Full Body Lift
A full body lift is a major surgical procedure that is most commonly in patients who have had massive weight loss. A full body lift differs from an abdominoplasty as it not only targets the front of your abdomen but also your lower back.
Treatment Time
5-7 hours; full body lift is completed under a general anesthetic and requires a night in hospital. Treatment time depends on how much skin and fat removal is required.
Incisions
Incisions start at the bikini line and curve up towards the front of your hip. The incisions then extend around your flanks and meet above your buttocks.
Benefits
After massive weight loss patients are left with significant skin excess that cannot be removed by diet and exercise. A full body lift removes excess skin which permits patients to wear more form fitting clothes, enhance hygiene, and improve their level of activity.
Technique
Liposuction is often completed first. Incisions are made as described above and tissue is undermined upwards towards the ribs and upper back. Once a safe amount of tissue is removed it is discarded and the area is closed with multiple layers of sutures. Drains are used on the abdomen and back.
Recovery
Incisions are typically well healed by 2-3 weeks while swelling and bruising lasts for up to 4 weeks. Final results can be expected at 2 months. Only light activity is permitted for the first 6 weeks.
Risks
Risks including bleeding, infection, seroma, under or over resection of tissue, and patient dissatisfaction. Wound healing issues are the most common complication given the length and location of the incisions.
Who are the best candidates?
Patients who are otherwise healthy, non-smokers, motivated to deal with postoperative care, and have no history of blood clots in their legs or lungs. It is crucial patients are at a stable weight prior to surgery, as significant weight gain after the operation will affect results.
Adjunct Procedures
Liposuction is almost always completed with a lower body lift for further enhancing natural curves and getting rid of unwanted fat. As a lower body lift is a major operation it is typically completed on its own for patient safety and to minimize operative time.