Body Lift

Body Lift Plastic Surgery Procedure in Michigan

Body Lift

Also called circumferential torsoplasty, panniculectomy, and lipectomy, a body lift is performed to remove excess skin and sometimes also fat from the torso and upper legs. It is a complicated procedure that can take three to seven hours under general anesthesia and involves a recovery period of four to six weeks. Somerset Plastic Surgery offers body lift surgery tailored to each patient’s aesthetic and functional needs.

About the Body Lift Procedure

During a body lift surgery, excess skin is carefully separated from the underlying tissues so that the plastic surgeon can reshape and tighten the body’s contours. The underlying muscles and supportive tissues are also tightened and secured with stitches to create a firmer, more toned appearance. Excess fat is removed when necessary; this is often done through surgical excision or liposuction to improve the overall shape and balance of the results.

Once the tissue has been adjusted, the remaining skin is repositioned and sutured closed. Because a body lift can involve the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and other areas of the lower body, the belly button is often removed from its original position and placed in a new, more natural-looking location. The goal of the procedure is to remove or reduce loose, sagging skin and create a smoother, more proportionate body contour.

Candidates for Body Lifts

A body lift can be an appropriate option for individuals who have excess skin and tissue that cannot be corrected through nonsurgical means. All candidates should be in good overall health, maintain a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the plastic surgery. Candidates for a body lift surgery include:

• Individuals who have experienced major weight loss
• People with decreased skin elasticity due to aging
• Individuals with loose skin after pregnancy or major body changes
• People with excess skin affecting multiple areas of the body

Because a body lift often involves several areas of the body, it is sometimes combined with other body contouring procedures. Breast lifts or arm lifts can be performed at the same time to achieve more balanced results. Patient candidacy for combined procedures is determined on a case-by-case basis by the plastic surgeon.

Benefits of Getting a Body Lift

A body lift offers functional and aesthetic benefits for individuals with a large amount of skin laxity. By removing areas of excess skin and improving the way certain tissues sit on the body, the procedure may help patients feel more comfortable in clothing and during daily activities. Loose skin that folds or hangs often causes irritation, chafing, or hygiene difficulties; addressing these areas helps improve physical comfort. The benefits of body lift surgery vary from person to person depending on individual anatomy and overall health, and working with a qualified plastic surgeon will make sure a patient’s aesthetic and functional needs are met. Other benefits of a body lift include:

• Improved body proportions: By refining certain areas of the body, a plastic surgeon helps create a more balanced silhouette
• Greater clothing comfort:Removing excess skin helps certain items of clothing to fit more comfortably
• Reduced skin irritation: Areas of overlapping skin trap moisture and create friction, so removing this excess tissue helps reduce these concerns for some patients
• Enhanced mobility: Some individuals experience greater ease of movement when excess skin no longer interferes with physical activities

Body Lift Recovery Process

Recovery after a body lift requires careful attention to aftercare instructions; this promotes proper healing and optimal results. Surgical drains may be placed temporarily to remove excess fluid and reduce swelling during the early stages of recovery. These tubes are often removed once drainage decreases, and this occurs several days after surgery depending on the individual’s healing progress.

Patients are often instructed by plastic surgeons to wear compression garments for several weeks following the procedure. These garments help support the newly contoured areas, minimize swelling, and promote a smoother healing process. Swelling and bruising are common during the initial recovery period and will gradually improve as the body heals.

Light movement is encouraged soon after surgery to promote circulation and reduce the risk of complications, like blood clots. Although walking is recommended as soon as the patient is able, strenuous activities should be avoided. Such activities include heavy lifting or strenuous exercise. Most patients are able to gradually return to normal daily activities as their energy levels improve and as incisions heal.

Work With a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

Body lift surgery addresses the issue of excess skin on multiple areas of the body. A qualified plastic surgeon is able to customize the treatment to meet each patient’s unique anatomy and skin quality. Along with plastic surgery solutions, the Somerset Plastic Surgery team also offers non-surgical solutions like Botox and Juvéderm to complement body or facial contouring procedures. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation.