frequently asked questions body lift surgery

It's to be expected that you will have many questions about body lift surgery before deciding whether or not to go ahead.  We aim to answer some of the more frequently asked questions here, but do not hesitate to get in touch if you have further questions.

What is a body lift?

A body lift procedure is a surgical operation where excess skin and fat is removed. It can restore a more youthful appearance to your skin.

Why would I need a body lift?

After massive loss of weight, either naturally or especially surgically through gastric bypass, the once overstretched skin may not be able to restore its elasticity. This can cause unpleasing folds of skin to hang over the abdomen, under the arms, or around the thighs. Massive weight loss can result in saggy breasts as well.

I just lost a significant amount of weight and my skin appears very loose and flabby. Can I get a body lift immediately?

You will need to wait 18 months for your body weight to stabilise and then consider having a body lift.

I just lost a significant amount of weight and my skin appears very loose and flabby. However, my doctor tells me that I am still overweight. Can I get a body lift immediately?

Overweight patients should lose any excess weight first, wait 18 months for their body weight to stabilise, and then consider a body lift if needed.

Can age be a factor in determining whether or not I should have a body lift?

Yes. Many people who choose to undergo a body lift are 40 to 60 years of age, since age can exacerbate hanging or loose skin post weight loss and can make the breasts sag even more. This is due to the increasing loss of skin’s natural elasticity as one grows older. It is highly recommended for pregnant women or those planning to be pregnant in the future to postpone the operation until after all expected pregnancies for more visible and longer lasting results.

Is my initial consultation free?

Yes. In fact, we even recommend that you come back for a free second consultation after a period of careful consideration for more information regarding our services and for expert advice from our highly experienced team of cosmetic surgeons.

What can I expect from my first and second consultations?

Before a body lift procedure, you will engage in a detailed discussion with your surgeon in the initial consultations involving what exactly about your appearance you wish to change, including your expectations of the body lift. It is essential to set your appearance priorities with your surgeon, and this will facilitate the process of determining the best individualised body lift procedure for you. During the consultation, you will also receive a detailed quote of the surgery’s cost and your overall fitness, as well as medical history, will be evaluated. Your surgeon may also, in the initial or second consultation, make measurements of your body or take photographs for surgical calculations and record purposes. You will have a thorough idea of what the surgery will entail, benefits, procedures to be used, risks and complications, most likely outcome, and recovery time before you decide to undergo the operation. We will also provide you with a hard copy of crucial information to take home regarding the body lift procedure you are interested in.

Can I talk to previous patients about their experiences with the body lift?

Absolutely, and we strongly suggest that you make the most of the opportunity we present for you to discuss with our past patients who underwent our body lift procedures to learn more about their firsthand experiences.

How is a body lift actually performed? How does my surgeon remove my extra skin?

Your cosmetic surgeon will first mark down the skin that needs to be excised. After making the necessary incisions, extra skin will be cut off and excised. Liposuction may also be employed to more effectively eliminate extraneous fat, and the surgeon may utilise a surgical drain to remove additional internal fluid that can collect in the body cavities during surgery.

What are differences between a thigh lift, breast lift, and arm lift?

The techniques used are extremely similar, but each procedure differs in the location of skin that needs to be removed and scar placement. The scar for the thigh lift runs on the inside of the thighs from the knee to the groin area, and for the arm lift this scar will be from the inside of the elbow to the armpit. Breast lift scars will run from under the nipple to and around the bottom breast fold. The overall result in each case is to create firmer, younger looking skin. Recovery times may vary slightly depending on location of the surgery and amount of fat removed during liposuction as well.

Can I have other breast procedures performed along with a breast lift?

This can be arranged with your surgeon. In fact, a breast lift is often performed in combination with breast augmentation or reshaping.

Will a body lift procedure create scars? What are they like, and do they go away?

Yes. For the first six weeks, your scars may be visibly raised and red in colour. However, after about six to twelve months, the scars will fade and flatten significantly to a colour and texture close to that of your normal skin. Any scar can never disappear completely, but your surgeon will make the incisions as inconspicuous as possible and easily hidden by the outlines of a bikini.

Can everyone who wishes to have a body lift undergo the procedure?

There are certain qualifications that must be met for patients who are interested in a body lift. In general, those who have significant areas of loose or flabby tissue on their bodies, are physically healthy, do not smoke, have a positive yet realistic outlook for the surgery’s role in improving their appearance, and are determined to continue living a lifestyle of good nutrition and exercise will be qualified for the procedure. Smokers, those with chronic illnesses such as asthma or diabetes, or those with psychiatric issues may not be good candidates for a body lift operation. It is important to discuss with your surgeon whether or not you are a good candidate for the surgery.

Are body lifts available for both men and women?

Yes, both men and women can undergo a body lift operation.

What if my surgeon tells me that my body lift cannot be completed in one sitting?

Additional operations may be necessary, as it may not be viable to complete the body lift in one sitting. These procedures are usually completed at three-month intervals in order to improve your body shape and skin tone to the fullest.

How long will it be before I can resume normal activities and return to work?

Although you will be mobile immediately after the surgery, it is highly advised to take at least four weeks off work for ample recovery time. If your job involves heavy activities or lifting, you may need to take eight or more weeks off, depending on how well you recover. Be prepared to remain at home, under close supervision by a friend or loved one for the first few days, for up to six weeks. Normally, patients resume normal activities after four to six weeks and continue exercise after six to eight weeks.

Will I need to return to have stitches removed?

In most cases, no. Dissolvable stitches that will naturally be absorbed by your body are used for the most part. If your surgeon uses non-absorbable stitches, you will need to return for suture removal.

Is there anything special I need to wear after the surgery?

If provided with a medical compression garment, you should wear it at all times except while showering or bathing. You may need to continue wearing dressings for the first two days.

Will I be able to shower or bath after the surgery?

It is best to only shower or bath after your dressings are removed, usually after two days.

What are some temporary side effects to having a body lift operation?

Expected post-operative side effects include swelling and bruising near the sites of operation that will generally subside over the course of a few weeks.

What are the other risks?

Minor separations of the skin, decreased sensation on the areas of operation, and formation of seromas or pockets of fluid that can arise under the skin are the more common complications. Some of the potentially more serious risks of a complete or partial body lift include infection; nerve damage; a negative reaction to the anaesthetic; inadequate wound healing; and haematoma, which is collection of blood under the skin. Blood clotting can occur in the legs or the lungs, although precautions are taken to avoid this situation. If blood clots do form, you may need to take blood thinning medications. Fluid build-up under the skin can occur in the operated region, and this will need to be removed in the outpatient clinic using a needle. If you notice signs of any of these conditions, it is crucial to contact your surgeon as soon as possible.
Fortunately, the aesthetic benefits of having a body lift usually vastly outweigh the risks. It is your job to carefully evaluate your individual case and take into consideration the recommendations of your surgeon.

Will a body lift make me feel better about myself?

Regardless of the fact that in virtually every case, patients are highly pleased with the results of our body lift procedures, a body lift or any form of cosmetic surgery may not necessarily make you feel better about yourself. It will certainly benefit many patients who are unsatisfied with their body by improving their self-image and increasing confidence levels, but plastic surgery is by no means an automatic remedy to fundamental emotional and psychological issues. We insist that you maintain a realistic outlook, and our team will ensure your satisfaction with the procedure and results of your body lift.

Will I see you after the procedure?

Yes. It is our policy to arrange follow-up visits regularly with your surgeon or with another member of our medical team to monitor your recovery carefully. If you notice signs of anything unusual at home during the recovery period, it is crucial to contact your surgeon as soon as possible.