What is Body Lift?
A body lift improves the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports skin and fat. Excess sagging skin and fat are removed and the procedure(s) can improve a dimpled, irregular skin surface.
A Body Lift may include these areas:
- Abdominal area - locally or extending around the sides and into the lower back area
- Buttocks
- Thigh - the inner, outer or posterior thigh, or the thigh's circumference
Aging, sun damage, pregnancy, significant fluctuations in weight and genetic factors may contribute to poor tissue elasticity that can result in sagging of the abdomen, buttocks and thighs.
What a body lift can't do
Body lifts are not intended strictly for the removal of excess fat. Liposuction alone can remove excess fat deposits where skin has good elasticity and is able to naturally conform to new body contours. In cases where skin elasticity is poor, body lift techniques along with liposuction may be recommended.
Body Lift cost
The average cost of lower body lift surgery is AU$7,500. The cost of body lift surgery can vary widely, it depends on patient's condition.
This cost may include:
- Anesthesia fees
- Hospital or surgical facility cost
- Medical test
- Post-surgery garments
- Prescriptions for medication
- Surgeon's fee
Body Lift Candidates
In general, Body Lift candidates are:
- Individuals with significant soft tissue looseness in one or multiple body areas
- Healthy individuals without medical conditions that impair healing or increase risk of surgery
- Individuals with a positive mind and realistic goals for what body lift surgery can accomplish
- Individuals who committed to leading a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and fitness
Body Lift Recovery
During your body lift surgery recovery, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions after the procedure is complete. Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood that may collect.
You will be given specific instructions that may include:
- How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery
- Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing
- Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
- How to care for your drains
- When to follow up with your plastic surgeon
Be sure to ask your body lift surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:
- Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
- What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
- Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? When will they be removed?
- When can I bathe after surgery and how may I bathe?
- Are stitches removed? When?
- When will the drains be removed?
- When can I resume normal activity, driving and exercise?
- When do I return for follow-up care?
Body lift surgery recovery at home
If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains or unusual heartbeats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.
Body Lift Result
The results of body lift surgery are visible almost immediately. However, it may take two years or more for the final results of the body lift procedures to fully develop.
Some visible scars will remain, but the overall results are long lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness.
However, most of your initial improvement should remain.
Although good results are expected from your body lift surgery, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.
Following your physician's instructions is essential to the success of your surgery.
It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, motion, swelling or abrasion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.
