Losing weight can be a very challenging (yet rewarding) process for many individuals, and once they have achieved their weight loss goals, it is common to experience loose, excess skin in a variety of body areas. This can be extremely frustrating after successfully losing weight and taking such a major step toward better health and improved self-confidence; however, there are solutions available that can effectively address these concerns.
Different patients have different areas that are their major concern. Any journey starts with knowing where you are trying to get to, so it is important to have a consultation to prioritise what is important to each individual and devise a reconstructive program to suit. This program can include abdominoplasty, posterior body lift, circumferential body lift, thigh lift, arm reduction, breast lift with or without implants, breast reduction, and other customised procedures as required. These techniques can eliminate excess skin, tighten the remaining skin, and recontour your body for aesthetic results that are more in line with what you were hoping to achieve after significant weight loss. Our skilled plastic surgeon, Dr Craig Layt, can help you attain firmer skin and beautiful new contours with a customised body lift procedure designed to produce exceptional results.
Who is a candidate for body lift surgery?
Body lift surgery can be an ideal procedure for patients who have lost large amounts of weight—due to bariatric surgery or traditional weight loss methods—and are now experiencing loose, sagging skin and/or localised fat deposits in certain regions of the body. These areas may include the midsection, the thighs, the breasts, the arms, and other locations. Individuals who would like to address similar concerns that have resulted after pregnancy or from the natural aging process may also benefit from body lift surgery. Good candidates for this procedure should also be in relatively good general health.
Body lift surgery can dramatically enhance contours, eliminate redundant skin, and give the remaining skin a tighter, firmer look and feel. During the initial consultation here at our practice, Dr. Layt will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine what type of body lift surgery is right for your needs. He will answer all of your questions regarding the options that may be suitable for your goals and talk with you about what you can expect from the treatment process.
What treatments are involved in a body lift?
A body lift surgery can involve a circumferential body lift (described below) as a single procedure, or it can include a combination of options designed to address numerous body regions affected by excess, inelastic skin as described above. The precise details of body lift surgery will depend on the treatment or treatments that make up each patient’s customised procedure. These treatments are performed under general anesthesia. In some cases, body lift surgery will require an overnight hospital stay. Dr. Layt can talk more with you about the possibilities for this procedure during your initial consultation. Once he has evaluated your needs and discussed your goals, Dr. Layt can create a fully customised body lift treatment plan designed to meet your expectations.
Some of the most common body lift treatments include:
Circumferential Body Lift / Lower Body Lift
When used to describe a single procedure, the term “lower body lift” sometimes refers to a circumferential tummy tuck or a “circumferential body lift,” depending on the techniques performed and the ultimate goals of each patient. Utilising an incision that goes around the circumference of the midsection, excess skin can be removed from the front, sides, and back of this area. A lower body lift may address these regions as well as the thighs, hips, and buttocks. Once the excess skin is removed, the remaining skin is pulled taut to create firmer results and improved body contours.
Liposuction
Liposuction can be included in a body lift procedure to address areas affected by isolated pockets of fat. This treatment is often combined with lifting techniques when both excess skin and fat are causing the concern.
Learn more about liposuction.
Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty is better known as “tummy tuck” surgery. This option can be included as part of a body lift procedure for individuals who may not need a full circumferential body lift, but may benefit from combining a tummy tuck with lifting procedures in other areas.
Learn more about abdominoplasty.
Breast Lift
A breast lift can address sagginess in the breasts that may occur after significant weight loss. This treatment removes excess skin and tightens the remainder, lifting the breasts to a higher, more youthful position.
Learn more about breast lift surgery.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift can address loose, extra skin in the inner and outer thighs. These concerns are common among patients who have lost large amounts of weight. Thigh lift surgery removes the excess and redrapes the remaining skin for a slimmer, more toned contour in the upper legs.
Learn more about thigh lift surgery.
Arm Lift
An arm lift can be ideal for individuals who are suffering from an abundance of sagging, inelastic skin in the upper arms, which can occur due to weight loss or even just the natural aging process. Arm lift surgery eliminates excess skin and gives the remaining skin a firmer, more taut appearance.
Learn more about arm lift surgery.
What can I expect during recovery from body lift surgery?
The recovery process after body lift surgery can be different for each individual, depending upon the techniques that have been utilised. For a lower body lift, patients may require a minimum of two weeks of recovery at home before resuming most of their normal daily routines. Compression garments and draining tubes may also be necessary during recovery in order to facilitate the healing process. Medication can be prescribed to control discomfort during the recovery period. Dr. Layt will provide you with detailed post-operative guidelines that can help you achieve the safest, most effective, and most efficient recovery possible.
Are the scars from body lift surgery noticeable?
There will be scars after body lift surgery; however, the exact nature of residual scarring will depend on the surgical techniques that were part of the body lift procedure. In most cases, the incisions can be made in areas that are easily concealed under clothing, and even swimwear. Dr. Layt can talk more with you about what to expect in terms of scarring from these procedures once he meets with you during the consultation and explores the specific treatment options that may be right for your goals. Our plastic surgeon works diligently to make residual scarring as minimal as possible with both the surgical technique and post-operative scar management. Scarring is also highly dependant on the skin of each patient and how it heals, its elasticity and skin quality.
Would you like to learn more about body lift surgery and options that can help you attain firmer skin after weight loss? Please contact us today with any questions you may have, or to schedule a consultation.