Body Lift

What is total body lift surgery?

Through our lifetimes various factors, such as weight gain or loss, pregnancy, aging, smoking, and others, contribute to a decrease in the tightness of our abdominal wall. Additionally, extreme weight gain and loss causes loss of tone and elasticity of the skin, and often results in significant excess skin and fat in a circular nature involving the abdomen, flanks, hips, back, and buttocks. A total body lift, also known as lower body lift or belt lipectomy, is a procedure performed to reshape the entire lower torso by removing excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, flanks, hips, upper buttocks, and back. Total body lift is an extensive procedure, and is performed in only specific clinical conditions and under the direct recommendation of Dr. Glick.

Am I a good candidate for total body lift surgery?

The best candidates for total body lift are individuals in good physical condition with fat and loose skin at the lower abdomen, the flank and hips, the buttocks, and the lower back. Usually, these are patients who were formerly obese and have lost massive amounts of weight either through bariatric or anti-obesity surgery such as gastric bypass surgery, the Lap band, sleeve gastrectomy, or biliopancreatic diversion; or through change in nutrition and fitness habits. Generally, Dr. Glick recommends that you are at your lowest body weight and that you have your children prior to total body lift surgery. Dr. Glick will consult with you on whether total body lift surgery is right for you.

THE TOTAL BODY LIFT SURGERY PROCEDURE

Initial Consultation Prior to Total Body Lift Surgery

At your initial consultation, Dr. Glick and you will carefully discuss your aesthetic concerns, and define a tailored plan to improve the appearance of your abdomen, flanks and hips, buttocks, and lower back. Your goals and expectations will be carefully considered and clarified. Your medical and surgical history will be reviewed in detail, and a physical examination will be conducted. Dr. Glick will advise you which type of total body lift surgery technique is best for you, and also discuss whether any additional procedures are appropriate.

Preparation for Total Body Lift Surgery

Total Body Lift surgery is major surgery and appropriate preparation is needed. Dr. Glick may request that you visit your private medical doctor and/or your bariatric surgeon for a check-up and for any necessary lab work and x-rays. Optimal Nutritional status is also important in massive weight loss patients. Precise preoperative instructions will be reviewed, and all necessary prescriptions will be given to you in advance of your total body lift surgery. You will be instructed to avoid smoking, blood thinning medications, and all aspirin, aspirin-containing products, and anti-inflammatory products (Advil® or ibuprofen, and Aleve®) at least ten days before surgery. In order to promote optimal healing, a complete and comprehensive preoperative instructions will be provided for you, detailing which medications to avoid, and which vitamins , minerals, and homeopathic preparations are ok to take prior to and after cosmetic total body lift surgery. The procedure can be performed in a hospital or an ambulatory surgery facility, and may or may not require an overnight stay. Dr. Glick will discuss with you and recommend the location of your total body lift surgery. For your own safety and comfort you will need to designate a chaperon/care taker that can help you with activities of daily life after the procedure. You should plan to have some help with house-hold chores, such as cooking and cleaning, as these activities are fairly difficult in the immediate postoperative period. Get plenty of rest, and dress in comfortable layered clothing.

What Type of Anesthesia do you need for total body lift surgery?

Total body lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Glick and our Board-certified anesthesiologists will help you understand the process of general anesthesia. We will carefully explain in detail all of the risks, benefits, and alternatives to general anesthesia.

How does Dr. Glick do a total body lift?

There are several different techniques for performing total body lift. Common to all is the removal of fat and excess skin from the lower torso, including the lower abdomen, the flanks and hips, the upper buttocks, and the lower back. The scar is hidden below the bikini line, enabling you to show off your results in shorts and jeans. Tightening of the abdominal muscles may or may not be performed, depending on your specific situation. Total body lift can be combined with liposuction, or other procedures, and is done under general anesthesia. A detailed description of all of the surgical aspects will be reviewed prior to surgery, where all of the risks, benefits, and alternatives will be discussed. After careful consultation, Dr. Glick will help you decide on the best technique to optimize your results.

Recovery and the Postoperative Period

Once surgery is completed, you will recover fully from the effects of anesthesia, and be escorted home with your designated caregiver. Total body lift surgery can be done in the hospital if an overnight stay is required, or at our Ambulatory Surgery Facility. Dr. Glick will instruct you thoroughly on your postoperative regimen and recovery period. You may have surgical drains, and a compression garment applied to the treated area. You will be encouraged to stay as active as possible at home for several days while maintaining appropriate positioning and posture. In most cases the bruising is minimal and resolves after the first week, at which time the drains are removed. Most patients return to work and social activities after 1 to 2 weeks. Dr. Glick recommends avoidance of strenuous physical exercise for approximately 6 weeks following cosmetic total body lift surgery. As always, you are encouraged to stay active, eat a healthy diet, and exercise as tolerated. Dr. Glick and our medical team will closely follow up with you to make sure that your healing is going well.

Results of total body lift Surgery

The results of cosmetic total body lift surgery are a new abdominal and flank region that is smooth and flat. Hips that finally don’t sag and now show your real curves. Buttocks that are lifted into place, and a back free of redundant skin and tissue. Not only will you look great, you will also notice an immediate change in the way your clothes fit. The change in the appearance of the entire torso is immediate and dramatic. In fact, it is not uncommon for patients report additional weight loss following total body lift, due to the increased level of physical activity. Total body lift surgery results are permanent, though various lifestyle and hereditary factors may impact on your long-term results.

How much does total body lift surgery cost?

Total body lift surgery costs vary depending on exactly what technique is used and which areas are targeted. This will be outlined in detail during your consultation. Financing options are readily available.

What are Dr. Glick’s patients saying after total body lift surgery?

Dr. Glick’s total body lift surgery patients are thrilled with their flat and smooth abdomen, sculpted flanks and hips, and contoured buttocks and back. Read what they have to say about the benefits of being a patient at Dr. Glick’s Plastic Surgery.