body lift

Body Contouring, or Body Lift, surgery, removes and tightens excess skin in different areas of the body. Body Lift procedures are designed to streamline the silhouette by removing excess folds of skin for a tightening effect. The Body Lift is generally done in combination with Liposuction to remove excess skin for a slimmer, toned appearance. The procedure can also used to lift the thighs and buttocks, and to sculpt the entire body via a band around the waist, which is referred to as Belt Lipectomy.

Every patient is different and every case will vary in terms of severity and the extent of the physical discomfort and/or emotional distress suffered. Some may need extensive surgery across the trunk and limbs to rectify the problem, while others may only need specific areas to be targeted, such as the lower abdomen, upper arms and/or thighs. Anyone who is suffering from the problem of excess skin will need to have an in-depth consultation with an experienced surgeon to assess their condition and advise on what can be achieved with different procedures. The most severe cases will need different surgeries over a period of time to get the best result. Examples of different forms of Body Lift surgery include:

• Circumferential Body Lift: one of the most intensive forms of surgery which delivers the most visible results. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision across the back, flanks and abdomen. Excess skin is then removed and the remainder tightened as the incisions are closed and stitched in place. The procedure uses Superficial Fascia Suspension System (SFS), applied using the dynamic Lockwood Procedure, to elevate skin tissues and hold the entire sculpture together for a tighter, more streamlined and rejuvenated appearance.

• Belt Lipectomy, also referred to as Abdominal Lipectomy, a ‘Tummy tuck’ or Panniculectomy: The surgeon makes an incision across the ‘belt line’ to remove the excess skin and fat prior to closing and stitching the incision. The end result is a flatter stomach, lifted buttocks and a smoother thigh contour.

• Arm Lift, also known as Brachioplasty or Arm Liposuction: reduces visible excess skin and fat located between the underarm and the elbow.

• Thigh Lift, also known as Thighplasty: helps to create firmer and more shapely thighs.

For more details on Arm Lift or Thigh Lift, please refer to: arm/thigh lift page

Patients need to be prepared for the fact that body lift surgery is a major surgical procedure that requires significant time for recovery. After surgery, patients will need a pain management program and should always wear compression garments, except when bathing. They will experience restricted movement for between four to six weeks, apart from gentle walking which is encouraged to accelerate blood flow and healing and should anticipate the need to take a leave from work of one month or more. The full results will be evident after swelling has subsided, which normally takes several months, although ninety per cent of the swelling will have gone within three months.