When to Consider Body Lift Surgery

By Dr. Deane on November 10, 2020 under Body Lift

When to Consider Body Lift Surgery

There are various options for slimming down your body after you’ve lost weight. If you have finally achieved your dream weight but still have excess loose, sagging skin, you may want to consider a body lift. This cosmetic surgery procedure is designed for those who want a toned, tighter figure.

Why Choose Body Lift Surgery?

Although dieting and exercise can help you to reach your weight loss goals, you may be left with excess skin. This occurs when you have lost a large amount of weight. A body lift can eliminate that excess skin in your problem area whether that’s the upper, mid or lower body or even the arms or legs. You can determine whether the procedure is right for you based on a few factors.

Stable Weight

You should only consider body lift surgery if you have reached your goal weight and maintained it for six months at a minimum. If you have a problem with your weight going up and down, it can work against the purpose of the procedure. Maintaining your new weight after your surgery is also best as it helps you to keep up your new look.

Recovery Time

It’s important to know that incisions are made during body lift surgery. This is necessary in order to eliminate fat and excess skin. Your scars can be easily concealed, but it’s normal to experience redness, bruising, and swelling after the procedure. In terms of recovery time, you will need two or three weeks off from work. The swelling lessens by 75 percent within the first six weeks of your surgery. After three months, it should subside by at least 95 percent.

Lifestyle Changes

If you smoke or consume large amounts of alcohol, you are not a good candidate for body lift surgery. Smoking can stall healing and increase your risk of blood clotting. However, if you’re considering the procedure, you should quit smoking and stay away from cigarettes and other tobacco products for at least one month before you get surgery.

Excess consumption of alcoholic beverages can raise your bleeding risk during and after the procedure. Swelling would also be increased. Alcohol is also bad to mix with some medications.

Set Realistic Expectations

You should always know what to expect during and after surgery. Speak with the plastic surgeon beforehand. Adverse effects can include depression and anxiety and make it difficult to maintain your new weight.

Eat Healthy and Exercise Regularly

You should also consume a healthy diet and incorporate regular exercise into your daily life. Both can help you in the short- and long-term when you get body lift surgery. Your recovery can also progress faster if you eat foods rich in protein.

Bariatric Surgery Patients

Body lift surgery is probably the best option for anyone who has lost a lot of weight in a short time frame. As a result, the procedure is tailored well for individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery procedures like gastric bypass or gastric sleeve.

Schedule a Consultation

If you live in Long Island, New York and are looking to get body lift surgery, contact Leland Deane, MD, FACS of the New York Plastic Surgical Group, a division of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group, at your earliest convenience. Call (516) 441-7427 to schedule your consultation.