Circumferential Body Lift

What is a Body Lift?

A body lift is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fatty tissue from the middle and lower abdomen, the hips, the outer thighs, the back, and the buttocks, and also to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. A body lift can be performed on both men and women and typically includes a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), a thigh lift and a buttock lift.  Often times, it is combined with other surgical procedures, such as liposuction, to further enhance the end result.

It’s important to realize that 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. Many of Dr. Epstein’s body lift patients are those who have undergone bariatric surgery or who have experienced dramatic weight loss on their own, leaving them with tremendous amounts of excess fat and skin. For those who have undergone the surgery, a body lift can be a very rewarding experience, improving the body’s shape and contour and completing the weight loss process.

How is a Body Lift performed?

A body lift is an outpatient procedure performed at Dr. Epstein’s fully accredited surgical center, Northbrook Plastic Surgery.  Your body lift will be individualized for your specific conditions and the regions to be treated.

Excess skin and fat from the entire midsection of the body is removed. The scar required for the procedure is typically placed very low on the abdomen, generally in the pubic area, runs higher on the thighs to preserve the aesthetic appeal of the thigh, and continues along the lower back, just above the buttocks. The scar, which usually heals very well, is hidden by most underwear and bathing suits.  Dr. Epstein will discuss the surgery with you in great detail to make sure you understand the procedure and the anticipated results.

What to expect during the recovery period:

For the first few days, you are likely to feel discomfort which can be controlled with pain medication. Your abdomen, thighs and buttocks will be swollen. The swelling will resolve over a period of weeks to months, depending on the extent of your body lift. In general, 75% of the swelling is resolved at 6 weeks, 95% at three months and nearly 100% at 6 months to a year.

• Following the body lift procedure patients should plan to be out of work for 2 weeks
• Pain and discomfort are managed with oral medication
• Drainage tubes might be inserted, which will require personal home care for up to two weeks
• You will be provided with a medical compression garment to wear at all times except while bathing
• Dressings are generally removed two days after surgery and showering is allowed at that time
• Your post-surgery activities will likely be restricted until you have adequately recovered. This 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 7-10 days off work and four to six weeks’ recovery before returning to normal activities.  In six to eight weeks, you can resume exercising

The results of a body lift are visible almost immediately and your new uplifted body contours should be long lasting, provided that you maintain your weight and general fitness level.