body contouring - body lift
Introduction
Body lift, circumferential abdominoplasty or belt lipectomy is a surgical procedure designed to remove loose and sagging skin from the lower abdomen, thigh and buttock.
A body lift procedure is generally considered following massive weight loss, that is, greater than 25kg. This can be achieved by diet alone, but generally follows some form of weight reduction surgery such as a “lap band”.
These patients have massive amounts of loose skin, resulting in difficulties with wearing clothes, infections and problems participating in sporting activities.
Often there are a number of areas of skin excess: arms (brachioplasty), thighs (medial thigh lift) and breasts (mastopexy, breast reduction).These patients frequently require multiple operations as the risks would be unacceptably high to correct all areas in the one sitting.
The Surgery
The procedure is performed in hospital under general anaesthetic. Excess skin and fat is removed from the lower abdomen, the lateral thigh and the buttock. The abdominal muscles are tightened if required and the navel is repositioned. Commonly some of the excess skin over the buttock is used to augment the buttock region. This has the effect of giving a more youthful shape to the area.
As with all body contouring surgery, scars are the trade off for an improved contour. Mr. Bloom will make every effort to make the scars as inconspicuous as possible. The scar following a bodylift extends circumferentially around the lower abdomen and back. In most circumstances the scars can be hidden inside the bikini line where they may be easy to conceal. However scarring is an individual characteristic and can vary from patient to patient.
Complications of bodylift include infection, haematoma and seroma (blood or fluid collections under the wound), wound breakdown requiring regular dressings, poor scarring and minor revisional surgery.
After Your Surgery
In most situations you will require several days convalescence in hospital after your bodylift. Drain tubes are used to remove excess fluid. These will be removed after 1 to 5 days depending on the volume of fluid. The length of your hospital stay will depend on your general health, the extent of the procedure, and your surgeon's advice.Returning to normal activities is an individual matter, but most people return to work within two to four weeks and to more vigorous exercise after six weeks.
To be able to drive a vehicle you must be comfortable, off all strong pain killers and moving freely, this can vary from one to four weeks after the operation.
Mr. Bloom encourages the use of a supporting garment to minimize swelling and optimise healing and contour.