Body Lift
What is a body lift?
Overview
A body lift is designed to improve the shape and overall tone of the tissues that support skin and fat. The procedure removes excess sagging fat and skin and treats conditions that are caused by poor tissue elasticity. In addition to removing excess sagging fat and skin, the various body lift procedures can also improve dimpled, irregular skin surfaces, also known as cellulite.
The various body lift procedures used by Dr. Jimerson may include:
- Abdominal area: this can be treated locally, or incisions can be made around the sides and into the lower back area. Fat is removed and skin is tightened.
- Buttocks: this will treat various problem areas, like flat, low or unevenly shaped buttocks.
- Groin: often skin may sag down into the inner thigh. This skin is tightened and/or removed for a more pleasing appearance.
- Thigh: this is used to treat the inner, outer or posterior thigh, as well as the thigh’s overall circumference.
Please note that a body lift is not designed strictly to remove excess fat. If there is good skin elasticity, then liposuction will be used to remove the excess fat deposits. When skin elasticity is poor, then liposuction will be used in combination with various body lift procedures.
Are you a candidate for body lift surgery?
You have a large amount of soft tissue sagging and looseness in one or many body areas
You enjoy relatively good health without any medical conditions that could jeopardize your healing or present surgical risks
You have realistic expectations on what the surgery can do for you
You’re a non-smoker (smoking can impair the healing process), and you have realistic expectations on what the surgery can do for you
The Recovery Process
A small drainage tube may be placed in the incision in order to help drain excess blood or fluids after surgery. Dr. Jimerson will prescribe pain medications to keep you comfortable after the procedure. He will also discuss when you can resume normal activities and exercise.
Cost for body lift surgery
The costs involved in this procedure include facility fees, medical tests, anesthesia fees, Dr. Jimerson’s fee and any medication or post-operative garments that may be required. Our staff will provide you with a detailed cost estimate for your procedure.
The Surgery
You will discuss various anesthesia options with Dr. Jimerson, including sedation and general anesthesia. He will determine the best type of anesthesia based on the procedures, your health history and his preferences.
In a typical body lift, an incision that is similar to a bikini shape is made on the abdomen to tighten the abdomen, groin, waist, thighs and buttocks in one surgery.
Body lift
Body lift 2
In addition, an incision may be made around the circumference of the body in order to remove the apron of excess skin, as well as to tighten and reposition the underlying tissues.
If necessary, Dr. Jimerson may recommend liposuction to remove additional fat in order to achieve a more appealing body contour.
Different sutures, adhesives and clips are used to close the incisions.
Risks involved in body lift surgery
As with any surgical procedure, there are some potential risks or complications. You have to determine if the benefits that you’ll obtain from your procedure outweigh the risks involved.
Dr. Jimerson and his trained staff will do everything possible to minimize risks and postoperative complications. Risks may include:
Anesthesia • Bleeding • Infection • Scarring •Poor wound healing • Damage to underlying nerves, muscles or blood vessels • Numbness or skin sensation changes • Deep fatty tissue may die • Skin looseness may recur • Persistent leg swelling • DVT, or deep vein thrombosis, with pulmonary complications• Persistent pain • Possible need to revise the surgery • Problems with sutures that may require removal
It’s important to discuss any concerns you have with Dr. Jimerson prior to your surgery. If you have a question – please ask!
Meeting with Dr. Jimerson
Prior to the body lift surgery you will have a consultation with Dr. Jimerson. This is an important appointment, as it will give you an opportunity to ask questions about the procedure and what you can expect from the surgery.
He will discuss you specific goals, take a medical history and review your current medications. Photos are usually taken, both before and after the surgery.
You will also be able to learn what options are available to you, along with the risks and possible complications of the procedure.
Dr. Jimerson and his trained staff will do everything possible to minimize risks and postoperative complications. Risks of the procedure may include:
- Anesthesia • Bleeding • Infection • Bruising • Breathing problems • Leaks in the gastrointestinal system • Gallstones • Malnutrition
It’s important to discuss any concerns you have with Dr. Jimerson prior to your surgery. If you have a question – please ask!
Body lift surgery preparation
What happens prior to the body lift surgery? You will have lab tests, and the doctor may have you take new medications or adjust the medications that you’re currently taking.
Avoid taking medications that can increase bleeding, like aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and various herbal supplements;
If you smoke, you must stop several weeks prior the surgery, as it can severely impeded the healing process.
Finally, you should arrange to have someone available to drive you home after your surgery, and to be with you for the first night.
Results
Be sure to follow Dr. Jimerson’s instruction following your procedure to obtain optimal results.
Why use Dr. Jimerson and the Advanced Plastic Surgery Solutions team?
The team is committed to meet your unique needs, with a natural, long-lasting look. Because of his expertise, Dr. Jimerson offers patients reduced operative times, which means faster recovery times. In addition, he strives to use techniques that are safer than traditional procedures.
Schedule your appointment
The best way to determine if body lift surgery is right for you is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jimerson. The doctor will discuss the procedure, evaluate your concerns relating to your body and answer any questions you may have. To schedule your appointment click here.
Your Body Lift Consultation
Prior to the body lift surgery you will have a consultation with Dr. Jimerson. This is an important appointment, as it will give you an opportunity to ask questions about the procedure and what you can expect from the surgery.
He will discuss you specific goals, take a medical history and review your current medications. Photos are usually taken, both before and after the surgery.
You will also be able to learn what options are available to you, along with the risks and possible complications of the proced