Body Lift A more comprehensive body contouring makeover

Good candidates for body lift surgery

• have loose, sagging skin in multiple areas of the body
• have maintained weight loss for 6 months to 1 year
• are healthy, both physically and mentally
• are non-smokers
• have reasonable expectations for improvement

Details of the procedure

The body lift, like the mommy makeover, may involve several procedures at once:

• Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) - The tummy tuck addresses the excess skin between the naval and the pubic zone, and may also improve the stomach's muscle tone, slimming the waistline. Incisions are designed to produce minimal scarring.
• Liposuction - When a surplus of fat is responsible for the body bulging rather than skin tissue, liposuction can be performed to improve contours. Often a combination of both liposuction and body lift procedures are required to achieve the most desirable outcome.
• Panniculectomy - Sometimes the skin and fat directly above the pubic area, known as a pannus, will hang down like an apron, obscuring the genitals and even the thighs. This situation can cause extreme discomfort, poor hygiene, itching and chafing. A panniculectomy will remove this troublesome flap of skin, allowing the groin to finally breathe.
• Belt lipectomy - This portion of the body lift focuses on reducing the area around the buttocks, hips and thighs, such as 'love handles'. A circumferential incision is made that allows the doctor to reshape the torso from all angles.

As is evident, body lift treatment times vary greatly, depending on the complexity of the procedures involved. Los Angeles & Beverly Hills body lift patients can expect surgery to last anywhere from 3 to 9 hours. The doctor may recommend that the procedures be staggered over several months, as this can greatly reduce discomfort during recovery.

Recovering from a body lift

After surgery, patients may be fitted with drainage tubes, compression garments, dressings and bandages. Pain medications and antibiotics will be prescribed by the doctor, along with an aftercare plan to address wound care, and answer questions about when to return to work and exercise. The total time for recovery can be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Beverly Hills plastic surgeonDr. Lahijani

will schedule the appropriate follow-up sessions to ensure you are on track for optimal healing. If any concerns should arise, Dr. Lahijani is available by cell phone for immediate support.