Body Lift

What is a body lift?

A body lift will remove excess skin and fat and improve your irregular, dimpled skin surface. The procedure can include the abdominal area extending to the sides and the lower back, the buttocks, which could be uneven or flat, and the groin area that may have sagged into the inner and outer thighs.

Many factors may contribute to sagging tissue including aging, sun damage, pregnancy, weight fluctuation, and genetic influences.

During your body lift procedure, A board-certified anesthesiologist will first administer anesthesia. Incisions will then be made to correct your individual cosmetic issues. A common body lift incision is similar to a bikini pattern to tighten the tissues of the abdomen, waist, thighs, and buttocks. An incision made circumferentially around the body will remove excess skin, as well as reposition and tighten tissues. Incisions will then be closed, and any bandaging will be applied. At your first follow-up appointment, the dressings will be changed to something lighter and you will be able to switch to your compression garment shortly after.

Am I a good candidate for a body lift?

Good candidates for a body lift are those who have significant areas of loose skin in one or various body zones. Patients must be in general good health with realistic expectations from the procedure. Non-smokers who are committed to fitness and healthy nutrition often have the best procedural outcomes.

Some of the main indications for a body lift are:

• Drastic weight loss or fluctuation over time has put stress on the skin
• Loose or overhanging fat that has become cumbersome to manage on a daily basis
• The loose skin has caused emotional distress or lack of confidence

Patients who have medical conditions that could impair the healing process or increase the risks of surgery may not be ideal candidates for this procedure. It is important to consult with Dr. Bohley before any surgical process to ensure that a particular procedure is a good match for you.

Body Lift FAQs

What is the recovery period?

Immediately after the body lift procedure, you will be taken to a post-anesthesia care area and eventually discharged to go home for further recovery. Healthy patients tolerate the procedure well as an outpatient.

During recovery, drains will be inserted to collect any excess fluid, and bandages will be applied to give support and reduce swelling for the first few days. A compression garment will have to be worn for a few weeks and any sutures will be removed within two weeks. Your recovery time period will depend on the healing of the incisions, which could take a month or longer. You may require at least two to three weeks off from work and normal activities will have to be restricted for four to six weeks. However, light walking or movement is encouraged within the first few weeks to encourage circulation. You can resume exercising within six to eight weeks, but you must follow Dr. Bohley’s post-operative instructions for optimal healing.

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