Purpose of the Procedure
Body lift surgeries correct excess sagging skin and reshape contours in the following areas:
- Abdomen (especially after massive weight loss)
- Buttocks
- Thighs
- Arms
The procedure improves the tone of the skin and underlying structures by removing excess skin and fat. If there is only excess fat, it can be removed by liposuction, while reduced skin elasticity requires combining the body lift with liposuction.
Preoperative Consultation
Body lift is recommended for individuals with stable weight and relatively balanced body proportions. For women planning a future pregnancy, the procedure should be postponed to avoid affecting the results.
Best candidates:
- Individuals with excess loose skin after massive weight loss
- Healthy individuals without conditions affecting healing
- Non-smokers
- Balanced individuals seeking improved body contour
Surgical Procedure
Body lift techniques involve incisions, often extensive. Their shape and length depend on the amount and location of excess skin and the technique used.
Other contouring procedures (liposuction, abdominoplasty, breast lift/reduction) can be performed separately or together with the body lift.
Healing
- Wearing elastic corsets to reduce swelling and support the contour
- Swelling and discomfort are normal and controlled with medication
- Mobilization as early as possible to prevent complications
- Positions and movements that strain muscles and sutures should be avoided
- Resuming light physical activities: a few days postoperatively
- Initial wound healing: 1–2 weeks, when stitches are removed
- The healing process continues in the following weeks, reducing swelling and improving scar appearance
Risks
- Bleeding, infections, fluid accumulation (hematomas, seromas)
- Poor or delayed wound healing
- Skin necrosis
- Extensive scarring (inevitable in large excisions)
- Irregularities of body contour
- Altered sensation in the operated area (numbness)
- Risks associated with anesthesia
Results
- Results are visible almost immediately, but the final result appears after a few months
- The sensation of numbness and tension gradually improves
- Postoperative scars can be corrected later if necessary
- The new body contour is relatively permanent if the patient maintains weight and a healthy lifestyle