Body Lift Surgery
Body lift surgery is mainly used after massive weight loss from gastric bypass or banding surgery. In most cases when these types of surgeries are performed or people lose weight from a diet, the skin is stretched and patients are left with extra skin. To achieve a more aesthetic look and to relives the discomfort caused by the excess skin, people may need surgery on different areas of the body. Body lift surgery can help tighten the tissues of the abdomen, breast, arms, back, buttock, and thighs as well.
The surgery
Patients may undergo a lower or an upper body lift, but in some cases a full body lift is necessary.
In case of a lower body lift, the surgeon makes a belt-like excision above the outer thighs and buttocks, sutures this area and then proceeds with the tummy tuck. He or she makes an incision along the pubic area, then from the belly button to the central rib cage. The surgeon removes excess skin and fat, tightens the stomach muscle, repositions and sutures the skin.
An upper body lift includes the tightening of the skin on the back, waist, under the breast or over the lower rib cage.
The total body lift combines upper and lower body lifts and some supplemental procedures like arm lift or thigh lift. These surgeries are sometimes performed separately, because risks increase when multiple surgeries are carried out at the same time.
The surgeon places incisions carefully so that they are hidden under swimwear/underwear. The operation can take from 3-7 hours, and is done using a general anaesthetic.
After surgery
As a body lift is a major surgery, a two-to-four day hospital stay is required, with patients resuming normal activities in four-to-six weeks.
After the surgery drainage tubes are inserted. These are usually removed within two weeks, when the drainage fluid level is law. Dressings are usually removed after two days. Patients may get a medical compression garment to wear. First intravenous or intramuscular then oral pain medications may be necessary to control pain and discomfort.
Post surgery activities are restricted for a few weeks. Normal recovery time is four to six weeks. Scars usually fade substantially over 6-12 months.
Complications and risks
Every surgery presents some complications and risks. The most common complications include: bruising, swelling, bleeding, blood clotting, infection, scarring and negative reaction to anaesthesia.
The most common complications after a body lift surgery include seromas (a collection of fluid under the skin) and small skin separations. Sometimes patients experience reduced sensation in the treated area. It may take up to 18 month until the scars fade and flatten.
You can avoid most complications by choosing the right cosmetic surgeon and following pre- and postoperative instructions.
PRE-OP REQUIREMENTS:
Chest X-ray
ECG
Laboratory test
Please provide the results of Pre-OP requirements before surgery, if cannot be done in your country we can give you the opportunity to do at the Clinic but requires an additional day to the time of stay.
TIME OF STAY:
16 days
