Break out that little black dress.

You’ve worked hard to lose that weight, but now you’re left with excess skin. We can tighten the things that are loose with a body lift, and you can finally feel great about what you’ve achieved.

After the body has undergone dramatic and rapid weight loss, it is often unable to re-conform or adjust to its new, smaller proportions and loose skin accumulates in all areas where layers of fat previously existed. Exercise and topical treatments cannot meet the aesthetic and emotional challenges caused by sagging skin, but body lift surgery is ideally suited for patients with this profile.

A body lift, also called a belt lipectomy, is a combination of surgical procedures to remove excess skin. A lower body lift is a butt lift, thigh lift, and tummy tuck. An upper body lift can vary but often includes an arm lift and removal of excess skin on the back and chest.

A body lift improves the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports skin and fat. Excess sagging skin and fat are removed improving a dimpled irregular skin surface. A body lift should be performed when the patient is as close to his/her desired weight as possible and has maintained a stable weight for at least six months. If both an upper and lower body lift is needed, several surgeries will be scheduled months apart to allow adequate healing time.

About the Procedure

The full or partial body lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Incisions will be made in locations where scarring is least obvious, such as low in the groin area or the back of the arm. After the incision is made, small deposits of fat are removed, the skin is pulled tight, and excess skin is trimmed.

Body lifts are not strictly for the removal of excess fat. Liposuction alone removes excess fat deposits where skin has good elasticity and is able to naturally conform to new body contours. In those instances where skin elasticity is poor, body life techniques along with liposuction may be recommended.

Aftercare & Recovery

Recovery after surgery is extensive, and you may need to remain hospitalized for a night or two. You will be prescribed medication to help with the pain and prevent infection. Patients will likely experience tenderness, swelling, bruising, tingling, itching, and pain after the surgery. You should not shower for at least three days. Patients should remain in bed for a period of time with the body supported by pillows and then remain at home for up to four weeks, avoiding exercising for up to three months. Full recovery can take many months, so it is imperative you remain patient and allow your body to heal properly.

Each patient is unique; therefore, results of treatment may vary.

Request your consultation with one of our Plastic Surgeons in Sandy Springs or Hiram to learn more.

Procedures & Treatments