Tampa Body Lift
A body lift, or belt lipectomy, is a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure that serves to remove loose and sagging skin around the abdomen and lower back. Because of genetics, changes in weight, smoking and sun damage the skin the skin may lose elasticity and develop unsightly laxity and sagging around the waist. A belt lipectomy as the name suggests, removes this troublesome excess of skin around the waist.
Occasionally, particularly in cases of massive weight loss, a body lift may include lifting of the thighs. The goal of a belt lipectomy is the improvement of the appearance of the lower body including the waist, back and thighs. The result being an improved contour and shape, giving the patient a better proportioned body.
At New Tampa Plastic Surgery, during your consultation with Dr. Fakhre, an examination will help determine if a body lift is right for you.
Reasons for Considering a Body Lift in Tampa:
The Body Lift Procedure
The extent of the body lift performed depends on the patient's body habitus. In general a circumferential incision is made around the waist and the excess skin and fatty tissue is dissected free and removed. Additional incisions may be made along the inner thighs, similar to that needed in a thigh lift. When the excess skin and fat are removed, the incisions are closed in layers using absorbable sutures. This creates the much needed lift to the lower body, improving the body's contour.
Drains are often placed by Dr. Fakhre after surgery and these are usually removed at a week after surgery. A body lift is performed under general anesthesia and can last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours.
Recovery following a Body Lift
In the spectrum of plastic surgery procedures, the body lift or belt lipectomy is certainly more involved than most procedures. As a result, the downtime and recovery will be longer. Every patient is different, but in general about one to two weeks of downtime will be necessary. Drains are often placed following the procedure and these are usually removed after about five to seven days.
Dr. Fakhre will place you in a compression binder following your surgery. This will need to be worn for about a month after surgery to provide additional support and compression to the surgical site. Patients will have pain following a body lift, but Dr. Fakhre will prescribe oral pain medications to help control this. Complications following a body lift are rare, but real and by carefully following Dr. Fakhre's postoperative instructions you will help minimize this risk.
To find out if you'd be a good candidate for a body lift in Tampa and Wesley Chapel, Florida, schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Fakhre, your Tampa and Wesley Chapel Plastic Surgeon, at 813-PLASTIC (752-7842).
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