours before the appointment.
Body lift patients will be given general anesthesia. Because of this, you will need to avoid eating and drinking within eight hours before the procedure to prevent vomiting.
Since patients will change back into regular clothes after the surgery, it is advised to choose loose-fitting clothes on the day of the appointment. A buttoned top is ideal for those who will undergo an upper body lift.
THE PROCEDURE
Body lift surgery involves incorporating several lifting and contouring surgeries to effectively reshape your body. Total body lift surgery combines a tummy tuck with a buttocks or thigh lift to create an overall proportionate body shape. Typically, the procedures are not done all at once and instead done in stages with the tummy tuck being performed first, followed by a thigh or buttocks lift to ensure that the body lift is done safely and efficiently. Each stage of surgery varies in length, typically lasting between two and six hours.
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View before-and-after pictures of real patients of Dr. Elsa Raskin
POST-OP AND RECOVERY
Recovery times for body lift procedures vary depending on the stage of surgery that is performed. Most patients are required to spend one to two nights in the hospital and typically return to work in about three to six weeks.
RISKS OF BODY LIFT SURGERY
Like most surgeries, a body lift procedure does carry a risk of infection, especially for smokers. If an infection occurs, you will be treated with antibiotics and drainage and a longer hospital stay will be required. Infections very rarely occur and the Elsa Raskin MD has performed several of these procedures with exceptional results.
FAQs for Body Lift
What is a body lift, and which areas of the body does it target?
A body lift is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat, tighten underlying muscles, and improve the contour of areas that have been affected by aging, weight loss, or pregnancy. It typically targets the lower abdomen, buttocks, hips, and thighs, though other areas can be addressed as well, depending on the patient’s needs. This procedure is often chosen by patients who have experienced significant weight loss and wish to improve the appearance of sagging skin.
2. Am I a good candidate for a body lift surgery?
Ideal candidates for a body lift are individuals who have loose, sagging skin due to significant weight loss, aging, or pregnancy. You should be in good health, a non-smoker, and at a stable weight for at least six months before considering the surgery. Additionally, a body lift is best suited for those who have realistic expectations about the results and are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle post-surgery.
3. How long is the recovery period after a body lift?
Recovery from a body lift surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure. Most patients will need about two to three weeks of rest before they can return to non-strenuous work, and a full recovery can take anywhere from six weeks to several months. You may need to avoid vigorous exercise for at least six weeks to ensure proper healing. Dr. Raskin will provide personalized recovery guidance based on your specific situation.
4. How should I prepare for a body lift procedure?
Preparing for a body lift involves several steps to ensure the best outcome. First, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Raskin to discuss your goals and medical history. It’s important to stop smoking and avoid certain medications, such as blood thinners, in the weeks leading up to surgery. Maintaining a healthy, stable weight and arranging for post-surgical care, such as help around the house, is also critical. Dr. Raskin will provide specific instructions tailored to your needs before surgery.
5. Can a body lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes, a body lift can be combined with other cosmetic procedures to achieve more comprehensive results. For example, many patients opt for a tummy tuck, breast lift, or arm lift in conjunction with a body lift to create a more harmonious appearance. Dr. Raskin can evaluate your goals and help you decide if combining procedures is the right option for you.
6. What are the risks associated with body lift surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with a body lift. These can include infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, scarring, and reactions to anesthesia. Dr. Raskin will carefully evaluate your health and discuss any potential risks during your consultation to ensure you are a suitable candidate. Following all pre- and post-operative care instructions will minimize risks and improve your recovery.
8. How long do the results of a body lift last?
The results of a body lift are long-lasting, especially when paired with a healthy lifestyle. However, factors such as aging, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy can affect the longevity of your results. Maintaining a stable weight through diet and exercise will help ensure that your body lift results remain intact for many years.
