A body contouring procedure – more commonly known as a body lift – can significantly reduce or eliminate loose skin or sagging skin that results from massive weight loss or other causes.
Bariatric patients and those with the discipline to stick with a program of strict diet and exercise are often the best candidates for a body lift procedure. Although they achieved their goal of significant weight loss, some of the side effects from losing a lot of weight can be displeasing both physically and psychologically.
Loose or sagging skin is a common result when someone loses a large amount of weight, and can be unattractive to the individual, as well as uncomfortable when it hinders normal movement and physical activity. In addition to major weight loss, aging, pregnancy, and certain genetic skin conditions also can result in lax hanging tissues.
Body contouring procedures
The four most popular body-contouring procedures after massive weight loss are:
• Breast lift
• Upper arm lift
• Thigh lift
• Lower body lift
Patients often choose to have a combination of surgeries for a more extensive body lift, such as having both an arm and thigh lift, they will undergo a total body lift that involves surgeries on the arms, legs, breasts and stomach.
Who is eligible for a body lift?
Candidates for a body lift need to have maintained a stable weight for at least three months and should follow a healthy exercise and dietary program. Candidates who have had any gastric surgeries, such as a gastric bypass or Lap-Band® procedure, also may have to wait at least a year for their weight to stabilize before undergoing a body lift.
Women planning on having more children may be advised to postpone treatment until after having their last child. Women with normal body weight who are in their 30s and 40s may have the option of having body lift surgery to remove remaining skin and tissue after losing excess post-pregnancy weight.
What can I expect from a body lift?
During your initial consultation, the plastic surgeon will ask you to describe honestly how you feel about your appearance, how you believe others perceive you, and how you prefer to look and feel. Your doctor will want to ensure that you have realistic expectations and understand that results will vary from person to person. You should of course make sure your doctor is board-certified and also feel comfortable enough with your doctor to ask questions and discuss any concerns you have.
When considering a body lift, it is imperative that you seek out all the information you need to make the best choices for improving the way you see yourself. The more prepared you are for cosmetic surgery, both physically and psychologically, the more satisfied you will be with the outcome of your procedures.
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