Body Lift in Scottsdale

We help you improve the shape and tone of your body in Scottsdale

A body lift improves the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports fat and skin. Excess sagging fat and skin are removed to treat conditions caused in part by poor tissue elasticity. In addition, the procedure(s) can improve a dimpled, irregular skin surface, commonly known as cellulite. A body lift may include these areas:

• Abdominal area, locally or extending around the sides and into the lower back area
• Buttocks, that may be low, flat or shaped unevenly
• Groin that may sag into the inner thigh
• Thigh, including the inner, outer, or posterior thigh, or circumferentially

Body lifts are not intended strictly for the removal of excess fat. Liposuction, alone, can remove excess fat deposits where skin has good elasticity and is able to naturally conform to new body contours. In cases where skin elasticity is poor, a combination of liposuction and body lift techniques may be recommended.

Considerations and Options

All lower body lift techniques tighten the buttocks/back of the thighs and hips/outer thighs. Loose sagging skin below the incision is removed. The remaining skin in the buttock and thighs is pulled upwards, and the skin is repaired, suspending the tissues and tightening them. This requires positioning the patient on their tummy or side during the procedure. Incision closure is performed in multiple layers over drains, to control stretching and swelling.

Once the back and sides of the patient have been addressed, the front of the patient is treated with the patient positioned on his/her back. Two options are available. These options should be discussed with you preoperatively and are chosen based upon your choice. One option is to combine the lower body lift with abdominal contouring, otherwise known as tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). The other option is to combine lower body lift with an inner thigh lift if the abdomen does not require contouring, or if the patient has had a previous abdominoplasty. These techniques utilize the removal of skin, or excision of skin, to tighten loose, sagging tissue. It can include the removal of the fat layer under the excised skin to lessen fullness and padding in the lower body.

Candidates for body lift surgery all have extra skin that must be removed by excision. This differs from liposuction, in that liposuction removes only fat through small quarter inch incisions, but no skin. However, liposuction may be done in conjunction with body lifting techniques to smooth and contour areas separate from the effects of the body lift excisions. A thorough discussion and examination are essential to determining a comprehensive surgical plan.

The following conditions could indicate that body lift is right for you:
• Have experienced a massive weight loss due to dieting or bariatric surgery
• Pregnancy and/or aging have left you with loose or sagging skin in the hip, thigh, abdomen and/or buttock areas
• Relatively thin layers of fat below the skin of these areas
• Overhanging skin in your lower body restricts your mobility and/or causes painful chafing, rashes or infection

What to Expect

The day after surgery you will be very sore, however this is expected and typically is controlled with pain medications. Your need for medication reduce as the discomfort will dissipate 1-2 weeks after the surgery. Also, expect to take at least two weeks off of work to recovery from the body lift surgery. Activity is generally determined by the progress of the healing of the incision. You may start to walk immediately after the procedure and increase this as tolerated. Heavy lifting and activities that require extensive use of the lower body should be avoided for 6-8 weeks. Rigorous exercising may be resumed after 6-8 weeks. You may resume sexual activity in 4-6 weeks.

Surgical drains are usually placed to remove fluid which accumulates within the incisions. Once the drains are removed movement will be easier and you will be asked to wear a compression garment for the next 6-8 weeks to aid in comfort and to facilitate resolution of the swelling.

The incision used for a lower body lift produces a permanent, noticeable scar around the entire lower trunk. The scar placement is determined by where you wear your clothing, and it can be easily hidden by clothing or a bathing suit. The scars may be red or pink for about a year, but should gradually improve.

Most patients who have a body lift surgery have had a significant weight loss. Their skin has been over stretched by being very heavy, and the skin never returns to normal. The results will not be the same as someone who has never had a significant weight loss. The scars are usually more visible, wider, and the skin may loosen more quickly.

Surgery Risks from a Body Lift

Each year thousands of women and men undergo successful body lift procedures, experience no major problems and are happy with the results. Significant complications from a body lift are infrequent. However, make sure you understand what surgery involves, including possible risks, complications and follow-up care. A body lift poses various risks, including:

• Pain, swelling, and bruising during the first few weeks after surgery
• Visible scarring at the points of incision
• Excess scaring
• Uneven contours may occur in spite of efforts to balance skin and fat removal
• Rippling of the skin
• Fluid accumulation beneath the skin (seroma).
• Skin loss (tissue necrosis)
• Changes skin sensation
• Nerve damage

Like any major surgery, a body lift poses a risk of bleeding, infection, blood clots, and an adverse reaction to anesthesia. It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to the surgical tape or other materials used during or after the procedure.

You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions of your surgeon, both before and after your body lift surgery. If you have any concerns about the risks involved with body lift surgery, please consult Dr. Bash. Your safety is her primary concern.