Body Lift

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This is a very powerful procedure in terms of changing your physique. It can make a dramatic change in your lifestyle and appearance. There are two main types of body lifts; upper body left and lower body lift. The body lift is a necessary procedure in certain patients with excessive skin in the back area. A traditional tummy tuck will not be adequate to gain the ideal contour.

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Types of Body Lifts

Depending where the skin laxity and fat is located along the upper or lower back will determine what type of body lift is needed.

Upper Body Lift: involves removing the skin and soft tissue in the upper part of the back. The incision is horizontal in the upper back and this technique is used if the upper back has significant excessive tissue or rolls.

Reviews

When looking into an abdominoplasty and possible lower body lift, I had several criteria that I looked for in a surgeon. It was important to me to find a doctor that was highly recommended, was known for great skill, graduated from a top tier medical school, and had their surgical training from a prestigious medical university like Vanderbilt. After consulting various top doctors in my geographic area, I selected Dr. Rikesh Parikh. I found that he demonstrated a meticulous surgical technique and produced natural looking results. Finding a surgeon whose aesthetic sensibility matched my desired surgical results — physique appropriate and naturally appearing — was paramount, and Dr. Parikh was ideal. My consultations were so enjoyable. He is an excellent communicator, whose compassion and genuine interest in his patients is evident. He always took the time to understand my individual needs. During my time as his patient, I felt completely comfortable recommending him to friends and family. I will always be thankful to him for providing such a positive and stress-free surgical experience. C.B.

Lower Body Lift: The benefit of the Lower Body Lift is contouring the abdomen and lower to mid back area. It has no impact on the upper back skin or fat. Dr. Parikh will be able to determine what procedure you need to fit your goals and needs. Sometimes both techniques are required.

Candidates for Body Lift

Candidates are healthy and nonsmokers. Smoking can affect wound healing and skin survival. Smokers should try to quit at least 4 weeks prior to the procedure. Most patients are weight loss patients. Candidates have excessive skin in the back area especially around the love handle region and in the front tummy area. The surgery can be performed in one stage or two stages. Dr. Parikh prioritizes your safety and tailors his approach that best fits your needs and goals.

Postoperative Recovery after Body Lift

This procedure is more involved that a standard tummy tuck. Recovery is based on how much is removed, the length of time in the OR and the patient's baseline medical condition. Safety is of utmost importance. Some swelling and bruising is normal. An abdominal binder is placed after the surgery. Drains are used and generally stay for 1 week. Patients usually return to work after 2-3 weeks. It is important to walk around after surgery, but activity is semi restricted to optimize healing. Scars can change and fade up to one year. Dr. Parikh can discuss scar therapy treatments and how to optimize scar healing at the time of consultation.

Body Lift Complications

Bleeding
Infection
Wound Dehiscence
Deep vein thrombosis
Asymmetry
Recurrence
Seroma
Altered sensation

With any surgical procedure complications can occur, but are generally low. We encourage you to ask about complications during your visit with Dr. Parikh. Dr. Parikh will ensure that your safety is first and discuss any concern in great detail that is tailored to your specific medical history.

Preparing For A Body Lift Surgery

A body lift surgery is an invasive surgical procedure that can take a heavy toll on your body. Preparing well for this surgery is crucial for ensuring smooth and rapid recovery. Let’s take a look at a few steps that you should take in the days and weeks leading up to your body lift surgery.

Two weeks before your scheduled surgery date, you will be given instructions regarding the medications and supplements that you consume. Some of these medications and supplements may interact adversely with your recovery. Typically, Dr. Parikh would advise you against consuming medications and supplements that cause the blood to thin. Examples of such medications include ibuprofen, aspirin, other NSAIDs, and certain herbal supplements.

A week before your scheduled surgery date, you will be asked to stop consuming alcoholic beverages and cigarettes. Make sure that you refrain from consuming alcohol and tobacco products as both alcohol and tobacco are known to exacerbate inflammation. This will put your immune system under immense pressure during recovery, which can trigger complications. Even if there are no complications, certain side effects such as bruising and redness may be prolonged.

You should arrange for someone who can drive you home after the surgery has been successfully completed. You should also arrange for a domestic help who can look after your kids and/or perform household duties as you recover.

Remember, you will be unable to return to your regular activities for at least a few weeks following a body lift surgery. So, take the necessary preparatory steps to avoid difficulties during recovery.

Contact Our Office

If you’re interested in learning more about the body lift procedure, don’t hesitate to schedule your informative consultation with Dr. Rikesh Parikh. He is a highly skilled board-certified plastic surgeon who will help guide you throughout the surgical process and address any questions or concerns that you may have along the way.

Body Lift Bellevue | Seattle