Significant weight loss is a commendable achievement, but it often leaves behind excess, sagging skin that can detract from your new figure and cause discomfort. A body lift, also known as a belt lipectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to address this issue by removing excess skin and fat, tightening underlying tissues, and reshaping the body. This article provides a comprehensive overview of body lift surgery after weight loss, covering various aspects from candidacy and procedure types to recovery and expected results.
Understanding Body Lift Surgery
Body lift surgery focuses on improving the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports fat and skin. Following significant weight reduction, the skin and tissues often lack elasticity and cannot conform to the reduced body size. A body lift can help improve both the shape and tone of one’s body. By removing excess skin and fat, one can achieve a more toned, fit body. The procedure involves the removal of excess skin and fat from areas such as the abdomen, hips, lower back, buttocks, and thighs, resulting in smoother contours and a more normal appearance to the body.
Factors Affecting Skin Elasticity
Over time, the human body can experience a loss of elasticity in the skin. In addition to age, significant weight loss or weight fluctuations can also cause skin to appear loose or sagging. Factors such as sun damage, pregnancy, and genetics can also play a part in the condition of one’s body over time. While exercise can assist in tightening some areas, often times it is not enough, making a body lift a viable option.
Benefits of Body Lift Surgery
Body lifts offer the most effective transformation of the mid and lower body. A customized body lift can provide patients with both physical and mental relief by removing extra skin and improving overall body contouring.
With the battle against obesity stabilized, body lift surgery patients can move on with their lives looking better than ever and feeling more self-confident. Thanks to body lift surgery, patients can now fully appreciate all the hard work they have done to lose weight and fight against the effects of Father Time.
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Who is a Good Candidate for a Body Lift?
The best candidates for body lift surgery are patients who have lost massive amounts of weight and are concerned with droopy skin, sagging breasts, and excess fat deposits that remain resistant to dieting and exercise. Ideal candidates for body lift surgery are patients who have lost massive amounts of weight and are concerned with droopy skin, sagging breasts and excess fat deposits that remain resistant to dieting and exercise. Body lift patients must be in good physical and emotional health and have achieved a stable weight level.
An ideal candidate for a body lift should be empowered and inspired to partake in a healthy lifestyle change after their procedure to ensure the longevity of their results. Patients who have excess skin throughout the upper or lower body as a result of weight loss may be ideal for this procedure. Generally, patients should be within 50 lbs of their weight loss goal. There are also cases where patients have lost 100 lbs or more but still need to reach their weight loss goal. These patients may require a body lift before losing any more weight.
It is important that candidates have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery.
Types of Body Lift Procedures
Each person is different, and as such the target areas for a body lift vary. A body lift may include these areas: abdominal area - locally or extending around the sides and into the lower back area, buttocks, thigh - the inner, outer or posterior thigh, or the thigh's circumference. Post-bariatric patients often undergo a total body lift surgery, which addresses all aspects of the body, including the buttocks, thighs, abdomen, arms, and breasts.
The most commonly performed body lift procedure is the lower body lift, which treats the abdomen, lower back, buttocks, and thighs. However, an upper body lift is also an option to treat the arms, upper back, and breasts.
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Lower Body Lift
The lower body lift is the most common body lift. This type of lower lift caters to most of the problem areas that weight loss patients deal with. The lower body lift is performed by removing any excessive skin from the front and sides of the abdominal area, lower back, buttocks, and inner/outer thighs. This procedure can help improve the shape of the mid and lower body, as well as lift the buttocks. It typically involves a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), buttocks lift, thigh lift, and a back lift. Lower body lift surgery involves a belt-like incision followed by a horizontal incision along the pubic area.
A lower body lift can remove hanging, excess skin after massive weight loss. After surgery, your body will look smoother and more sculpted.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A tummy tuck focuses on your abdominal area only (the front). Many weight loss patients are left with a significant “apron” of skin, called a pannus, hanging from below the belly button. A panniculectomy removes this apron of skin to restore a smoother, firmer torso. The incision is similar to that for a tummy tuck, located just above the pubic bone.
Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)
A thigh lift procedure is an excellent way to help reshape one’s thighs and achieve a firmer, more attractive upper leg. Thigh lifts can help both men and women who have loose or sagging skin as a result of a variety of reasons. By having a thigh lift, or thighplasty procedure, a person can redefine the way their legs look. They can get back to having the toned, shapely legs they once had, or always dreamed of having.
Dramatic weight loss often results in an excess of skin gathered around the buttocks and thighs. A thigh and buttock lift removes excess skin and fat and restores a firmer, smoother, and more slender appearance to the legs and buttocks. Incisions for thigh and buttock lift surgery vary depending on the location and amount of skin to be removed.
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There are several types of thigh lifts:
- Inner Thigh Lift (Medial Thigh Lift): This thigh surgery helps with the removal excess skin that has resulted from weight loss or age. The inner thigh lift targets exactly the area that it indicates: the entire inner thigh. By placing the incisions on the innermost part of the thigh (between the thigh and pubic area), the potential scarring is practically invisible to anyone who isn’t looking for it.
- Medial Thigh Lift: During a medial thigh lift, incisions are placed in the groin area and extend back to the buttocks. A medial thigh lift is used to remove excess skin from the upper most part of the inner thigh. The excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is lifted to improve the overall appearance of the thigh.
- Bilateral Thigh Lift: A bilateral thigh lift targets the skin on the front and outside of the thigh. In this case, incisions are made at the lower edge of a bikini bottom, where the underwear would sit. This makes the scars invisible to anyone but the most intimate of partners.
An added benefit for those who have experienced significant weight loss is that the removal of this excess skin can also improve uncomfortable friction, which is a result of the additional hanging skin.
Upper Body Lift
Extra skin on the upper body can result in “bra rolls,” sagging breasts, or loose, hanging skin on the upper arms. Upper body lift surgery targets these areas to restore a firmer, more youthful appearance.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Excess skin around the upper arms may become problematic. Sagging skin from the arms will tend to hang outside of sleeves and may cause insecurity or discomfort. An arm lift not only removes excess fat from the patient’s upper arms but also helps to tone the arms. Patients should still be ready to maintain a steady workout regimen to improve their arm appearance.
The procedure begins by executing an incision from the armpit to the elbow and removing any excess skin. The remaining skin will be tightened to create a new arm contour. The incision is hidden on the inside of the arm, and any scarring that remains will continue to diminish over time.
Back Lift/Bra Line Lift
This procedure often combines liposuction and skin removal to reduce “bra rolls” and restore a smoother, firmer upper back contour. The back is one of the hardest areas to reduce fat deposits through diet and exercise alone. The back lift consists of an incision along the “bra line.” Excess skin and tissue are removed to create a more slim, toned back contour. In some cases, liposuction is used to remove any fat that resides in this region.
Breast or Chest Lift (Mastopexy)
One of the results of weight loss for women is saggy breasts. Breasts can’t regain their youthful appearance even with the strictest exercise regimen and diet. A breast lift begins with three different incisions that depend on the severity of the sagging. The three incisions are crescent, vertical, and anchor incisions. This procedure raises the female breasts into a position that makes them more perky and youthful-looking. Breast implants can be placed during a breast lift to restore lost volume or increase size.
Despite popular belief, the breast/chest lift is equally effective for men who experience sagging chest skin as a result of weight loss. For men, the incision will be made to the chest to remove unwanted, lax skin and create a more masculine and firm physique.
The Surgical Procedure
Body lift surgery requires general anesthesia and is performed by a surgical team and certified anesthesiologists at leading-edge operating rooms equipped with the most up-to-date medical equipment. Body lift surgery is quite complex and may require hospitalization.
Consultation and Planning
Prior to body lift surgery, each patient meets face-to-face with a body sculpting surgeon. At this time, the patient’s physical health is evaluated and his/her aesthetic desires are discussed in great detail. During this essential meeting, surgeons work hand-in-hand with each patient in order to gain a deep understanding of their surgical expectations and desired post-operative results and address any questions or concerns the patient may have. After spending ample time with the patient, plastic surgeons are ready to recommend the best treatment options and tailor a unique plan to address the aesthetic needs of the patient.
A private consultation involves:
- A physical examination
- An outline of the patient’s medical history
- An honest testimony from the patient which discusses their concerns
- A detailed and informative discussion of the procedure
- Taking photographs of the patient for reference
Incisions and Tissue Manipulation
The body lift surgery can take several hours, depending on the extent of the work needed. Your plastic surgeon will mark incision sites, which will be placed in the natural folds of the skin where they can be as hidden as possible. After the incisions are made, the excess skin is lifted and removed and liposuction is performed for contouring.
During the body lift procedure, the surgeon will remove loose skin and fat, tighten the fascia and underlying tissues if necessary, and re-drape the remaining skin to create a smoother, more toned look.
Combining Procedures
Post-bariatric body lift surgery generally involves a combination of cosmetic procedures, which are determined based on each patient’s appearance-enhancing goals. Body lifts can be done in conjunction with liposuction to address stubborn fatty deposits, as well. Having a body lift and liposuction together can often increase one’s overall satisfaction with the end results.
Do not be confused about the similarities between body lifts and liposuction, as body lifts are not meant to remove excess fat, only excess skin. Both liposuction and body lifts may be performed if the patient has excess fat deposits that do not cooperate with diet and exercise. This does not mean that everyone’s situation warrants a body lift. The initial consultation will help clients further explore their options and help the surgeon properly recommend the most effective procedures to meet their needs.
Recovery and Results
Immediate Post-Op
Most patients are able to return home after a few days and are advised to rest for about two weeks. Recovery from a body lift is a gradual process that can take several weeks to several months. Initially, you will experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, and you will need to take time off work. Many patients can return to light, sedentary work from home within two to three weeks after a body lift, depending on the nature of their job. It is generally recommended to avoid traveling for at least a few weeks after a body lift, as sitting for extended periods can be uncomfortable and increase the risk of blood clots.
Recovery Timeline
Normal daily activities can generally be resumed between four to six weeks and full recovery is usually achieved within three months.
To minimize swelling, bruising, bleeding, and discomfort, medication, recovery instructions, and aftercare information will be provided. Engaging in minimal activity such as short walks can ease the body and mind and encourage a speedy recovery. Follow-up appointments are a crucial part of the healing process that allow the surgeon the opportunity to monitor healing.
Expected Results
Body lift results will vary for each individual, but you will see results in several weeks after the swelling subsides and the true extent of the transformation becomes apparent. The procedure’s results will last for many years, especially if you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. The aging process, weight fluctuations, and other factors can impact the longevity of the results.
The final results of a body lift procedure are typically drastic and long-lasting. The abdomen is smoother and a patient’s core strength returns. The thighs are more proportionate and their hip-to-waist ratio is improved. After an upper body lift, a patient’s arms are slimmer and more toned to accentuate their new shape. The chest is tighter and appropriately contoured to further improve the upper body silhouette.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with every medical procedure, body lift surgery may, in rare cases, lead to postoperative complications. Such complications may lead to a longer recovery period or require for further medical attention. However, because plastic surgeons maintain an excellent safety record throughout their medical careers, the possibility of complications is highly unlikely.
A body lift, like any surgery, carries risks. Possible complications associated with surgery include seroma (fluid buildup), infection, delayed healing, scarring, and deep vein thrombosis. You will be provided with detailed risks associated with body lift surgery during a one-on-one consultation.
The scars from a body lift are permanent but will fade over time. The incision is strategically placed to be concealed under clothing as much as possible. Following postoperative instructions regarding scar care will also optimize healing and reduce potential scarring.
Body Lift vs. Weight Loss
A body lift is not a weight loss procedure, so the amount of weight lost through the surgery is relatively minimal. The primary goal is to remove excess skin and improve body contour.
Not necessarily. A body lift is not considered a weight loss surgery and will not directly help with losing weight, but removing excess skin and tissue may lead to a slight shift in your overall weight.
Additional Considerations
Cost of Body Lift Surgery
The cost of a body lift is based on the extent of treatment needed and if additional procedures will be combined with the body lift, such as liposuction, to accentuate results.
Maintaining Results
The procedure’s results will last for many years, especially if you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. The aging process, weight fluctuations, and other factors can impact the longevity of the results.