Body Lift Surgery
Body Lift Starting @ $19,900
A lower body lift Is most commonly performed after significant weight has been lost through diet and exercise or bariatric surgery. It is a combination of an abdominoplasty (tummy-tuck), lateral thigh lift, and buttock lift. The final result is a tightening of the abdomen and slimming of the waist with a lift of the thigh and the buttocks. The surgery takes about 6 hours and is done under general anesthesia. Most patients have 2-4 drains under the skin for 2 to 4 weeks. They are annoying but don’t hurt much at all. They do not hurt to remove. The surgery, however, can hurt – especially the first 4-5 days. That is why most patients choose to have a new long-acting pain medication (Exparel) injected at the time of surgery. It does cost extra ($400), but it makes you much more comfortable.
There is a scar around the belly button as well as the usual scar of an abdominoplasty along the lower abdomen. There is also a scar that continues from the end of the abdominoplasty incision and around the top of the buttock. Though the scar is long, it is hidden in the bikini line just like a regular tummy tuck incision.
To be sure you are a candidate for a body lift, please check your Body Mass Index (BMI) at this site:
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm
A BMI of 30 is preferred, but a measurement of up to 34 is sometimes acceptable, especially since most body-lift candidates have already lost large amounts of weight.
Recovery After Lower body lift
The first week you are in bed or a recliner chair (very helpful) and get up to eat and go to the bathroom. The second week, you are up and around the house, but not doing any work. By the third week, you may be able to go out for a short time, and by the fourth week you can go back to work. You can also go back to the gym at about 4 weeks EXCEPT for no abdominal exercises for at least 6 weeks. Scar treatment with Embrace ( www.embracescartherapy.com ) is recommended for 6-8 weeks. Maintaining your weight with a balanced diet and regular exercise provides long-lasting results. If you gain weight or get pregnant, you will ruin the result to some degree.
Risks OF lower body lift
In addition to the usual risks associated with surgery and anesthesia, risks associated with a lower body lift include the following:
- Excess scarring – This can happen, especially if you have a history of bad scars, however, most people will take the scar as long as their abdomen is flat.
- Wound healing Issues – More common if you smoke. You MUST stop smoking 4 weeks prior to, and after, surgery. Really, just stop smoking for good.
- Numbness in skin sensation – very common in the lower abdomen. May last 3-4 years
- Seroma – A collection of fluid under the skin after the drain is removed. This is the most common complication of a body lift and it is usually caused by too much activity (movement, riding in cars or busses) – So rest!!
- Need for revisional surgery to correct imperfections
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – This is a blood clot in the leg which can spread to the lungs. It can be fatal. Make sure you answer our DVT questions honestly. These include such issues as prior stillbirths, prior clots, and birth control or hormone pill use. Also, get out of bed at home at least every other hour when you are awake.
*All pricing includes pre-op/post-op appointments, surgeons fee, and facility/anesthesia fees.
What is a Body Lift?
A body lift is a procedure that is performed for anyone that may have lost any significant weight and is looking to tighten the skin around the abdomen and will help slim your waist, all while lifting the thighs and buttocks. This procedure is extremely helpful for patients looking to remove excess skin, or fat or other tissues that might have lingered after significant weight loss.
Am I a good candidate for a Body Lift?
A good candidate for a body lift will be any patient that has undergone dramatic weight loss. It is important that your BMI is within requirements to have the procedure done. Another thing to keep in mind is that your weight since fluctuating weight could affect your long term results. Your plastic surgeon will go over your medical history during your consultation to make sure you meet the requirements in order to undergo the procedure.
Are there any risks to getting a Body Lift?
With any surgery there is always a potential for risk. While we make sure that no patient suffers any risk during or after surgery. Some risks include: scarring, numbness in skin, and seroma. If you notice that you are experiencing any of the following side effects post surgery please contact us right away.
How long is the recovery period?
The recovery period for a Body Lift Surgery, is usually about a month. With the first week after surgery you spend in bed or in a recliner. Only getting up when needed. Usually by the second week we encourage patients to be up and walking around, but still refrain from working. Then during the third week we have patients ease into walking for a short period of time and by the fourth week you will be ready to go back to work. We strongly advise that you refrain from any strenuous exercises to your abdondem for at least 6 to 8 weeks.
