Body Lift

Factors such as aging, sun damage, pregnancy and significant fluctuations in weight especially after weight loss surgery may lead to sagging, loose skin and uneven contours on the abdomen, buttocks, waist, hips, thighs, and arms. Body lift surgery can improve your body contour and give you a more youthful looking toned body. The results are long lasting, provided the same body weight is maintained.

During the procedure, the excess sagging skin is removed, and the skin is lifted and tightened in the buttocks, abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, and arms. Liposuction may also be used to remove fat and improve body contour.

Procedure

The steps involved in a body lift procedure are as follows:

• The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.
• An incision is made over the skin; the length and pattern of which depends upon the location and amount of excess skin to be removed as well as personal preference and surgical judgment.
• The combination of liposuction and removal of excess skin are employed for toning the body.
• Deep support sutures are sutured together to provide stable results and reduce the risk of scars stretching and migrating.
• A small thin tube is sometimes placed under the skin for the drainage of excessive blood or accumulated fluid.
• Finally the incisions are closed by absorbable sutures, skin adhesives or tapes.

Risks and complications

Every surgical procedure is associated with some risks and complications. The possible risks and complications associated with body lift surgery include bleeding, infection, tissue death, abnormal scars, and formation of a seroma (a mass or lump that results from fluid build-up in an organ or tissue). All efforts are made by the doctor and the surgical team to reduce any such event.

Post-operative care

The basic post-operative instructions after body lift surgery include:

• Keep the incisions dry and clean.
• Regular dressing of the incisions to help in healing.
• Regular intake of prescribed medications.
• Avoid heavy activities, for a specified period during recovery, as recommended by your surgeon.
• Avoid excessive force, or motion during the healing of the surgical incisions.