Bariatric Body Lift

Body Lift

Click here to view Before and After photographs of Body Lift treatments

A body lift is a very powerful body rejuvenating procedure that combines an abdominoplasty, a thigh lift and buttock lift. Time and gravity affect the body as a whole, causing loss of tone, elasticity and skin wrinkling throughout the abdomen, thighs and buttocks. This is why many people seeking a tummy tuck may also need a thigh and buttock lift in order to achieve a more complete, balanced aesthetic result. This single operation can dramatically improve your overall appearance.

The ideal candidate is the individual who has undergone a significant amount of weight loss with excess skin along the lower abdomen and thighs and relaxed abdominal wall muscles. Often the procedure is also combined with liposuction to achieve even more balance between the torso and thighs.

The residual scar does go around the abdomen and back but it is placed very low on the abdomen and along the lower back just above the buttocks. For this reason it is very well hidden by most contemporary underwear and swim wear. Most people are not aware of this operation and only come to realize its potential during the initial consultation when we demonstrate the lift that can be achieved to the abdomen, buttocks and thighs.

Prior to surgery, a complete medical history is taken as well as a focused physical examination. We will discuss with the patient what can realistically be expected. Photographs will be taken before and after surgery. The type of anesthesia to be used, the procedure, and possible risks and complications are also discussed.

A body lift takes about 4 to 5 hours depending on the extent of work to be done and on whether or not liposuction needs to be performed. It begins with elevation of the abdominal skin and fat from the underlying abdominal muscles that are then tightened producing a firmer abdomen and a narrower waistline. You are then turned on your side and the excess skin and fat along the thighs and buttocks is elevated and removed. The thighs and buttocks are then elevated and sutured and the skin of the abdomen is pulled down to the pubic area for the Abdominoplasty. If liposuction is needed, it will be performed at this time.

Surgery patients can expect to experience some discomfort. It's generally recommended that patients take prescription pain medication to help control this discomfort. Bruising and swelling can occur, and the swelling will fade within three to five weeks. The stitches are typically removed within seven to ten days. Most patients are able to return to work and other normal activities within two weeks.

Dr. Polynice, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon performs body lifts for our practice and the results are generally excellent. Complications, although rare, do exist and are similar to those seen in the Abdominoplasty procedure. Again at the time of the initial consultation we will discuss these and all other aspects of your surgery and all your questions will be answered.