Body Lift

The lower body lift is a plastic surgery procedure that removes excess skin in patients that have undergone significant weight loss. Enjoying the rewards of hard-earned weight-loss can often be undermined by sagging excess skin on the body. Hanging skin can limit even routine activities, often making it difficult to maintain good hygiene or find well-fitting clothing. Body contouring after weight loss completes the weight loss rehabilitation of the patient, physically as well as mentally.

Surgery

The body lift can correct areas with sagging skin such as the following:

• Abdomen
• Flanks
• Back
• Buttocks
• Thighs

Under general anesthesia, precise incisions are made in areas that allow scars to remain inconspicuous after surgery. Skin and tissue residing below the incisions is removed, lifted, or tightened in an even, circumferential fashion. Dissolvable sutures are then put in place.

Body lift surgery is generally a more extensive procedure than others, but by providing a sense that weight loss is complete, it can bring the patient great satisfaction.

Body lift recovery

The procedure usually includes at least a short hospital stay, and a more involved recovery period than other standard body contouring procedures. Recovery time is about 2 weeks, with full recovery to normal activity and exercise taking several weeks longer.

Dr. Samaha can prescribe pain medications to help alleviate discomfort during recovery. Patients are usually given a compression garment to reduce swelling and ensure a smooth result. Once a full recovery is achieved, a regular exercise routine can optimize the results of surgery.