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What Is Body Lift Surgery?

Excess skin presents obvious cosmetic issues but can also be a debilitating problem, leading to uncomfortable friction and unnecessary weight on the musculoskeletal system. A body lift, or belt lipectomy, is a great way to reconstruct the entire midsection to eliminate excess skin and fat for a more slender silhouette.

Body lift surgery is a comprehensive cosmetic surgery designed to remove excess tissue and tighten loose skin in areas that commonly experience significant laxity, such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and upper arms.1 This procedure is especially popular among patients who have undergone significant weight loss and want to improve their body contours. In Orange County, California, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Farbod Esmailian offers body lift surgery to help restore a more toned and youthful appearance.

Types Of Body Lift Plastic Surgery

There are three types of body lift plastic surgery, each toning and contouring a specific area of the body:

  • An upper body lift targets the upper torso, including the chest, back, and arms2
  • A lower body lift targets the entire belt line, including the abdomen, hips, and thighs3
  • A total body lift targets the whole body, including the upper and lower torso, arms, and thighs4

Other areas that may be lifted separately include:

  • The buttocks
  • A sagging groin
  • The thighs, including the outer thigh, inner thigh, or circumferentially

Body Lift Candidates

You’re likely a good candidate for a body lift in Orange County if:

  • Your weight has been relatively stable for at least one year
  • You have a significant amount of sagging skin after weight loss or due to aging
  • You are not considering future pregnancies
  • You do not have medical conditions that can impair healing or increase the risk of surgery
  • You are a nonsmoker committed to leading a healthy lifestyle that incorporates proper nutrition and exercise to maintain your results

Benefits Of Body Lift Plastic Surgery

As a procedure that gives your body a thorough overhaul, here are some of the benefits that a body lift can provide:

  • Improved body contour for a more toned and sculpted appearance
  • Increased self-confidence
  • Improved mobility, as removing cumbersome excess fat and skin makes it easier to move and engage in physical activity
  • Improved hygiene, as excess skin folds can be difficult to clean and maintain, leading to hygiene issues and potential health problems
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Your Body Lift Consultation With Dr. Esmailian

Your body lift journey begins with a thorough consultation. Dr. Esmailian will ask about your medical history and your cosmetic goals and perform an examination to gain a professional understanding of the situation. During this time, he will make recommendations and take the time to answer any questions you may have. Dr. Esmailian prioritizes listening to his patients, ensuring he can provide exactly what they want.

During this time, you’ll also receive detailed information about the recovery process, such as what to expect and how you can mitigate post-procedure discomfort.

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The Body Lift Procedure

As the first step of a body lift surgery, Dr. Esmailian’s board-certified anesthesiologist will administer sedative medication for your comfort during the procedure. The type of sedative will be chosen based on specifics regarding your body.

Next, Dr. Esmailian will make an incision according to the amount and location of the skin to be removed. This incision pattern will be thoroughly discussed ahead of time so your scar expectations are accurate. In the case of a complete lower body lift, the incision will be circumferential around the entire midsection. This allows Dr. Esmailian to remove excess skin from the abdomen, hips, and lower back all at once, restoring your physical contours to a youthful, toned appearance.

Sometimes, a body lift is combined with liposuction to achieve your goals. In this case, Dr. Esmailian will also apply deep support sutures into the underlying tissues. This will help shape the ideal contours for your body.

Finally, Dr. Esmailian will close the incisions with precise suture techniques to minimize scarring.

Body Lift Recovery And Results

Immediately after the surgery, you may need to wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and support your newly contoured body.

Most patients can return to work and normal activities within two to four weeks but should avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for at least six to eight weeks. During this time:

  • It is essential to maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated
  • Smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided as they can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications
  • Attend follow-up appointments to monitor progress and ensure optimal results
  • The results of your body lift are dramatic and visible on an immediate basis. These results will continue to improve as your body heals and the skin adjusts to the new contours.
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Schedule a Consultation For Body Lift Surgery

At the office of Dr. Esmailian, we are committed to delivering the best body lift surgery possible. This is done by listening to our patients and taking every action to meet their goals. Contact us to schedule your consultation today to learn more about a body lift in our Orange County office.

FAQs About Body Lift Surgery

Can I combine any other procedures with body lift surgery?

What areas of the body can a body lift target?

How long is the recovery process after body lift surgery?

Will body lift surgery help tighten my abdominal muscles?

How should I prepare for body lift surgery?

How long will the results of body lift surgery last?

Can I combine any other procedures with body lift surgery?

Yes, many body lift patients choose to combine additional procedures such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), breast lift, arm lift, thigh lift, or even a buttock lift for a more comprehensive transformation. Combining procedures can optimize your overall results and reduce the need for multiple surgeries.

What areas of the body can a body lift target?

A body lift can target several areas affected by loose skin and tissue laxity, including the abdomen, upper back, thighs, buttocks, and upper arms. Depending on your unique needs, Dr. Esmailian may recommend additional procedures, like an arm lift for the upper arms or a thigh lift for the inner and outer thighs, to achieve your desired results.

How long is the recovery process after body lift surgery?

Recovery after body lift surgery varies depending on the extent of the surgical procedure. Generally, patients should expect to take at least 2-4 weeks off from work and avoid strenuous activity for 6-8 weeks. Dr. Esmailian will provide specific aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and optimal results.

Will body lift surgery help tighten my abdominal muscles?

While body lift surgery removes excess skin and tissue, it can also be combined with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) to tighten the abdominal muscles if needed. This combination is ideal for patients who have experienced muscle separation due to weight fluctuations or pregnancy.

How should I prepare for body lift surgery?

Preparation for body lift surgery involves maintaining a stable weight, being in good health, and stopping smoking if applicable. Dr. Esmailian will provide pre-operative guidelines, including medical clearance if necessary, to ensure you’re ready for the procedure.

How long will the results of body lift surgery last?

The results of a body lift are long-lasting, especially when patients maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Significant weight fluctuations after surgery can affect the results, so it’s important to manage your weight and follow Dr. Esmailian’s post-surgery care recommendations.

1 ASPS. Body Lift. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/body-lift. Accessed October 19, 2024.
2 Aesthetic Surgery Journal. The Impact of Comorbidities on Patient Outcomes in the Upper Body Lift: A Retrospective Review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9475277/. Accessed October 19, 2024.
3 Cleveland Clinic. Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23375-lower-body-lift. Accessed October 19, 2024.
4 Annals of Plastic Surgery. Single-staged total body lift after massive weight loss. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15096919/. Accessed October 19, 2024.

Page updated: November 08, 2024

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