The body lift is designed for people who have lost a significant amount of weight. After weight loss it is common to have excess skin on the lower body and elsewhere. With the body lift, Dr. Kluska can remove excess skin and improve body contour so you can enjoy the results of your weight loss. This procedure is also called belt lipectomy.
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| What is it? | Surgical procedure used to remove excess skin and tissue from the lower body including buttocks, lateral thighs and superior hips |
| In/Outpatient | Inpatient |
| Anesthesia: | General and local |
| Time: | 2 to 5 hours |
| Recovery: | 4 to 6 weeks |
Who is a good candidate for body lift surgery?
The best candidate for a body lift is one who is bothered by excess, loose skin on multiple areas of the lower body. The thighs, buttocks, hips and abdomen may all be affected, as well as other areas. Because of the large skin folds created by excess skin, these conditions often lead to hygiene issues and even pain.
You should reach a stable weight, i.e. be close to finishing weight loss before you undergo body lift surgery.
How The Body Lift is Performed
This is a relatively extensive procedure, or set of procedures that may need to be completed in separate stages. 2 to 5 hours of operating time is necessary. You will be given antibiotics before and after surgery. After that, the first step is marking the incision areas, which will be placed within the natural contours of your skin. The body lift incisions will be placed in locations that can be concealed if possible. Dr. Kluska works around the lower body in a circumferential pattern. Skin is lifted and removed and liposuction is performed to improve body contour.
After Body Lift Surgery: What to Expect
Patients usually rest for the first 24 hours of recovery. On the second day, you may be advised to walk with assistance. Compression garments help control swelling and promote skin contraction. They will need to be worn for about 6 weeks. Total recovery time for a body lift may take 4 to 6 weeks.
Other Procedures for Patients Experiencing Massive Weight Loss
We offer several procedures for the massive weight loss patient. A comprehensive approach is often needed after significant weight loss, so many of these surgeries will need to be combined for best results. Options include brachioplasty, thighplasty, abdominoplasty and mastopexy.
Possible Complications With Body Lift Surgery
The rate of complications with a body lift is believed to increase in patients with a higher body mass index, so it is best to reach a point that is close to your ideal weight before considering surgery. As with any cosmetic surgery procedure, there is a risk of complications including seroma, infection, poor healing, scarring, thrombosis, DVT and pulmonary embolism. If you are concerned about these possibilities, be sure to ask Dr. Kluska for more information during your consultation.
If you are seeking a body contouring surgeon in Pennsylvania or West Virginia, contact the office of Dr. Michael Kluska at the Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery located in Greensburg. Email us with questions or call 724-836-0400 to schedule a consultation.
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