Body Lift

The body lift, also known as a Torsoplasty or lower body lift, improves the appearance of the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. The operation is performed typically to remove excess skin and fat following massive weight loss.

About Torsoplasty (Body Lift)

A body lift is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fatty tissue from the middle and lower abdomen, hips, outer thighs, back, buttocks, and to tighten muscles of the abdominal wall. A body lift is not a surgical treatment for being overweight. Obese individuals who intend to lose weight should postpone all forms of body contouring surgery until they have reached a stable weight.

There are a variety of different techniques used by Plastic Surgeons for a body lift. The exact technique that will be used upon you will be discussed with your Surgeon. A body lift can be combined with other forms of body contouring surgery, including suction 'assisted lipectomy, or performed at the same time with other elective surgeries.

Liposuction may be a surgical alternative to a body lift if there is good skin tone and localized abdominal fatty deposits in an individual of normal weight. Diet and exercise programs may be of benefit in the overall reduction of excess.

Your Consultation

During your consultation you surgeon will ask about your general health, any conditions that might interfere with the procedure and your goals for the surgery.

It is important that you discuss your goals fully with your surgeon so he can advise you as to whether the results will meet your expectations. As part of your consultation, your doctor will perform an exam, explain the details of the procedure and develop a specific plan for surgery and recovery with you.

In most cases you surgeon will require that you be relatively close to your ideal body weight. This is not an absolute requirement.

Your Operation & What To Expect

Time in surgery ranges from 4-7 hours and is usually performed under general anesthesia, while you are asleep. Although the steps of the body lift procedure differ depending on the needs of the patient, surgeons often perform surgery on the stomach first, removing excess skin from the belly button to the pubic area, then tightening the abdominal wall muscle. This is the area that is most often loosened by excessive weight loss.

To treat the abdomen, a horizontal incision is made along the pubic area. Excess skin and usually fat is then removed from the pubic bone to the belly button after all the tissues have been lifted from the underlying muscles, to the level of the rib cage. Often, the abdominal wall muscles are then tightened. The remaining skin and fat is pulled down from above the belly button area, where it is sutured in position at the pubic area. Usually the belly button is repositioned into its proper position. The procedure is repeated in the buttocks and thigh areas, making the incisions as inconspicuous as possible.

In cases that require the removal of fat, liposuction is performed prior to removing excess skin. Any essential repairs to the abdominal wall (such as hernia repair) usually can be made at the time of the body lift.

After Your Surgery

Body lift is a major surgical procedure and requires significant recovery time. Most patients remain in the hospital for one to three nights. Pain and discomfort are first managed with intravenous or intramuscular medications, and later with oral pain medication. A specific dietary plan may be encouraged. Drainage tubes are inserted, which will require personal home care for up to two weeks. A medical compression garment is to be worn at all times except while bathing, which you should keep wearing until your surgeon lets you know it is no longer needed. Dressings are generally removed two days after surgery and showering is allowed at that time.

Restrictions on your activities could include no exercise and no lifting of five pounds or more. Walking is encouraged after surgery; however, further exercise is not recommended until sufficient healing has occurred. Most people require four to six weeks' recovery before returning to normal activities, and generally from six to eight weeks before exercising. There cannot be any pressure placed on the treated area. Approximately 75 percent of the swelling dissipates at six weeks and 90 percent at three months.

Follow all your surgeons instructions carefully; this is essential for the success of your outcome. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Successful post-operative function depends on both surgery and subsequent care. Physical activity that increases your pulse or heart rate may cause bruising, swelling, fluid accumulation and the need for return to surgery. It is wise to refrain from intimate physical activities after surgery until your physician states it is safe. It is important that you participate in follow-up care, return for aftercare, and promote your recovery after surgery

More To Consider

In every medical procedure there is a possibility of complications, which can cause a longer recovery period. The most common body lift complications include seromas (fluid accumulating under the skin) and small skin separations. Your surgeon will help to resolve these issues. Some patients experience reduced sensation in the treated area, which can be permanent.

Infection, bleeding, and blood clots are much less common. The abdominal scars will appear to worsen during the first weeks or months, and may take up to 18 months before they flatten and lighten in color. The scars never completely disappear, but can be hidden by clothing.

Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand these risks and the possible complications associated with them. In addition, every procedure has limitations. An individual's choice to undergo a surgical procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit. Although the majority of patients do not experience these complications, you should discuss each of them with your Plastic Surgeon to make sure you completely understand all possible consequences of a body lift.

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Body Procedures Breast Augmentation Breast Reduction Body Lift (Torsoplasty) Liposuction/Liposculpture Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Breast Lift Calf Implants Thread Vein Treatment (Microsclerotherapy)