What is a Body lift?
A body lift in Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts is a plastic surgery procedure used to shape and tone various parts of the body, including the buttocks, abdomen, waist, hips and thighs through the removal of excess skin. Many people find that, after losing large amounts of weight, whether it is through gastric bypass surgery or diet and exercise, loose skin remains. For many, the skin has been stretched so far that when the weight is lost, the skin remains the same. A body lift addresses this issue.
Am I a good candidate for body lift surgery?
You may be a candidate for body lift surgery if you have maintained a stable weight for a minimum of three months and are in good health. Women planning pregnancies or smokers may not be suited for a body lift. Patients with loose skin on their buttocks, thighs, hips and abdomen can all benefit from body lift. However, it is important to have realistic expectations of the procedure. Candidates should be both emotionally and physically stable with a strong understanding of the process and the risks involved.
Body Lift / Breast Reduction / Breast Lift Patient #13
A complicated presentation of a woman in her mid to later 60s with breast ptosis (drooping) after significant weight loss, as well as breast asymmetry after lumpectomy and radiation.
She had a lumpectomy and radiation for breast cancer in her right breast 4 years earlier. She then had a gastric bypass 2 years later and lost 80 lbs. In addition to drooping after weight loss, they are also asymmetric after the lumpectomy and radiation. She describes herself as a D-cup and would like to have her breasts smaller as well. She had an MRI of her breasts before surgery and the view was free of any evidence of cancer recurrence. The lumpectomy scar is seen on the right mid breast, and the radiation fields spared the lower breast so an inferior pedicle breast reduction could still be performed. She is shown before and again, 7 months after surgery with the removal of 360 grams of tissue from her right breast, including the prior lumpectomy site, and 379 grams of tissue from her left. She is thrilled with her new appearance and has purchased multiple new bathing suits to celebrate. Her neck and back feel better as well. Her healing was, thankfully, uneventful, and her scars have faded nicely. And despite the decreased skin elasticity from significant weight loss and her age, she has maintained a very good breast shape.
Body Contouring after Significant Weight Loss #
A mother of 2 in her later 60s who is bothered by loose skin on her abdomen. Her weight has fluctuated by 80 lbs and she has been at a stable weight since treatment for her thyroid. She is currently 5’2’ and 148 lbs. Her umbilicus deviated and she has an old midline incision in the lower abdomen from c-sections many years before.
Because of the significant horizontal laxity, we decided upon a Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty with the creation of a new umbilicus. This trades a midline scar for correction of the horizontal excess and is frequently a good choice in patients with significant weight loss and decreased skin elasticity.
She is shown just before and again, 10 months after surgery. Scars will typically continue to face and improve for 2-3 years after surgery. She is thrilled with her new contour and the ability to wear fitted clothing.
Body Contouring / Significant Weight Loss Patient #10
Details: A woman in her later 50s lost 140 lbs after a gastric bypass through an open upper abdominal midline incision. She is shown before and again, 15 months after a fleur de lis abdominoplasty. The improvement in her contour is dramatic. Her results are somewhat limited by the decreased elasticity of her skin which is typical after significant weight loss of 140 lbs.
Body Lift/Bra Line Back Lift – Patient 135
A woman in her mid 40’s who is bothered by back rolls and looseness of the skin. She is shown before and again, 15 months after a bra line back lift combined with liposuction of the posterior shoulders. The bra line back lift trades a permanent scar that is hidden under the bra for better contour of the back. She is able to hold her arms at her side after the surgery.
Body Lift – Patient 134
A woman in her early 50s who has lost more than 50 lbs with HMR medically supervised weight loss plan and is bothered by loose skin of the lower abdomen that is difficult to hide with clothing as well as drooping and the size of her breasts. After discussions, we performed an extended abdominoplasty 2 years ago, with the removal of 5 ½ lbs of skin from her abdomen. Her abdomen was improved but she was still bothered by loose skin of the upper abdomen.
So one year ago, we performed a breast reduction/mastopexy and at the same time performed a vertical excision of the upper abdomen. She is thrilled with her new contour, and finds the upper abdominal midline scar is a worthwhile tradeoff for the additional tightening of the upper abdomen.
Discussion: When patients have significant weight loss the upper abdomen has horizontal excess that is not completely corrected with the direction of a traditional abdominoplasty. A “Fleur de Lis” abdominoplasty has a vertical component that has the tradeoff of a vertical scar that is visible in the upper abdomen for more tightening in this area. If someone is not certain that they want the vertical scar of the upper abdomen, an excision can be done at a second stage, as we have done here. When there are “rolls” of skin above the umbilicus, a vertical component is often needed for complete correction.
How is a body lift performed?
A body lift is performed under general anesthesia and will last between four and eight hours. Depending on the amount of excess fat and skin to be removed, different incision patterns may be used. However, a body lift incision is commonly an extension of a tummy tuck incision, completely surrounding the lower torso. A body lift can be done in many ways. Patients have the option of choosing a combination of liposuction, abdominoplasty, inner thigh lift or more. During your consultation with Dr. Hall, he will help to determine which option(s) will be best for your individual goals.
What should I expect during recovery?
After a body lift, bandages will be placed and compression garments will be worn to reduce swelling. Surgical drains may also be used to collect any excess fluids or blood. Pain medication will be prescribed to control any discomfort you may experience. Patients should expect two to four weeks of downtime, and strenuous activities should be avoided for eight weeks. Body lift surgery results are permanent, though skin may gradually loosen as you age.
“Dr. Hall and all of his staff are very welcoming and supportive. In addition, I am extremely pleased with the results of my procedure. I have already referred a friend to Dr. Hall!”
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"I treat my patients like I would treat
- Jonathan D. Hall, MD, FACSmembers of my own family."
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