Body Lift

Procedure

A body lift is a surgical procedure that reshapes the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs and buttocks.

It removes excess skin and fat; lifts and tightens the remaining tissue, which results with a firmer smoother effect. Excess tissue around the lower body is often the result of weight fluctuations or aging, but can also be due to genetic factors. Following the procedure you will have permanent scars all the way around your waist.

If you are planning a future pregnancy or planning to lose a significant amount of weight, it is probably best to postpone your body lift. If you smoke you may not be a suitable candidate, you should discuss this with your surgeon.

Some fat is removed as part of a body lift. This will be cut out or treated with liposuction. If you have heaviness in the lower body caused by excess fat, but the skin is tight, liposuction alone may be a better option.

A body lift can be broken down into its components, which include a tummy tuck, an outer thigh lift and a buttock lift. Depending on the location of your excess sagging skin and on your goals, any one or a combination of these procedures may be appropriate. They can be performed in one surgical session or in stages depending on your needs. Occasionally, fat injections to the buttock area are combined with a lower body lift, e.g. where the buttocks has become flat as a result of weight loss.

Length

3-7 hours

Anaesthesia

General or light sedation (twilight anaesthesia) and local anaesthesia

Inpatient/Outpatient

1-2 nights stay or more

Scars

The incisions and resulting scars vary in length and position depending on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed. They are usually extensive. A complete lower body lift typically involves a circumferential (circular) incision around the belt-line of the waist and across the lower abdomen.

Risks

A body lift is a major surgical procedure with very real risks. There are general risks associated with surgery as well as risks specific to this procedure. Your surgeon will discuss these with you during your consultation. You should then reassess whether it is right for you. Common problems include small fluid collections that may have to be drained or small areas of the scar that open. Other problems are rare and include sensory nerve damage, tissue death, blood clots, severe infections and problems related to anaesthesia.

Recovery

Resume work in 2-4 weeks

Getting back to normal/sport in 6-12 weeks however full recovery from swelling can take several months or longer.

Brazilian Buttock Lift -