Weight loss is a significant achievement, but it can sometimes leave behind excess skin that detracts from your new shape. A total body lift is a comprehensive surgical solution designed to remove this excess skin and improve body contours after massive weight loss. This article delves into the details of total body lift procedures, covering everything from candidacy and preparation to the different types of lifts and what to expect during recovery.
Understanding Body Lift Procedures
Body lift procedures are surgical interventions aimed at removing excess skin and reshaping the body after significant weight loss. These procedures require extensive incisions, the length and pattern of which depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as the surgeon's judgment. Advanced techniques often allow incisions to be placed in strategic locations where they can be hidden by most types of clothing and swimsuits.
Why is this type of surgery necessary?
After losing a lot of weight, your skin doesn’t always tighten on its own. A body lift is a combination surgical procedure that removes excess skin, tightens the remaining tissue, and restores the contour of multiple areas of the body. After a patient experiences massive weight loss, they are left with stretched skin and excess tissue that cannot be treated with lifestyle modifications alone. The skin is the body’s largest organ, and if you have a significant amount of loose or sagging skin, it can cause severe discomfort that often compromises your whole weight loss accomplishment. A body lift offers comprehensive skin and tissue correction to allow you to finally appreciate your new body contour.
Types of Body Lift Procedures
Body lift surgery can enhance the appearance of the upper torso or the lower torso, depending on each patient’s aesthetic desires. 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. Body lift surgery focuses on improving the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports fat and skin. For post-weight loss surgery patients, this often means eliminating excess fat deposits, removing stretched out skin, tightening abdominal muscles and enhancing the appearance and volume of the 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. Depending on the location of the excess skin, patients may choose to have an upper or lower body lift. A full body lift combines upper and lower body lift procedures to address your arms, breasts, abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks to remove excess skin in those areas.
Read also: Total Knee Replacement and Massage Therapy
Here are some of the common types of body lift procedures:
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 involves removing 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.
One common technique of complete lower body lift uses incisions similar to a bikini pattern to tighten the abdomen, groin, waist, thigh and buttock in one procedure. An incision around the body removes an apron of excess skin and fat and repositions and tightens tissues.Surgical body lifts may require liposuction to achieve an improved contour.
What is a lower body lift?
This procedure, also known as a belt lipectomy, removes loose skin and fat from around your waist. It creates a firm, more toned appearance in your lower body, including your buttocks and abdominal area.
What’s the difference between a lower body lift vs. tummy tuck?
A lower body lift and tummy tuck have some similarities. Both procedures are designed to remove excess skin and tighten abdominal muscles to help tone your midsection.
Read also: Is Total Fit Keto ACV right for you? Find out here.
There are also many differences. Where a tummy tuck focuses on your abdominal area only (the front), a belt lipectomy uses a large wrap-around (360-degree) incision and tightens both your lower abdominal area and buttocks (the back).
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.
This 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. Brachioplasty - Also referred to as an arm lift. This procedure removes excess skin under your arms.
Breast or Chest Lift (Mastopexy)
For women, this method of procedure may be the most in demand. One of the results of weight loss for women is saggy breasts, now frequently referred to as “Ozempic breast”. 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 that Dr. Yoo utilizes are crescent, vertical, and anchor incisions. This procedure raises the female breasts into a position that makes them more perky and youthful-looking.
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.
Read also: Fact vs. Fiction: Keto Ingredients
Mastopexy - More commonly referred to as a breast lift.
Back Lift
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.
Body Lifts vs. Liposuction
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. Alternative methods such as a thigh lift or abdominoplasty may be performed when the patient does not have considerable amounts of lax skin on the body. The initial consultation will help clients further explore their options and help the surgeon properly recommend the most effective procedures to meet their needs. After the incisions are made, the excess skin is lifted and removed and liposuction is performed for contouring.
Will liposuction reduce my sagging skin?
Liposuction does not generally affect excess skin. Ideal candidates for liposuction are those who are at or near their ideal body weight, have small to moderate deposits of unwanted fat, and have excellent skin quality (i.e. elasticity). Individuals with hanging or sagging skin will be best treated with a ‘lift’ procedure in the area of concern.
Benefits of a Body Lift
Body lifts offer the most effective transformation of the mid and lower body. Recently, many patients have achieved incredible results with the help of medical weight-loss programs and certain medications. “Ozempic Body” is a term that describes a patient’s physical appearance after reaching their goal weight using semaglutide or tirzepatide. They can lose volume in the face (“Ozempic face”) and buttocks (Ozempic butt”) as well as the abdomen, arms, and legs.
A customized body lift can provide patients with both physical and mental relief by removing extra skin and improving overall body contouring. Body lift procedures have allowed surgeons to give patients consistently healthy recoveries and beautiful, contoured results. Every patient’s body type and unique physical needs are taken into account, treating every case with skill and care.
How Can I Benefit From A Body Lift?
Not only can body lift surgery further slenderize the body to make weight loss more visible, but it will also remove skin folds. The benefits of body contouring are more than just cosmetic. The emotional and psychological improvements can be more dramatic than the physical improvement. Imagine losing 100 pounds but still feeling “flabby” because of excess skin. Getting rid of that skin can improve self-confidence and self-esteem. In fact, a recent study showed that bariatric surgery patients who have body contouring surgery experience less weight regain and have an improved quality of life than those who do not have body contouring.
Ideal Candidates 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. 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 to maintain a stable weight for around a year before deciding to undergo body lift surgery. Women considering future pregnancies also should postpone a body lift since pregnancy can reduce the procedure’s overall effectiveness.
The Surgical Procedure
The procedure targets the loose skin and fat in the abdomen, hips, back, buttocks, and thighs. It is designed for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight, either through bariatric surgery or other means and are left with excess or loose skin that cannot be tightened with exercise or diet alone. Typical body lifts include a partial or circumferential abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), lateral thigh lift, and buttock lift. 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 body lift surgery can take several hours, depending on the extent of the work needed.
Steps of a Body Lift
- Step 1 - Anesthesia: Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you. Body lift surgery requires general anesthesia and is performed by a surgical team and certified anesthesiologists at leading-edge operating rooms equipped with up-to-date medical equipment.
- Step 2 - The incision: The surgeon will mark incision sites, which will be placed in the natural folds of the skin where they can be as hidden as possible.
- Tissue manipulation: The surgeon will remove loose skin and fat during the body lift procedure, tighten the fascia and underlying tissues if necessary, and re-drape the remaining skin to create a smoother, more toned look.
- Step 3 - Closing the incisions: Deep sutures within underlying tissues help to form and support the newly shaped contours. Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips may be used to close the skin incisions.
- Step 4 - See the results: The results of a body lift are visible almost immediately. It may take as long as one to two years for the final results to fully develop.
During your body lift consultation, the surgeon will answer any questions you may have so you fully understand all aspects of the procedure. Be prepared to discuss your surgical goals, current medications, medical conditions and drug allergies and previous surgeries.
Preparation for Surgery
Prior to body lift surgery, each patient meets face-to-face with one of our body sculpting surgeons. 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, our plastic surgeons are ready to recommend the best treatment options and tailor a unique plan to address the aesthetic needs of the patient.
The surgeon provides preparation instructions for the procedure after scheduling a body lift surgery. Patients should get lots of rest in the days before surgery and arrange for a ride home after the procedure, as they will be unable to drive themselves. Patients are asked to avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications for two weeks and quit smoking at least three weeks before surgery.
Before your surgery, the surgeon may also ask you to:
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
- Take certain medications or adjust current medications
- Stop smoking
- Stop taking ADHD medications
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements that can increase bleeding
Recovery and Results
Single-procedure body lift surgery is an extensive operation, so you should expect a recovery period of 4-6 weeks. You will likely be on bed rest for the first 24 hours. On the 2nd day, you may be advised to walk with assistance. Any drains to collect fluid will be removed after about a week. After spending ample time with the patient, our plastic surgeons are ready to recommend the best treatment options and tailor a unique plan to address the aesthetic needs of the patient.
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. Sleeping can be challenging after a body lift due to the discomfort and the need to keep certain areas of your body elevated. 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.
To minimize swelling, bruising, bleeding, and discomfort, medication, recovery instructions, and aftercare information will be provided. Patients are encouraged to engage in minimal activity such as short walks; this 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 your healing.
After your procedure, dressings or bandages are applied to the incisions, and small tubes are temporarily placed under the skin to drain excess fluid. The surgeon will provide postoperative instructions that may include:
- How to care for your incision(s) following surgery
- Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing
- Specific concerns to look out for
- How to care for your drains
- When to schedule a follow-up appointment
The surgeon may also provide you with a medical compression garment to wear at all times, except while showering.
The results of body lift surgery are visible almost immediately. However, the final results won’t be apparent until your swelling goes down within six weeks. Your body will look smoother and more sculpted. 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
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. Such complications may lead to a longer recovery period or require further medical attention. However, because surgeons have maintained an excellent safety record throughout their medical careers, the possibility of complications is highly unlikely. In addition to our surgeons, the entire medical team is fully dedicated to patient safety and maximum comfort. Detailed risks associated with body lift surgery will be provided during your 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. Surgeons place incisions strategically to minimize visible scarring as much as possible. They utilize advanced surgical techniques to ensure that scars fade and blend with natural creases over time. Following postoperative instructions regarding scar care will also optimize healing and reduce potential scarring.
Additional Considerations
Will a body lift procedure help me lose weight?
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. The primary goal is to remove excess skin and improve body contour. Body lift procedures can result in weight loss, but the exact amount depends on the particular procedures performed during surgery.
Can an upper and lower body lift be performed at the same time?
To achieve a full-body lift after weight loss, a surgeon can perform a 360-degree procedure that addresses both the upper and lower body contours. Your provider will decide if combining more procedures is right for you and your cosmetic goals.