If you are unhappy with the changes fluctuating weight or the progression of years has made on your body, Daniel Man, M.D., a Florida board-certified plastic surgeon in Boca Raton can perform a body lift or belt lipectomy to restore a youthful slimness to your midsection and minimize the sagging and stretching of skin that comes with weight gain and age.

What is a Body Lift?

A body lift also called a belt lipectomy is a cosmetic procedure designed to slim and reshape specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits and sagging skin. This can improve your body contours and proportion highlighting weight loss and a more sculpted figure.

In contrast to a tummy tuck, which addresses the front abdominal section only, a belt lipectomy addresses fat and sagging skin around the circumference of the midsection, from the abdomen in front, around the “love handles”, and across the lower back.

A body lift also addresses a sagging waistline and buttocks by tightening, toning, and sculpting your midsection and the areas below for a slimmer, sleeker profile. This is a procedure that reveals the efforts of a healthy lifestyle. It is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for healthy diet and exercise.

Benefits of a Body Lift

A body lift contours the body in a way that restores shape to the entire body considering how different areas complement each other. Individuals who seek a body lift do so because it provides the following benefits:

  • Reveals a natural, toned body
  • Diminishes the appearance of cellulite
  • Removes excess skin that has lost elasticity
  • Shows the efforts of significant weight loss

Is a Body Lift Right for Me?

You may be a good candidate for a body lift if you:

  • Have had a significant loss of weight (more than 100 pounds)
  • Have hanging skin and fat in the stomach area, outer thighs, hips, back, and buttocks
  • Have moderate excess weight around your middle
  • Have tried but failed to lose 30 to 50 pounds of excess weight
  • Are near normal weight, but seek improvement in the buttocks, back, and waist
  • Have had gastric bypass and resultant weight loss resulting in loose skin

To fully determine if this is the right procedure, you should schedule a consultation with Dr. Man. A body lift is a very invasive procedure that does require adequate recovery. If your overall health is good, your expectations are realistic, and your attitude is positive, you are likely a good candidate for a body lift procedure.

How is a Body Lift Performed?

This procedure generally takes about four hours with the patient under a general anesthesia and asleep. Incisions are made low on the abdomen and lower back, extending around the lower torso. All attempts are made to place the incisions in such a fashion so that final scar will be easily hidden beneath underwear.

The abdominal wall skin and fat are raised over the abdominal wall fascia and muscle, allowing Dr. Man to separate the layers and determine what excess should be removed. The skin and fat of the abdominal wall, the sides, and the back are pulled down; the skin and fat of the outer thighs and buttocks are pulled up, and excess skin and fat are removed.

Dr. Man uses specialized techniques to carefully sculpt the new midsection. He lifts the thighs and buttocks to contour the lower back and abdominal area for a natural, youthful appearance. He then creates a new navel if necessary for further cosmetic benefit. Liposuction will be used to remove any additional fat deposits in the area before the soft tissue, and the skin edges are sutured together.

Preparing for Body Lift Surgery

Dr. Man consults with patients about their desired final look and develops a plan for your procedure.

Patients are provided detailed instructions on how to prepare for their body lift surgery. These instructions may include (but may not be limited to):

  • Have a complete physical
  • Have a mammogram
  • Stop smoking at least 6 weeks before surgery
  • Stop taking aspirin or other NSAIDs that can cause bleeding
  • Reduce alcohol consumption to three drinks per week or fewer
  • Stay hydrated
  • Set up support systems for after surgery, as your mobility will be compromised

It is important to follow Dr. Man’s instructions before and after the body lift procedure to avoid any complications.

After Body Lift Surgery

At the end of the surgery, compression bandages are applied to help control swelling and compress the skin. Small, temporary drains may be placed to remove any excess blood or fluid.

After the surgery, patients rest comfortably until the anesthesia begins to wear off. Any necessary medications are administered to prevent infection and minimize discomfort. It is imperative for patients to have someone stay with them for the first 24 hours after surgery. An alternative is to stay overnight at our center the first night following surgery to receive care during that time. Our nurses are all ACSL certified, and our facility has specialized recovery options, including chest wall cooling methods to reduce pain and swelling, a hyperbaric chamber, and oxygen treatments to speed healing.

Recovery from a Body Lift

It is important to follow the detailed instructions for the recovery from a body lift to minimize potential problems. Dr. Man advises belt lipectomy patients to remain on bed rest for two weeks to allow the sutures to heal. He gives specific instructions on how much and what type of activity is acceptable during this time. He instructs no heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for several months. Bruising and swelling may last for several weeks, and the scars will slowly fade over the course of a year.

How Long Do Results Last?

The results of a body lift may be long-lasting if patients take care of themselves. A body lift is not designed to be a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining proper diet and exercise routine provide long-lasting results.

How Much is a Body Lift?

During a consultation, Dr. Man will discuss the cost for a body lift, as it varies by patient. In addition to the overall cost, he also goes over payment options and financing to make the procedure more affordable.

What Do I Do Next?

Your body lift consultation is a chance for your cosmetic surgeon to get to know you and your goals, evaluate your body, and discusses whether a body lift or another cosmetic surgery procedure is the best option for your desired look. Additionally, a full medical history is required, so be prepared to discuss information about the following:

  • Previous surgeries
  • Any past or present medical conditions
  • Any allergies or sensitivities
  • All current medications
  • Medical treatments you have received
  • Any plans for weight loss
  • Any plans for pregnancy
  • What kind of recovery period is involved?
  • Will I need additional procedures? How many?

Dr. Man wants you to be an active participant in developing your plan of treatment. By ensuring that you are well educated about your options, he can help you get the results you want from a body lift.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Daniel Man, M.D., offers safe and effective body lift procedures to the residents of Boca Raton, FL, and surrounding cities. Please contact us set up your consultation today.

*The information about body lift was reviewed by Dr. Daniel Man. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.