A lower body lift starts with a belt-like excision above the outer thighs and buttocks. Dr. Hart may further separate the thigh skin to help with the procedure. He will then suture this area and start the tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).
The next step involves a horizontal incision made along the pubic area, which is followed by the removal of the tissues that span from the underlying muscles to the belly buttons/button. The skin in between the belly buttons/button and central rib cage will then be separated. Next, Dr. Hart may suction out any remaining fat in this area with liposuction.
Dr. Hart will tighten the stomach muscle after the extra skin is detached. The skin that remains is then repositioned and sutured at the pubic area; after which the belly buttons/button is returned to its original location.
An upper body lift starts with a broad bra-line skin removal. After Dr. Hart closes this excision, they will eliminate the back fat rolls and narrow the waist. Any extra skin under the breasts or over the lower rib cage can now be removed. When closing, Dr. Hart will tighten the skin under the breasts, and the raised abdominal skin will be sutured to the lower rib cage.
As part of an
upper body lift, men can undergo male
breast reduction (gynecomastia).
Total Body Lift and Follow-Up Procedures
As the name implies, the total body lift combines upper and lower body lifts along with supplemental procedures. This can be done as one surgery, or at separate intervals. Two of the more commonly performed body lift follow-up procedures include:
- Arm Lift (Brachioplasty). An arm lift usually involves an incision along two areas: the armpit and the inside surface of the arm from the elbow to the armpit, in an inconspicuous location. Excess fat is removed through liposuction. The excess skin is trimmed away, pulled together and sutured in place. Dressings will be applied to the incision areas. A compression garment may be required for several weeks after surgery.
-
Thigh Lift (Medial
Thigh Lift).
In most cases, excess fat and
hanging skin is removed from the
upper, inner thigh through an
incision placed at the junction of
the thigh with the groin. However,
for individuals with more severe
thigh contour problems, an incision
may also be necessary which extends
from the groin area along the inside
of the thigh down to the knee.
Excess fat is removed through
liposuction. The excess skin is
trimmed away, pulled together and
sutured in place. Dressings will be
applied to the incision areas. A
compression garment may be required
for several weeks after surgery.
After Body Lift Surgery
Body lift is a major surgical procedure and requires significant recovery time. Most patients remain in the hospital for one to three nights.
Pain and discomfort are first managed with intravenous or intramuscular medications, and later with oral pain medication. A specific dietary plan may be encouraged. The doctor will supply a complete instruction list that must be followed to reduce the risk of complications.
Dr. Hart may provide you with a medical compression garment to wear at all times except while bathing. This should be worn until your doctor lets you know it is no longer needed. Dressings are generally removed two days after surgery and showering is allowed at that time.
Your post-surgery activities will likely be restricted until you have adequately recovered. This could include no exercise and no lifting of five pounds or more. Walking is encouraged after surgery; however, further exercise is not recommended until sufficient healing has occurred.
Most people
require four to six weeks' recovery
before returning to normal activities,
and generally from six to eight weeks
before exercising. There cannot be any
pressure placed on the treated area.
Approximately 75 percent of the swelling
dissipates at six weeks and 90 percent
at three months.
