Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy) 

Post gastric bypass, after excessive weight loss, or simply with aging, the skin looses elasticity. Body lift or belt Lipectomy can be used to raise the sagging skin, remove loose skin, and excess fat. Body lift can be extended to inner and outer thighs and/or hips. Body lift can also be combined with liposuction to contour the body

Procedure Description 

• Body lift is only performed under general anesthesia
• An incision is made similar to an abdominoplasty incision that extends to the
  waist and the lower back. At times the incision is extended to the inner thighs.
• Excess skin and fat is removed
• Drains are placed
• Incisions are closed

Recovery 

• Patients are instructed to walk after surgery every few hours to prevent blood clots
• Diet is advanced from clears to solids as tolerated
• Patients are instructed to take their antibiotics, painkillers and anti-emetics
• Depending on the procedure, recovery can take from two to four weeks and patients are advised to take at least a portion of this recovery time off from work
• Heavy lifting or exercising is best avoided during this time. No sit-ups or abdominal exercises for 6-8 weeks after surgery but may resume light exercise about 2-3 weeks after surgery
• Initially there may be bruising, swelling, numbness, pain and discomfort
• A supportive abdominal binder or compression garment can minimize swelling and support the repaired tissues and is worn for 4-6 weeks
• Patients are advised to avoid all forms of nicotine for a month or longer prior to surgery and also during the recovery period
• Drains are removed 7-10 days after surgery
• Postoperative discomfort is usually controlled with oral medications
• External sutures are usually removed between 1-2 weeks after surgery

Please Call or Email Vicky with any questions