Total Body Lift vs Lower Body Lift

What Is a Body Lift?

It is simple to overlook that the skin is the body's largest organ. It is incredibly elastic, which has both advantages and disadvantages. As one ages, the suppleness of the skin decreases, resulting in "flabby" arms and other unsightly areas with extra skin. Like when individuals gain weight, the skin extends to make room for excess body fat. The skin might be unable to tighten back up once that weight is eliminated. Getting a body lift fixes this. It is intended to treat and address the extra skin condition.

What Is the Need for Body Lift Procedure?

Different regions of the body can be impacted by extra skin for various causes. For instance, excess skin folds and small pockets of fat around the belly may remain after pregnancy and weight loss. Solving these issues through diet and exercise alone is not always possible. Age and gravity are two factors that can exacerbate drooping skin.

Skin folds are more than just an aesthetic problem. They may limit the range of motion and make certain activities, including exercising, more challenging. Hanging skin can also annoy and cause infections. This is why it is crucial to discuss the choices for getting rid of unsightly fat and sagging skin with a plastic surgeon. Cosmetic surgery affiliates may advise a full body lift with liposuction to address these problems and others.

What Are the Preoperative Preparations Done Before Surgery?

• A plastic surgeon will assess the patient before the procedure.

• Patients must be generally in good health and free of diseases like diabetes that can be treated.

• Before surgery, patients are recommended to stop taking specific medications, including anti-inflammatory drugs and blood thinners like Aspirin and Clopidogrel, to prevent excessive bleeding.

• One week before surgery and for one week following it, bad habits like smoking should be avoided.

• Patients must follow a balanced diet. Insufficient protein and other problems may obstruct healing.

• Surgeons may take preoperative pictures to inspect the body and highlight the areas that need to be improved.

• Additionally, preoperative images aid in comparing how various body regions would look following surgery.

• Surgeons will discuss the various options for body lift surgeries, techniques, and outcomes.

• Patients who put on weight after a body lift surgery may risk negatively impacting the procedure's results.

• Depending on the modification required, surgeons will also discuss apparent scars and the need for additional surgery to remove bumps.

• This operation has a recovery period that is usually more extended than expected. After spending one to three days in the hospital or receiving nursing care at home, patients may need two to three weeks to return to their regular routine.

What Are Different Types of Body Lifts?

1. Upper Body Lift: The alterations to the top portion of the body are referred to as an upper lift. It can specifically target the breasts, the upper arms, and the fat rolls on the back. Whether an entire upper-body operation would be appropriate or only specific areas should be the focus of attention is entirely up to the patient and surgeon.

2. Mid-Body Lift: Unfortunately, exercise can help us lose weight but cannot eliminate the extra skin that develops once the fat is gone. There are no other ways to get that skin back to how it was if weight loss does not cause it to tighten. The excess skin and fat from the lower back and abdomen will be taken off during a mid-body lift. The abdominal wall is pulled during this operation to eliminate loose skin. Because of this, people with "tummy rolls" or wrinkles are excellent candidates for this procedure. Because it creates a more seamless transition from the buttocks to the abdomen, many patients like this lift over a lower one, and any possible muscle damage can also be repaired.

3. Lower Body Lift: A lower-body lift, also known as a circumferential lift, concentrates on the thighs, hips, and buttocks. Patients frequently choose this option. Unfortunately, of the three sorts, it is also the most expensive. The advantage of this procedure is that it elevates the buttocks in addition to removing the skin. Due to the incisions' belt-like look, this technique is frequently referred to as a belt lipectomy.

4. Total Body Lift: A total body lift combines all three upper, middle, and lower body lifts and involves the correction of:

• Upper arms.
• Breasts.
• Abdomen.
• Thighs.
• Hips and butt regions

What Are the Postoperative Instructions Given to the Patient?

• Patients may have temporary swelling, pain, and limited mobility for a few days.

• Better recovery requires a healthy diet and nutrients.

• As advised by the surgeon, smoking should be avoided for at least a month prior to and two weeks following the procedure.

• After the procedure, the doctor will implant drain tubes and demonstrate how to empty them. Typically, drains are removed after 3 to 14 days.

• For three weeks, refrain from physical exertion and other demanding activities.

• Patients can resume these activities if driving and walking do not ache after the first two to three weeks.

• During the next six to eight weeks, avoid jogging and strenuous lifting.

• Avoid applying too much stress or motion to surgical incisions during the healing process.

• Medications should be followed as suggested by the doctor.

• Prioritize wearing loose, comfortable clothing until the mending is complete.

• Wearing supportive, stretchy clothing for at least six weeks is recommended. This will aid in muscle tightness and avoid fluid buildup.

• As advised by the doctor, follow-up exams must be conducted regularly.

• After a few months, patients can start evaluating the visual effects of their lower body lift procedure.

• Scars usually fade and flatten over three months to two years.

What Are the Complications of Body Lift Surgery?

• A wound infection may require antibiotic treatment.

• Soreness that persists close to the incision sites.

• Hematoma (an accumulation of blood at the surgical site that needs to be drained).

• Scars that grow over healed incisions are more prominent, raised imperfections known as keloid and hypertrophic scars.

• Usually, only transitory numbness in the vicinity of active spots will go away over several months.

• Seroma (which is an excessive collection of fluid beneath the skin surrounding a surgical incision).

• Necrosis of fat (death of fat cells below the skin).

• Unevenness or asymmetry in the buttocks, thigh, or abdomen.

• General anesthesia-related allergic responses.

• Underlying tissue harm.

Conclusion:

A body lift is a cosmetic procedure to reshape and tone the body. However, cosmetic surgery cannot stop the natural aging process. The skin will eventually lose its firmness and sag as a person ages. There is no guarantee that body lift surgery will produce the fantastic results one hopes. In some cases, a single surgical treatment might not be sufficient to make the best results, and a second surgery can be required. It is crucial to follow the doctor's recommendations if they want the best results.