Advancements in cosmetic surgery have helped countless people achieve massive improvements to their self-image and personal confidence, enabling them to correct physical imperfections and enhance their natural beauty. One such way to improve your appearance is by getting a body lift.
A body lift is a surgical procedure that aims to correct loose, hanging skin that may result from extreme weight loss, age, or pregnancy. It involves removing and tightening any loose or excess skin around your body, including on the arms, breasts, abdomen, buttocks, waist, thighs, and hips.
It’s worth noting that a body lift does not focus on removing fat deposits on your body and instead focuses on tightening loose skin to create a firmer, toned appearance. Read on to learn more about body lift procedures and whether they’re the right fit for you.
Who Qualifies for a Body Lift?
Not everyone is a good candidate for a body lift, as certain circumstances can make you ineligible for the procedure. Some of the requirements you need to meet before getting a body lift include:
- Maintaining a stable weight with no plans to lose more weight after your surgery
- Having good overall health and no medical conditions that increase surgery risks
- Being a non-smoker
The best way to establish whether you are a good candidate for a body lift is by consulting a professional plastic or cosmetic surgeon.
Types of Body Lifts
A body lift belongs to one of three categories, depending on the location of the surgery. The following are the main types of body lifts.
1. Upper Body Lift
An upper body lift addresses loose skin at the top part of your body. It targets the upper arms, breasts, and upper back. You can decide to target only a specific area or get a full upper body lift that targets your entire upper body. You can combine an upper body lift with other procedures, such as breast augmentation or liposuction, to further enhance your appearance.
2. Mid Body Lift
A mid-body lift targets your abdomen and lower back. Most people pair a mid-body lift with a lower body lift to create a smooth, even silhouette.
3. Lower Body Lift
Also known as a circumferential lift, a lower body lift targets the lower part of your body, consisting of the buttocks, hips, and thighs. It is the most common and expensive body lift procedure among the three.
The type of body lift you get will depend on your body goals. You can also combine the three procedures in a full body lift.
The Body Lift Process
Regardless of the type of body lift you receive, the treatment follows similar steps from start to finish. Your surgeon will begin the procedure by administering anesthesia to minimize pain and discomfort. After sedation, the surgeon will make incisions around the target areas to remove excess skin and fat, as well as reposition and tighten your skin tissue.
Your surgeon will then suture your skin to facilitate healing. You will also get a bandage, compression garment, and drains over the operation area, if necessary. Depending on the extent of your surgery, recovery can take anywhere between two weeks and a few months.
Ensure that a licensed and qualified surgeon performs the procedure to avoid complications. When done right, a body lift can enhance your appearance, boost your self-esteem, and improve the overall quality of your life.