Body Lift

A lower body lift is performed to remove excess, loose, sagging and overhanging skin of the entire lower trunk, usually as a result of dramatic weight loss. Incisions are typically made along the bikini line on the lower abdomen, around the flanks and across the lower back. Excess skin and fat is removed from the lower trunk to contour the abdomen and lift the buttocks and outer thighs simultaneously. An effort is made to place the incisions such that they can typically be concealed by underwear or a swim suit.

After a lower body lift surgery, it is recommended to sleep with your legs and upper body slightly elevated. This helps avoid extra tension on your incisions. A recliner can be a helpful sleep aid since it naturally places the body the correct position.

A body lift should be performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Stephanie Dreckmann at Valespring Cosmetic Surgery Institute.

It depends on the patient since there are differing amounts of excess and loose skin available to be removed, but it tends to be less than 15 pounds.

A lipectomy describes the surgical removal of fatty tissue. A belt lipectomy is a surgery performed to remove loose skin and fat around the entire trunk. This surgery is usually performed for massive weight loss patients. A belt lipectomy involves a tummy tuck at the front with an incision extended around the lower back to remove excess skin and fat posteriorly as well. This helps create a better figure from both the front and back.

A vast majority of patients are delighted with their body lift results and think the procedure is worth it. In fact, on RealSelf, the tummy tuck procedure has a 96% “Worth It” rating at the time of writing this article. Removal of excess skin after dramatic weight loss can provide a major confidence boost and can have very noticeable and transformative results.

An upper body lift typically refers to a bra line back lift and may also include liposuction of the area. It is designed to remove upper back rolls and excess skin or fat in the upper trunk region. It may be combined with a breast lift or arm lift for select patients.

A back lift is often used interchangeably with the term “upper body lift”. A back lift is a type of body contouring surgery used to remove excess skin from your back. Sometimes it is referred to as a bra-line lift, since the incision (and resultant scar) is intended to be hidden in the bra line.

A full body lift usually refers to both an upper body lift and a lower body lift.

A 360 body lift is another name for a lower body lift, belt lipectomy or circumferential body lift. It targets excess skin of the entire lower trunk, including lower abdomen, lower back, hips, buttocks, and lateral thighs. It is typically performed after massive weight loss.

Major weight changes and aging can result in excess, loose and sagging skin below the waist. A lower body lift is a type of skin removal surgery which focuses on removing excess skin involving the entire lower trunk. This may include the abdomen, flanks, lower back, buttocks, and lateral thighs.

It varies from patient to patient.

After being discharged after surgery, you are encouraged to walk often. This helps prevent complications, such as a blood clot. Medication will be prescribed to help control any pain.

After 2 to 3 weeks, most patients are able to return to work. Strenuous exercise should not be resumed until about 6 weeks after the procedure. Your surgeon will advise you as to what level of activity you can engage in during follow up visits. Final results become apparent after 6-12 months.

You should always follow your surgical team’s specific and individualized recovery plan, as recommendations may vary from patient to patient. This will help promote a successful recovery and help you achieve the best possible body lift results.

A body lift is considered a major surgery, and the pain and discomfort is most noticeable in the first few days after surgery. Your doctor will provide pain medication to control the pain. You will likely experience bruising and soreness around the various incisions during the first week after surgery. After 2 to 3 weeks, most patients are able to return to work.

No. A lower body left may include components of a tummy tuck, buttocks lift and lateral thigh lift. An inner thigh lift is a separate procedure.

A lower body lift incision is typically made along the bikini line on the lower abdomen, around the flanks and across the lower back. The resultant scar is often hidden by underwear. An upper body lift attempts to hide the scar in the posterior bra line. Most of these scars will fade over time, but are not likely to completely disappear. The amount of fading differs based on the individual’s genetics, age and ethnicity.