recovery body lift surgery

Body lift procedures, if they include arm lift or thigh lift operations, are performed under a general anaesthetic and require a few days stay at the hospital. It is not necessary to have dissolvable stitches removed, for your body will naturally absorb them over time. During the surgery, you will usually have some dressings and drains, which are suction bottles connected to plastic tubes, placed around the wounds. Your surgeon will provide instructions regarding the drains and dressings, as well as whether any non-absorbable stitches were used that require another visit to have them removed. We will recommend pain medication for you to alleviate any post-operative pain as needed.

Before undergoing the operation, you should make the necessary preparations for your recovery, such as arranging furniture to make important items like an alarm clock easily accessible from your bed. Arrange beforehand to have someone safely escort you home after you are released from the hospital following your surgery. During the post-operative period, avoid reaching up or bending down, and try to place necessary items and toiletries at hip level. It is important to wear comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and take off. During your recovery from body lift surgery it is best to have a neighbour or loved one look after any small children or pets you may have. Be sure to incorporate plenty of rest and sleep into your daily schedule to ensure a rapid and successful recovery. Even though light walking is viable after the operation, it is highly recommended to avoid heavy lifting of five pounds or more or other strenuous exercise. If provided with a medical compression garment, you should wear it at all times except while showering or bathing. It is best to only shower or bath after your dressings are removed, usually two days after the surgery.

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.

Expected post-operative side effects include swelling and bruising that will generally subside over the course of a few weeks. You may experience pain, which can be alleviated as needed with prescription pain medication. As with many cosmetic surgery operations, a complete or partial body lift can create substantial visible scarring in the first six weeks. During this initial recovery period, your scars may be 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.

After your body lift is completed, we will arrange follow-up visits regularly with your surgeon or with another member of our medical team to monitor your recovery carefully and to treat or correct any serious complications immediately, should any arise. Should you experience any abnormal bleeding, observe signs of infection, or a sudden increase in pain while at home, immediately contact your surgeon. Because of individual variation in physical fitness and recuperative ability, the recovery times suggested here are only approximate and can certainly vary depending on individual health and the post weight loss operations performed. It is crucial for the patient to closely follow the advice of their surgeon, especially specific post-operative instructions provided, to ensure the most efficient recovery possible.

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 to develop an idea of the expected recovery process.

body lift surgery further information

Feel free to browse through details of what we offer to learn more about our services and procedures. For more information about our procedures, our team of cosmetic specialists, or to book your free first or second consultation, please call us on 0800 328 5743 or complete our online enquiry form. We will be delighted to attend to your concerns and assist you in any way.