Body Lift
Description
Body lift surgery removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, abdominal areas extending around the sides and lower back, buttocks, and thighs. It is an ideal option for people who have lost tissue elasticity resulting in loose, sagging skin in these areas as a result of aging, sun damage, weight changes, or pregnancy.
Benefits
- Improves the tone and shape of underlying tissue that supports skin and fat in the abdomen area, abdominal areas extending around the sides, lower back, buttocks, and thigh.
- Smoother skin and better proportioned contours in these areas of the body.
- More youthful-looking proportions to the overall body
Ideal Candidate
- Significant soft tissue looseness in one or multiple body areas
- Non-smoker and healthy individuals without medical conditions that impair healing
- Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals for what body lift surgery can accomplish
- Committed to leading a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and fitness
Consultation
- During your consultation, Dr. Cho will assess your current medical history, including medications, vitamins and herbal supplements you take, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.
- Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
- Examine and measure your body, this may include detailed body measurements
- Take photographs for your medical records
- Discuss your surgical goals
- Recommend a course of treatment
- Discuss the likely outcomes of your body lift surgery, risks, or potential complications
Recovery
- After surgery, you will have dressings/bandages applied to the incisions
- Drains may be in place that look like small thin tubes that will drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. You will be taught how to maintain and empty these and keep an accurate record of the drainage.
- You may have to wear a support garment following your surgery that should be worn around-the-clock until you follow-up with Dr. Cho. She will then instruct you on how much longer you need to wear the garment.
- You will be given instructions on how to care for the surgical sites after surgery, and how to take medications to reduce pain and risks of infection.
- It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion or motion during the time of healing.
Pre- and Post-Op Care
- Do not take any blood thinning medications for 1 week before surgery: these include aspirin, NSAIDs, ibuprofen/motrin, naproxen. Also avoid any herbal supplements or vitamins which can prolong bleeding.
- Do not smoke or vape or take nicotine-containing products before or after your surgery as they can impair the healing process.
- You will typically be allowed to sponge bathe, but do not shower until the drains come out or until cleared by Dr. Cho
- Wear your binder/compression garments at all times if possible.
- Take medications as directed.
- Avoid heavy lifting as directed by your surgeon.
- Come to all postoperative visits as scheduled.
Surgery is a big decision.
We are here to answer any questions you have and help you determine the right choice for you. If you are considering surgery, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Cho today. She would be honored to discuss your goals and help you achieve the look you desire.