A body lift, also know as a belt lipectomy, is a cosmetic procedure frequently performed on patients who have undergone major weight loss. Body lift surgery is designed to improve the appearance of your body by removing excess skin and resculpting the underlying tissue of your lower body.
The primary goal of a body lift is to sculpt, reshape and tighten the abdomen and buttocks. Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, or those who have stubborn fat and excess skin in one or more areas, may benefit from a body lift.
A body lift procedure is capable of addressing multiple problem areas in a single operation. The final results will be both functional and cosmetic. Heavy folds of skin will be reduced and the underlying structures that support fat and skin will be tightened.
The best candidates are healthy, have realistic expectations, and are committed to maintaining a stable body weight. To find out if body lift surgery is right for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at our office. Be prepared to discuss factors such as your medical history, current medications, and cosmetic goals.
More than one surgery may be required to achieve optimal results. Prior to your procedure, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be administered for your comfort. Your surgeon will then make a series of incisions to re-position underlying tissue and remove excess skin. The incision length and pattern will depend on the location and amount of excess skin and fat planned for removal.
Following the removal of excess fat and tissue, liposuction may also be necessary to boost contour. The skin will then be draped and tightened across the newly shaped body. All incisions will be closed with a combination of sutures, skin adhesives or surgical tape.
Immediately following surgery, it is common for patients to experience some pain and soreness at the sites of incision. We can prescribe pain medication to help you manage discomfort after surgery. Drainage tubes may be placed beneath your skin and you may need to wear a compression garment for several days to minimize swelling.
A body lift is a major surgical procedure and typically requires several weeks of recovery. Most patients remain in the hospital for the first one to three days after surgery. A complete recovery can take 4-6 weeks. Strenuous activities may be restricted for up to eight weeks. The results of surgery will become apparent as swelling gradually subsides. Incision scars may take several months to flatten and fade.
Call 212.794.4000 today to make an inquiry or schedule a confidential appointment at our Manhattan Office.
For Long Island, please call 516.484.9000.
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