Body Lift
- Approximate duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Anesthesia: General
- Recovery: 4 to 6 weeks
For whom is this procedure indicated?
As we age, or more frequently after significant weight loss, some people may end up with empty, dangling folds of skin. When this loose skin is surgically removed all around the body, it is called a body lift. As with liposuction, the purpose of a body lift is not to correct obesity, but rather to improve the figure. Patients must have reached an “ideal” and stable weight before undergoing this procedure.
Surgical and post-operative details
Anaesthesia
Dr. Nicolaidis always performs this surgery under general anesthesia. Special attention is required for patients with gastric reflux or sleep apnea. It is also essential to avoid pressure ulcers during the procedure.
Surgical techniques
Body lift is designed to tighten loose and flabby skin in both the belly and the buttock. Two main techniques must be differentiated : lower body lift (as described by Lockwood) and belt lipectomy (or central lift). The lower body lift involves scars lower in the pelvic region with the advantage of superior results in the thighs but the disadvantage of loss of curvature. Dr. Nicolaidis prefers the belt lipectomy with scars higher in the pelvic region and improved waste and buttock curves but the disadvantage of lesser effect on the thighs.
Being a very conservative and careful surgeon, Dr. Nicolaidis also prefers staging a belt Iipectomy in two different surgeries in order to decrease the risks of surgery. Further explanation will be given at the time of consultation.
Recovery
Compression garments are placed at the end of surgery to reduce swelling, prevent collections and help scar down the skin. At least one night of care in the operating center is necessary following a body lift. However, with staged procedures, patients can usually go home the same day. Bruising and swelling usually subside within 1 to 2 months. It is important to note that there are significant restrictions on activities following a body lift ; however, the restrictions after staged procedures are much more manageable. Strenuous activities are usually possible after eight weeks. It is important to note that, although body lifts can change a patient’s life, major lifestyle changes are vital to maintain these results.
Return to work
After body lifting, it is usually possible to return to work within 2 to 3 months. After staged procedures, return to work is possible after 4 to 6 weeks.
Possible complications
Risks with body lifts are numerous and can be severe. Wound problems and fluid collections occur quite commonly. Blood clots and heart attacks are the most serious complications. For these reasons, Dr. Nicolaidis prefers to divide a belt lipectomy into two different procedures.
Post-surgery advice
The first week
- Keep your dressings dry and clean;
- Do not lift heavy objects;
- Wash yourself with a sponge;
- Write down the count of each drain each day (please bring the results of your counts to your next post-operative appointment);
- Wear your girdle continuously.
- Walk for at least 5 minutes at all hours of the day (avoid staying in bed constantly).
It is important to go to your post-operative appointment with Dr. Nicolaidis, even if you are doing very well. Contact us now if you do not have an appointment already assigned (the first postoperative is normally assigned before surgery).
After the first week
- Continue to keep your dressings dry and clean unless Dr Nicolaidis says otherwise;
- Wash with a sponge in order to keep your dressings dry;
- Protect your new scars from sun exposure for a total of 6 months;
- Avoid lifting heavy objects until Dr. Nicolaidis gives permission;
- Avoid bathing or showering until Dr. Nicolaidis gives permission;
- Continue wearing compressive garments until Dr. Nicolaidis says otherwise;
- In order to avoid blood clot complications, keep moving (walk regularly during the day).
Please note
- It is normal to have mild swelling and bruising in the abdomen and back in the first weeks after surgery.
- For your comfort, be sure to take your pain medication as prescribed.
Ready to learn more?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Nicolaidis and discover his approach to breast surgery, body contouring, and explantation.
