Body Lift is a surgical procedure performed on individuals who have sagging in multiple areas of their body. It is suitable for individuals who have experienced sagging, drooping, and deformities in specific areas of their body due to reasons such as childbirth, significant weight fluctuations, or genetics. Body Lift can also be beneficial for individuals who have achieved their ideal weight through procedures such as gastric bypass surgery but still have excess skin. This procedure helps create a more feminine, contoured silhouette and an hourglass figure for women. In men, it can result in a more masculine, toned appearance. Through Body Lift surgery, individuals can achieve an aesthetic and healthy appearance.
What is Body Lift?
Body Lift, also known as Belt Lipectomy, is a surgical procedure that targets areas of deformity in the body. When weight is gained, the skin stretches, and this stretched skin does not automatically shrink when weight is lost. This can result in a sagging, wrinkled, and loose appearance of the skin. This appearance can be so bothersome that it can make individuals look older than they actually are, causing them to want to conceal that area of their body and lose self-confidence. Body Lift surgery helps restore the skin to its previous smooth, youthful appearance, giving individuals a confident, happy, and toned look.
Who is a Candidate for Body Lift?
Body Lift is suitable for the following individuals:
- Individuals who are over 18 years old and have completed their body development
- Individuals who are not pregnant or in the breastfeeding period
- Non-obese individuals with a body mass index (BMI) below 30
- Individuals without any medical conditions that would hinder surgery, such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure
- Individuals with deformities such as sagging, drooping, cellulite, or stretch marks in various areas of their body
- Individuals who engage in physical activity but struggle to eliminate stubborn fat and sagging skin
- Individuals who have undergone liposuction and want to reshape their body
- Individuals who desire a contoured and shaped body appearance
- Individuals with significant skin sagging (for mild to moderate sagging, non-surgical methods can be considered)
- Individuals who have undergone gastric bypass surgery and have reached their ideal weight should wait for at least one year at the same weight before considering Body Lift.
Where is Body Lift Performed?
Body Lift can be performed on any area of the body where significant skin sagging is present, depending on the individual’s needs. It is commonly performed on the abdomen, thighs, breasts, buttocks, waist, arms, legs, back, and face. For Body Lift surgery to be performed, it is necessary to treat at least two areas. Body Lift can be considered as the combination of multiple surgeries performed under a single name. The purpose of the Body Lift procedure is to achieve an aesthetic and shaping effect on the entire body.
How is Body Lift Performed?
Body Lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia in an operating room. The surgery typically takes around 3-7 hours. If needed, the surgery can be divided into two parts, performed several months apart. If there is excess fat, Liposuction is performed to remove it. The sagging skin is then tightened, and the excess skin is removed. The surgical area is shaped and closed with stitches.
What is the Recovery Process after Body Lift?
After Body Lift surgery, the individual typically stays in the hospital for 1-2 nights. Drains, which are inserted during the surgery, are usually removed within a few days. Some degree of pain is normal, and it is important to use pain medication and follow the doctor’s advice. Swelling and bruising may occur in the treated area, and applying cold compresses can help alleviate these discomforts. Swelling and edema will typically resolve within 1-2 weeks. After a healing period of about one month, the individual can resume their daily activities. The full effect of the surgery will be visible after approximately three months.
What Precautions Should Be Taken After Body Lift?
After Body Lift surgery, it is important to take the following precautions:
- Rest and limit movements for the first 1-2 weeks after surgery.
- Avoid sleeping on the treated area.
- Use a specialized compression garment for the treated area regularly.
- Avoid high-temperature and high-humidity environments such as hot baths, steam rooms, or saunas.
- Avoid heavy physical activities, lifting heavy objects, and engaging in strenuous activities.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure.
- Follow the dressing changes and post-operative appointments as advised by the doctor. Take prescribed medications as instructed.
Is Wearing a Compression Garment Mandatory after Body Lift Surgery?
Wearing a compression garment is highly important after Body Lift surgery. The protection and shaping of the surgical area depend on wearing the garment. Specific garments are designed for each area to provide comfort and support. The compression garment also helps reduce swelling and edema. Depending on the individual’s needs, wearing the compression garment regularly for 1-1.5 months is necessary.
Will There Be Scarring after Body Lift Surgery?
It is normal to have scars after Body Lift surgery. The incision scars are strategically placed to be hidden by underwear or swimwear. The appearance of the scars can vary depending on the individual’s care for their health and genetic factors. Over time, the scars may fade or remain as they were on the first day. Individuals who are bothered by the scars, even if they are concealed by underwear, can opt for scar revision using laser treatments to minimize the visibility of the incision scars.
Is Body Lift Permanent?
Body Lift surgery is a permanent procedure as long as the individual maintains their weight, adopts regular exercise and healthy eating habits. If an individual regains excessive weight, it can lead to skin laxity and sagging. In such cases, a repeat Body Lift surgery may be necessary.
Does Body Lift Lead to Weight Loss?
Body Lift surgery is not performed for the purpose of weight loss. It is performed to remove excess skin and reshape the body. To undergo Body Lift surgery, individuals should have already lost their excess weight and be at their ideal weight. Body Lift surgery can help women achieve an hourglass figure and men achieve a flatter, more masculine appearance.
What Results Can Be Achieved after Body Lift?
After Body Lift surgery, individuals can achieve a shaped and fit appearance by eliminating excess fat deposits. The waist becomes narrower, the arms and legs achieve an ideal shape, deformities in the breasts are corrected, and the abdomen obtains a firm look. Facial rejuvenation can also be achieved through Body Lift surgery. Body Lift offers a lift effect on all areas of the body, resulting in a smooth and contoured appearance.
Does Body Lift Cause Pain after Surgery?
It is normal to experience some pain after Body Lift surgery. If there are incisions in multiple areas of the body, the pain tends to be concentrated in a single area. Individuals may feel pain in a specific region after surgery. The concentration of pain in a single area and the completion of multiple procedures in the same session contribute to an easier and faster recovery process. Pain medication and the application of ice packs can provide relief during the post-operative period.
Is Body Lift Surgery Risky?
Like any surgical procedure, Body Lift surgery carries certain risks. Prior to the surgery, the potential risks for each individual are assessed, and necessary precautions are taken to minimize those risks. The most important criterion for a safe and risk-free surgery and post-operative process is having the surgery performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. Individuals should seek detailed information from the doctor before the surgery and ensure that the surgery is performed at a Ministry of Health-approved institution.
What Are the Prices for Body Lift?
The prices for Body Lift surgery can vary depending on factors such as the combination of procedures, the size of the treated area, the length of hospital stay, and the experience of the performing surgeon. The exact price for Body Lift surgery can be obtained after a consultation with a plastic surgeon.