Body Lift

A body lift is a cosmetic procedure designed to lift and improve the look of loose, saggy skin at areas like the abdomen, buttocks, groin and/or thighs. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Potyondy removes excess fat and skin in order to improve the look of the area and correct cellulite deposits. While a body lift is not intended strictly for the removal of fat the way liposuction is, it may be combined with liposuction techniques in areas of the body where skin elasticity is especially weak. The best candidates for body lifts are healthy, non-smoking individuals without serious health conditions, who are willing to practice proper nutrition and exercise and who have a positive outlook.

How a Body Lift Works

Whether performed on the complete lower body or in a localized area, a body lift typically involves extensive incisions in order to remove excess skin and fat, as well as to reposition surrounding tissues. Dr. Potyondy will aim to place them strategically, where they can be hidden by swimsuits and clothing. The procedure itself works like this:

1. The Patient Receives Anesthesia. Either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be provided before surgery based upon an individual’s case.
2. The Surgeon Makes the Incision(s). Dr. Potyondy makes incisions at the site where fat will be removed. This could be a round-the-body incision that allows for removal of fat near the buttocks, abdomen, waist, hips and thighs in one procedure, or it may be more localized to a particular area.
3. The Surgeon Closes the Incision(s). After removing excess skin and fat and repositioning tissues, Dr. Potyondy closes up the incisions with sutures, skin adhesives or tape.

Patients will typically leave the procedure with dressings and bandages, as well as small tubes under the skin for draining fluids. Following the surgeon’s specific care instructions will speed the healing process and make it easier for the person to recover smoothly.

Results from Body Lift Surgery

Immediate results are visible with a body lift, although final results could take up to two years to evidence themselves. While there are no guarantees with surgery and some patients may need repeat procedures in order to see optimal outcomes, most individuals find good results through the body lift.