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About the procedure Body Lift

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Our Philosophy on Body Lift Surgery

At AR Plastic Surgery, our approach to body lift surgery after weight loss is centred on personalised care that meets each patient’s unique needs. We understand the effects significant weight loss can have on the body and approach body lift surgery with a philosophy that prioritises addressing both the physical changes and individual concerns of each patient. This tailored approach helps alleviate discomfort and aesthetic concerns caused by excess skin, ensuring the procedure is suited to each patient’s specific circumstances.

The surgeons who operate at AR Plastic Surgery bring many years of experience to body lift procedures, taking great pride in achieving results that align with the aesthetic expectations discussed during consultations. By drawing on their expertise, they work meticulously to deliver outcomes that meet the patient’s goals, ensuring a high level of care throughout the process.

Our philosophy emphasises informed consent and a comprehensive understanding of the procedure. We ensure that each patient is fully aware of the technical aspects, potential outcomes, and recovery process associated with a body lift. Safety and patient comfort are our top priorities, and we strive to align surgical goals with realistic, achievable outcomes. This approach helps patients feel confident in their decision to undergo surgery, knowing they are well-informed and their expectations have been carefully managed.

Understanding Body Lift Surgery After Significant Weight Loss

Body lift surgery, often referred to as a circumferential body lift, is a comprehensive procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat following significant weight loss, and it addresses the lower torso and upper legs, including the abdomen, waist, hips, buttocks, and thighs. After substantial weight loss—whether through bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes—individuals are often left with excess skin that can lead to physical discomfort, such as skin irritation, rashes, or moisture accumulation in skin folds, as well as aesthetic concerns for some.

This procedure helps alleviate both physical discomfort and aesthetic concerns by removing excess skin and tightening the underlying tissues to reshape and support the body’s new contours. It is important to understand that body lift surgery is not intended as a weight-loss procedure but rather as a way to change the body’s shape by removing excess skin and complementing the patient’s new physique. Suitable candidates are those in stable health who maintain a consistent weight and have realistic expectations about the results and recovery process.

During pre-operative consultations, surgeons discuss the comprehensive nature of the procedure, explaining what it involves and the realistic outcomes that can be expected. Candidates are evaluated based on their overall health, the stability of their weight loss, and their personal goals, ensuring that expectations are aligned with what can be surgically achieved in terms of both structural and aesthetic changes.

Different Methods of Body Lift Surgery

Total Body Lift

A total body lift is an extensive procedure that targets the entire lower half of the body, including the abdomen, hips, back, buttocks, and thighs. This method is suitable for patients who have experienced significant weight loss and are left with excess skin around their entire torso. The surgery involves making an incision around the body’s circumference, which allows for the removal of a sizeable strip of skin and fat.

Upper Body Lift

An upper body lift focuses on the chest, back, and sides and is often combined with an arm lift to address excess skin in these areas following weight loss. This procedure is tailored for patients requiring corrections above the waistline, and the incisions are typically made around the body’s circumference at the bra line. This allows for the removal of excess skin and the repositioning of tissues across the upper body.

Lower Body Lift

A lower body lift addresses the abdomen, buttocks, groin, and outer thighs. It is suitable for patients with excess skin in these regions, often following significant weight loss. The incision is typically made around the belt line, extending over the hips, across the back, and around the thighs, enabling comprehensive reshaping of the lower body by removing excess skin and fat, and tightening the remaining tissues.

What to Expect During the Day of the Procedure

The day of body lift surgery is carefully planned to ensure patient comfort and safety. Patients arrive at the surgical facility, are greeted by the surgical team and are led through the final pre-operative steps. These include a comprehensive review of the surgical plan, confirmation of consent, and pre-operative marking of the areas to be addressed.

Patients are prepared for surgery in the pre-operative area, changing into surgical attire and undergoing final health checks, including blood pressure monitoring and pre-medication administration. This preparation is crucial for ensuring the patient is physically and mentally ready for the procedure.

Once in the operating room, the patient is administered general anaesthesia to minimise discomfort during the procedure. The surgical team follows a pre-determined plan to remove excess skin and fat and tighten the underlying tissues. The duration of the surgery can vary significantly depending on the extent of the areas being treated and the specific techniques used.

Aftercare and Recovery

Immediately following the surgery, patients are taken to a recovery area, where they are closely monitored as they wake from anaesthesia. Post-operative care begins with pain management and monitoring for any signs of complications. Most patients must stay in the hospital for a few days following surgery.

Once home, patients are advised to rest and limit movement to facilitate healing. They are given specific instructions on how to care for their incisions, including how to bathe, recognise signs of infection, and when to return for follow-up appointments. Compression garments are often required to help reduce swelling and support their body’s new contours.

Follow-up visits are critical and are scheduled to monitor the healing process, remove sutures, and address concerns. Recovery can take several weeks, with total activity typically resuming after six to eight weeks. Patients are supported throughout this period with advice on nutrition, gentle exercises, and wound care.

Procedure gallery View our patient results

Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty Results

Breast Reduction Results

Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Results

Abdominoplasty Results

Disclaimer: The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors, including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise. Some images may have the patient’s tattoos, jewellery or other identifiable items blurred to protect patient identities.

Potential Risks

Like all major surgical procedures, body lift surgery carries potential risks, which must be discussed thoroughly before the procedure. These risks include:

  • Infection
  • Significant scarring
  • Haematoma (blood pooling)
  • Seroma (fluid accumulation)
  • Sensation changes
  • Complications related to anaesthesia
  • Asymmetry in the contouring of the body

Risk management is an essential aspect of both pre-operative planning and post-operative care. We employ comprehensive strategies to mitigate risks, using appropriate surgical techniques, meticulous post-operative monitoring, and providing detailed patient care instructions. This proactive approach helps to minimise complications and prioritises patient safety throughout the entire process.

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