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Body Lift
A body lift includes a tummy tuck with thigh and buttock lift, and is typically performed in cases of massive weight loss (MWL) but may also be performed as a mommy makeover. This surgical procedure can be done in stages or in a single operation. Excess folds of skin are removed, and the skin is draped to exhibit a smoother, tighter contour of the abdomen, waist, thighs and buttocks. Patients throughout the United States are choosing to take control over their obesity issues with bariatric surgery. In the Atlanta area there are many bariatric surgeons offering a variety of weight-loss surgical procedures. Minimally invasive procedures such as the lap band, and more invasive procedures such as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, are recognized as safe and effective. MWL patients have folds of loose skin and fat that conceal the transformed body that lies beneath. Plastic surgical body contouring procedures are specifically designed for MWL patients. These procedures improve the quality of life and self-esteem for MWL patients.
What is the benefit of body lift plastic surgery?
Extreme weight loss, usually following a gastric bypass procedure is a life-changing experience both physically and mentally. You are happy with your new size but not so comfortable in your "new skin.” One of the drawbacks of extreme weight loss is loose skin. This is when you can benefit tremendously from a body lift. This can include a tummy tuck (perhaps with some
liposuction to contour your waist if necessary), together with a posterior belt lipectomy to get rid of the loose skin in your back and lift your buttocks (buttock enlargement is also available). A breast lift surgery is usually required to reverse the sagging. You can choose to use a breast implant (silicone or saline) to give your breasts better shape. Arm lift surgery removes all the loose skin that hangs in your upper arm, much like a thigh lift to make your thighs shapelier. You may not need all of these skin-removing procedures, but whatever your specific needs are, we will do our very best to improve your body image and give you back your confidence.
Who is a good candidate for massive weight loss plastic surgery?
Body contouring procedures address the significant skin and tissue laxity throughout the arms, breasts, trunk, thighs, buttocks and face. It is appropriate to begin planning for body contouring procedures for patients who are approaching their 'goal' body weight, and anticipate maintaining a stable body weight. Body contouring procedures can be extensive, so excellent health is
essential. Motivated patients that have stuck with an exercise and diet program after bariatric surgery are particularly good candidates for body contouring procedures.
Is a body lift right for you?
As stated, body lift is most commonly recommended for people who have achieved significant weight reduction resulting in a hanging and loose abdominal pannus, sagging of the skin on the thighs, buttock and waist. Patients who have gone through pregnancy or older patients who may have excess and loose skin of the abdomen, thighs and/or buttocks may also be candidates.
Losing weight through bariatric surgery or other more traditional methods is a life-changing experience. Your quality of life can improve dramatically, but first you may need to deal with issues of excess skin. Skin folds can be problematic in multiple ways, not just for your appearance but your health and comfort as well. Areas such as the inner and outer thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and hips can be affected by excess skin after weight loss. Body lift surgery may be recommended as a solution to these problems, sometimes in conjunction with other body contouring procedures. If you believe you have reached a healthy and stable body weight, schedule a consultation to see if this surgery is right for you. Post bariatric surgery candidates must be at an ideal body weight (a body mass index of less than 30), be at least 18 months from their weight loss surgery, have maintained a stable weight for at least 6 months once the ideal body weight is reached, and have good eating and exercise habits.
Body lift consultation
Your consultation will take place in a private clinical setting in our Galleria office with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Fara Movagharnia will examine you in the presence of a female. He will formulate a body contouring treatment plan that specifically addresses your cosmetic concerns. He will carefully review your health history and consult with your primary care
and bariatric physicians to ensure that you are healthy enough to have body-contouring surgery. Planning procedures of this type takes considerable time. Dr. Movagharnia will spend ample time with you to answer all of your questions and review photographs of surgical results. You should plan to spend at least an hour with us for your initial consultation.
Body lift plastic surgery operation (body contour procedures)
Body contouring procedures are usually done either in a hospital or a surgical center. Dr. Movagharnia has hospital privileges at Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital (where he is the Chief of Staff), and at Northside Hospital where he can do body contouring surgeries. The goal of all body contouring procedures is an improved body contour with well-concealed surgical scars. Prior to the procedure, a set of detailed markings are made on your body to plan for your procedure. Most body contouring procedures are performed under general anesthesia.
There are a myriad of ways to rejuvenate the massive weight loss patient. In general, Dr. Movagharnia does the 'body lift' procedure first. During a subsequent operation, arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) and breast lift/augmentation is done as a combined procedure. Finally, a thigh-lift surgery is done as a separate procedure. Facial cosmetic procedures, such as facelifts and eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), are generally done as separate procedures.
Lower body lift
A lower body lift is an extensive surgical procedure that treats the circumferential laxity of the abdomen, buttocks, and lateral thighs common in massive weight loss patients. This complete rejuvenation is accomplished by removing excess skin and soft tissue around the circumference of the trunk. Flattening of the buttock contour is also treated. There is a noticeable lifting affect of the outside portion of thigh and the buttock with this procedure. The lower body lift scar is kept low on the abdomen, hip and upper buttock region. This scar can easily be concealed beneath a swimsuit or underwear.
Tummy tuck
The tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the abdominal wall. Excess skin and fat is removed, the belly button is repositioned, and the abdominal wall is tightened and flattened. There is also a noticeable lifting effect of the outer thigh with this procedure. The scar is kept low on the pelvis, just above the pubic area, and runs laterally to the hip region. It is easily concealed beneath a swimsuit or underwear.
Thigh lift
The thigh lift (thighplasty) is a surgical procedure that treats the laxity of the inner thigh. Depending on the degree of laxity, the scar may extend along the length of the inner thigh to the knees, or maybe limited to the upper thigh region. A lower body lift will also dramatically tighten the outer thigh, and the inner thigh to a lesser degree.
Breast lift
The breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure that treats the droopy appearance of the breast and nipple. Excess breast skin is removed, and the nipple is lifted into a more youthful position. Some of the breast tissue is used to add fullness to the upper pole of the breast without the use of a breast implant. A breast lift can be done in conjunction with a breast augmentation procedure to add additional breast volume.
Arm lift
The arm lift (brachioplasty) procedure removes the sagging, excess skin and fat along the back of the upper arm and armpit. The length of the scar depends on the amount of skin laxity a patient has. For patients with excess upper lateral chest skin folds, the arm lift can be extended to treat this region as well. It can be combined with breast procedures during the same operative session.
Liposuction
Liposuction removes unwanted fatty deposits and can be combined with other body contouring procedures. Since skin elasticity is often compromised in massive weight loss (MWL) patients, liposuction alone is usually not indicated. Liposuction is commonly used as an adjunctive procedure to improve the body contour achieved during a tummy tuck, arm lift or other skin-excision procedures.
How long does it take to see the result after a body lift plastic surgery operation?
After the surgery, you will probably need to rest for the first 24 hours. After the second day, you will have to walk with assistance. Special garments are worn to promote skin contraction, hold the buttocks up, and minimize swelling. For the first week, surgical drains will be in place. Total recovery time with a body lift may require 6 to 8 weeks, but recovery varies for each patient. In many cases further but less extensive surgeries are needed to achieve the desired result.
What are the possible complications of a body lift?
In practice, the following side effects happen quite rarely, and Dr. Fara Movagharnia will exam you thoroughly to minimize the risk of side effects:
· Pulmonary Embolus
· Swelling and discoloration
· Bleeding and hematoma
· Seroma
· Infection and/or abscess
· Dehiscence (wound breakdown)
· Bad scars
· Pain (early, late, neuroma)
The risk of complications is thought to increase with BMI, so achieving a healthy and stable body weight before your surgery is paramount.
How much does a body lift cost?
During your initial consultation, you will receive details about body lift costs, as well as other information about the procedure. Because prices can vary per patient, it is best if you meet with us to discuss your case on an individual basis.
We are pleased to offer belt lipectomy surgery to patients in Atlanta and all over the USA. Discover how our compassion, experience and expertise set us apart from other body lift surgeons in Atlanta.
To learn more about body lifts, please take a moment to contact our office at 770-951-7595 today.