Losing excess weight is a positive achievement but often has unintended consequences, such as sagging and irregular skin surface.
The sagging skin may adversely affect an individual’s well-being and mask the remarkable progress one has made with weight loss.
Board Certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jeneby and his team at the Plastic and Cosmetic Center of South Texas can help tackle this challenge. They offer body lift and reshaping procedures to tighten loose skin and improve body contours. The team uses advanced medical technology to perform body lift procedures safely.
In this article, we will discuss the different aspects of body lift surgery, from the basic understanding of these procedures and other considerations in undergoing them.
Body Lift Procedure: An Overview
Body lifting and reshaping are cosmetic procedures that enhance the body’s contours. Your cosmetic surgeon uses these procedures to address sagging skin, excess fat, and lack of muscle tone that often comes after massive weight loss.
The main objective of body lifts is to enhance the body’s contours. Note that significant weight loss and age-related changes may lead to poor tissue elasticity, necessitating body counting procedures.
Types of Body Lift Surgeries
These surgeries are comprehensive and typically involve the removal of excess skin. Common types include:
Lower Body Lift
A study published in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open defines a lower body lift as a surgical procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the abdomen, mons, flanks, buttocks, and thighs.
A plastic surgeon may recommend lower body lifts for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, often following bariatric surgery. The procedure involves the excision of excess skin and tightening of the body’s natural tissue to restore a youthful appearance.
Upper Body Lift
Body lifts concentrating on the upper body can encompass an arm and back lift. Arm lift, or brachioplasty focuses on contouring the upper for a more defined appearance. On the other hand, a back lift is a body contouring procedure aimed at sculpting the torso to remove excess fat at the back.
Additionally, women may opt for other surgical procedures, such as breast lift and liposuction, for a rejuvenating ‘mommy makeover.’
Total body lift
While a full body lift procedure can help individuals achieve a more satisfying result, consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon is important.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends scheduling each surgery a few months apart to minimize risk and ensure optimal healing.
Who Are the Candidates for Surgical Body Lifts?
Identifying the appropriate candidates for surgical body lifts involves evaluating various factors. Cosmetic surgeons take into account the following factors in body lift patients:
Skin Elasticity and Age
Ideally, candidates for body lift surgeries must have a certain level of skin elasticity. While age itself is not a barrier, Younger people tend to have better skin elasticity. However, individuals with relatively good skin elasticity, regardless of age, may be considered.
Overall Health
People seeking body lift surgery must not have serious health issues to avoid compromising the outcome. They must be free from infections and not suffer from health conditions that may impair healing or lead to complications.
Soft Tissue Looseness
The best candidates for body lifts are those with loose, excess skin and soft tissues that often arise from weight loss or aging. Body lift techniques help to tighten and remove this excess skin and tissue.
Nonsmokers
Smoking has a negative impact on healing. It may also increase the risk of complications during surgery. Cosmetic surgeons prefer nonsmokers, or people willing to quit before and after the surgery, to reduce risks.
Positive Outlook and Realistic Expectations
Psychological readiness is important. Patients must have a positive attitude and realistic expectations about what they can achieve with surgery. Understanding the risks and being mentally prepared for the changes in their body.
Commitment to Leading a Healthy Lifestyle
Candidates must be committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle after the surgery. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and weight maintenance. Significant weight fluctuations after a body lift can adversely affect the results.
Body Lift Cost
The average cost of lower body lift surgery is reported to be $7,924, as per the latest data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It is crucial to note that this figure only represents a portion of the total expenses. The following elements are not included in the aforementioned average cost and will contribute to the overall expense of the procedure:
- Anesthesia: Administered to ensure the patient does not experience pain during the surgery. The cost of anesthesia can vary based on the type and duration of the surgery.
- Operating Room Facilities: The cost for the usage of the operating room, which is equipped with surgical instruments and other necessary equipment for carrying out the procedure. This also includes the charges for the staff assisting in the operation.
- Medical Tests: Pre-operative tests and examinations to ascertain the patient’s health and suitability for surgery.
- Post-surgery Garments: Special garments may be needed to be worn by the patient after the surgery to aid in the healing process.
- Prescription Medication: Medicines prescribed for pain relief and preventing infections after the surgery.
- Surgeon’s Fee: This is the fee charged by the plastic surgeon for performing the procedure. It can vary depending on the surgeon’s experience and geographic location.
- Post-operative Care: Follow-up visits and care are required after the surgery to monitor the healing process.
It’s important for patients considering a lower body lift surgery to discuss and understand all the associated costs with their healthcare provider to get a comprehensive estimate of the total expenses. Patients should also inquire about the options for financing or payment plans.
What to Expect During the Consultation for Body Lift Surgery?
During the consultation for body lift surgery, you should be prepared for an in-depth discussion and evaluation. Here’s what to expect:
Be Prepared to Discuss:
– Surgical Goals: Clearly communicate what you hope to achieve through the surgery.
– Medical History: Inform the surgeon about any medical conditions, allergies to medications, and previous medical treatments.
– Current Medications and Lifestyle: Share information on the medications, supplements, vitamins you are currently taking, and your consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or any other substances.
– Previous Surgeries: Provide details of any past surgeries, especially those related to your body shape.
Your Plastic Surgeon Will:
– Assess Your Health: Evaluate your general health, including any pre-existing conditions or risk factors that might affect the surgery.
– Examine and Measure Your Body: Expect a physical examination which may include taking detailed measurements of your body.
– Photographs: The surgeon might take photographs for your medical records.
– Discuss Options: Talk about the different body lift options that might suit you.
– Recommend a Treatment Plan: Propose a course of treatment that aligns with your goals and health.
– Discuss Outcomes, Risks, and Complications: Provide information on the expected outcomes, potential risks, and complications related to body lift surgery.
Your Role in the Consultation:
– Be Open and Honest: The success and safety of the procedure rely heavily on your honesty during the consultation. Expect to answer numerous questions about your health, desires, and lifestyle.
– Ask Questions: It is crucial to clear any doubts or concerns. You can prepare a checklist of questions to ask your surgeon regarding the procedure, recovery, and any other relevant topics.
– Express Your Feelings: It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions, including excitement and anxiety. Don’t hesitate to share your feelings about the upcoming procedure with your surgeon.
Understanding all aspects of the body lift procedure is essential, so take the time during your consultation to get all the information you need to make an informed decision.
How to Prepare for Body Lift Procedures?
As you prepare for body lift surgery, there are several steps you should take to ensure that the procedure goes smoothly and that you are in optimal health for the surgery. Here’s a detailed guide:
Medical Preparation:
– Lab Tests and Evaluations: Your surgeon might ask you to undergo lab tests or medical evaluations to assess your health status. This is crucial for identifying any risk factors that might affect the surgery.
– Medication Adjustments: Depending on your health and medications you are currently taking, your surgeon may ask you to start taking certain medications or adjust the dosages of your current ones.
– Quit Smoking: Smoking can significantly affect your ability to heal after surgery. It’s recommended to stop smoking well in advance of the procedure.
– Avoid Certain Medications and Supplements: Aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal supplements can increase bleeding. It’s advisable to avoid taking these for a certain period before surgery, as per your surgeon’s recommendations.
Surgical Facility:
– Choose an Accredited Facility: The surgery might be performed in an office-based surgical facility, ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital. Ensure that the facility is accredited and has the necessary equipment and staff for the procedure.
Logistical Preparation:
– Arrange Transportation: If your surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, ensure that you have someone to drive you to and from the surgical center.
– Post-Surgery Care: Have someone, whether a family member or friend, stay with you for at least the first night after the surgery. This is important as you may need assistance with mobility and managing post-operative care.
Personal Preparation:
– Comfortable Clothing: Bring loose and comfortable clothing to wear after the surgery. This will make it easier for you to dress and be more comfortable during the initial recovery phase.
– Prepare Your Recovery Space: Before the surgery, set up a comfortable space at home with all the necessities within reach. This might include medications, water, phone, books, and anything else you might need during recovery.
– Understand Post-Operative Instructions: Make sure you fully understand the post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon. This includes wound care, activity restrictions, and signs of complications.
Steps of Body Lift Procedures
The process of removing excess skin through body lift surgery involves several steps. Each step is crucial to the procedure’s success and ensuring the patient’s safety and desired results. Below are the typical steps involved in a body lift surgery:
Preoperative Preparation: In the weeks leading up to the surgery, patients need to follow specific instructions which may include stopping certain medications, quitting smoking, and ensuring they are in optimal health for surgery.
Anesthesia Administration: On the day of the surgery, the patient will be administered anesthesia to ensure they don’t experience pain during the procedure. This could be general anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation.
Making the Incisions: The surgeon will make incisions in the predetermined areas where excess skin is to be removed. The incisions’ size and placement will depend on the amount of skin to be removed and the patient’s body type.
Removing Excess Skin and Tightening: After making the incisions, the surgeon removes excess skin and may also tighten underlying tissues. In some cases, liposuction may be performed in conjunction to remove excess fat.
6. Closing the Incisions: Once the excess skin has been removed and the desired contouring achieved, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures. Drains may be placed to help reduce fluid accumulation, and the area is usually bandaged.
Conclusion:
Individuals with significant weight loss or experiencing age-related changes often struggle with excess, sagging skin. The presence of sagging skin and poor body contours hampers physical appearance and can also affect mental well-being.
Fortunately, Body Lift and Reshaping surgeries, performed by board-certified cosmetic surgeons like Dr. Jeneby and his team, provide an effective solution to this problem.
Don’t let sagging skin stand in your way of feeling great and living your best life. Take the first step towards a more contoured and youthful appearance by scheduling a consultation with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon.
Dr. Jeneby and his dedicated team at the Plastic and Cosmetic Center of South Texas are here to guide you through your body transformation journey with care and expertise. Contact them today to learn more about Body Lift and Reshaping procedures and embark on the path to uncovering your true self. Your new chapter awaits – take charge of your beauty and confidence now!
