Weight fluctuations and age leave many people with a great deal of loose skin. This can make even the most attractive shape appear lumpy and frumpy. A body lift gives you a firmer, more youthful appearance by tightening tissues that support your skin and fat.
There are several causes of loose skin, but most ultimately have to do with a loss of elasticity. Whether this is caused by weight loss or natural aging, there is no need to live with the unsightly effects.
A body lift can be used to tighten the appearance of:
- The abdomen and waistline
- The buttocks and hips
- Your lower back and flank area
- Your thighs, both outer and inner
How Is a Body Lift Performed?
Exactly how a lift is performed will depend on your unique body and your appearance goals. However, most procedures follow the same general process.
If you still have extra unwanted fat in some areas, this will be removed with liposuction to create a smoother and trimmer look. Dr. Shain Cuber, a board-certified plastic surgeon will carefully place very small incisions, which are placed so they will not be noticeable when healed. Liposuction is performed using local anesthesia and sedation when necessary.
Lower Body Lift
A lower body lift is one of the most common types of body lifts. Many people desire these after extreme weight loss, bariatric surgery, or even after several pregnancies. These dramatic changes in weight can cause sagging skin through the abdomen and lower body, often making people appear much heavier than they are. In addition, this skin can leave people at risk of skin breakdown and even infection as well as interfering with everyday movement.
Upper Body Lift
In an upper body lift, the arms and sometimes breasts are tightened. Extra skin is removed, and the remaining tissue is carefully shaped to leave a natural and trim appearance. Sutures are placed carefully to be hidden even when patients wear sleeveless shirts and other revealing garments.
Recovery from a Body Life
A body lift is usually a major surgery. Patients can expect to take two or three weeks off normal activities such as work. They will not be able to lift or exercise for around three weeks. In addition, it may be several months before they are completely recovered and can see the finished results.
Many patients have mild to moderate pain as they heal. They may notice some swelling and bruising. In most people, these subside to tolerable levels within six weeks and are almost completely gone after three months.
Most people will need to wear a special support garment for several weeks after the surgery. This garment applies firm pressure to the area that was lifted. This reduces swelling and also helps the area to heal in the most attractive possible shape.
Although a body lift is a major surgery, most people have an uneventful recovery and are happy with the end result.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Body Lift?
Men and women generally will have a good result from a body lift when they have the following characteristics:
- Good physical health
- Realistic expectations of the procedure
- Excessive sagging skin and unshapely tissue
- A desire for a trimmer and smoother appearance
If you are interested in this procedure, the next step is to discuss your options with Dr. Cuber. He can help you to understand what to expect from different procedures and to make a decision that best suits your goals.
To schedule a consultation for a body lift or any other body sculpting procedure, contact our Long Island offices today at 516-472-7846 or through our convenient online form.