Body Lift

A Body Lift combines the benefits of several separate procedures.

It addresses the looseness and skin excess of the abdomen, thighs and buttocks. More extensive surgery than the tummy tuck, the body lift is performed on the lower torso and upper legs and involves the belly, hips, back, buttocks and outer thighs.

Photos courtesy of Dr Gilland, Houston

Although the steps of the body lift procedure differ depending on the needs of the patient, doctors often perform surgery on the stomach first (tummy tuck), removing excess skin from the belly button to the pubic area and then tightening the abdominal wall muscle. This is the area that is most often loosened by pregnancy or weight loss. The fat and skin from above the belly button is pulled down and sutured in place and the belly button is pulled out to its normal position.

The procedure continues with the rest of the body parts, and often involves liposuction on the outer thighs. In all, the body lift surgery can take anywhere from 3 to 7 hours.

Recovery from the body lift can be painful and extended. Patients have tubes and drains left in their skin for one to two weeks post surgery to drain any tissue fluid or blood. They are encouraged to walk right away, and progressively move more as days pass. Most patients resume normal activity in four to six weeks after body lift surgery.