Upper and lower body lifts are excellent operations that get rid of loose, hanging skin that remains after a massive weight loss. They raise and tighten the skin of the buttocks, hips, groin and abdomen. Body lifts are major operations but there is no other procedures can get rid of this excess tissue.
The upper body lift removes excess tissue from the upper back and front of the chest. The incision is usually goes from the back of the shoulder to under the chest. It may be combined with an arm lift, lateral chest lift, breast lift in women and chest skin reduction in men.
The lower body lift combines a tummy tuck with a back lift. The incision is made right around the lower body, from the groin to the back. Hips and buttocks are often lifted as the result of a body lift. The rectus abdominal muscle is tightened as well. A vertical incision on the abdomen (“fluer-de-lis tummy tuck”) may be needed.
Upper and lower body lifts may be done together if a person’s health, BMI and estimated length of surgery makes this safe to do. Liposuction may be needed if there is still excess fat. However, heavier people are likely to need two or more operations.
Body lifts require general anesthesia and often an overnight stay in the hospital. There may be considerable pain at first and the tissues are tight for weeks. To protect lower body incisions, sitting is not allowed for 2 weeks. A compression garment is worn for up to 6 weeks. The final result is seen in 6 months.