Body lift surgery, also known as circumferential abdominoplasty or circumferential torsoplasty, is a procedure designed to remove excess skin that has accumulated around the body, particularly in patients who have undergone significant weight loss. After losing weight, patients may notice excess skin in one or many areas of the body. Our doctors treat areas including the arms, abdomen, thighs, and the back. Essentially, the surgery removes excess skin to improve contouring and ensure that the skin does not have a wrinkled, tree-trunk appearance.

CONSULTATION

Our doctors will first inquire about the patient’s weight loss story in order to understand the degree of changes the body has undergone during weight loss. We will then ask about specific goals for the body lift, including what areas of the body the patient would like to improve. Then, we will examine the areas of concern and assess the skin to determine its elasticity. Once our doctors and the patient have decided to move forward with the body lift, an exact surgical plan will be created for the individual needs of the patient.

SURGERY DETAILS

The time required for a body lift surgery depends on the type and extent of the surgery being performed, but in general 3-7 hours is typical. In some cases, it may be necessary to split up the surgery into two different sessions. The lower body lift is conceptually similar to a tummy tuck but is tailored for more skin excision and can go all the way around the body. In the front, excess skin is removed in either a vertical direction or a combination of horizontal and vertical direction. The skin may even be removed in an inverted-T pattern, which is called a fleur-de-lys abdominoplasty. This technique is often the most effective way to remove excess skin in a horizontal direction. In the outer thighs, arms, and back, our doctors will remove excess skin as needed using an incision site that maximizes symmetry.

RECOVERY & POST OPERATION

– After the surgery, patients will need to keep the treated areas dry and wear a compression garment at all times.
– If drains or tubes are placed during the procedure, the patient will learn how to monitor and use the drains.
– Most patients take pain medication for 5-7 days and then return to work after 2 weeks.

– Our doctors recommend patients wait at least 6 weeks before resuming an exercise routine.
– Follow up appointments are scheduled immediately after surgery and for up to a year afterward.

FROM OUR DOCTORS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What can I expect from the final results?

The results after a body lift are long lasting, but gravity and aging are continuous, creating laxity in the skin over time. With proper diet and exercise, the results of a body lift can be permanent, as good skin quality maintains the body lift results.

When is the best time to get a body lift surgery?

Our doctors typically like to wait until patients have been at a healthy, stable weight for one year. After the one-year mark, the patient’s body has adjusted as much as it will on its own and a body lift is the best way to remove any remaining fat and excess skin.

What are some recovery tips for a body lift surgery?

– The patient should rest quietly for the first few days and elevate the affected body parts.
– Do not take aspirin or certain anti-inflammatory medications.
– Avoid straining, bending over and lifting during the early post-operative period.
– Discomfort after a body lift is generally limited to soreness rather than pain.
– It is important to walk as soon as possible after surgery to discourage swelling and prevent blood clots in the legs. However, avoid strenuous exercise for at least 6 weeks because it can trigger unnecessary fluid retention in the treated areas.