Body Lift
Mokhtar Asaadi MD, FACS
Post Bariatric Surgery
Plastic Surgery New Jersey Office:
101 OLD SHORT HILLS RD, WEST ORANGE, NJ 07052
973.731.7000
Plastic Surgery New York Office:
620 PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10065
212.938.0158

NJ Body Lift

Post Bariatric Surgery

A body lift (also known as post bariatric surgery) is a comprehensive surgery designed to firm multiple parts of the body in one procedure. Body lift surgery targets excess skin left over from substantial weight loss. If you are severely overweight, the skin and underlying tissues stretch to accommodate your excess bodyweight. After major weight loss, the skin and tissues that have been stretched lack elasticity, making them unable to conform to your body’s new, smaller shape. Post bariatric surgery can help improve the tone of your underlying tissues and to remove excess or hanging skin. Body lift surgery can target the abdomen, breasts, arms, back, thighs, and buttocks to promote firmer-looking contours.

What Is A Body Lift?

Body lift surgery, or post bariatric surgery, may incorporate a variety of different procedures, depending on your specific procedure goals. Post bariatric surgery is performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. In some cases, this surgery can take between eight and nine hours to complete. Depending on your specific case, your post bariatric surgery may include:

On the day of your body lift surgery, you will be administered general anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the surgical procedure. Dr. Asaadi will discuss general anesthesia with you prior to your surgery date. Once you are properly sedated, Dr. Asaadi will begin making incisions to remove excess skin. While the incisions required for your post bariatric surgery are extensive, their exact length and pattern will depend on how much excess skin needs to be removed and from which part of the body. As much as possible, Dr. Asaadi will strive to make your incisions in places that can be covered by most clothing to ensure that scarring is virtually unnoticeable. In some cases, body lift surgery is performed in stages. Dr. Asaadi will work with you to develop a plan for your specific procedure during your initial visits.

Body Lift Target Areas:

Abdomen Excess skin around the midsection and flanks is removed and abdominal muscles are repaired
Breasts Sagging or flattened breast tissue is corrected
Arms Loose skin around the upper arms is excised
Back Hanging skin of the upper, mid, or lower back is removed
Thighs Lax skin around the inner, outer, and mid thighs is tightened
Buttocks Sagging buttocks skin can be reshaped and removed

What Can I Expect Before My Body Lift Surgery?

Prior to your body lift surgery, Dr. Asaadi will meet with you for an initial consultation and perform a thorough evaluation of your overall health. At this time, he will also help you to understand the specifics of your post bariatric surgery and develop realistic expectations for your outcome. Please inform Dr. Asaadi of any existing medical conditions or any medications you are taking during your initial consultation. If you smoke, please plan to quit prior to your surgery. You will also need to have lab testing and a general medical evaluation prior to your surgery.

The best candidates for body lift surgery are those who have lost a substantial amount of weight. Patients considering post bariatric surgery should be in good overall health. Since this is the final phase of major weight loss, your weight should be stable. Any significant weight fluctuation following your post bariatric surgery can result in sagging or stretching of your skin. Dr. Asaadi will help you understand when it is an appropriate time for you to begin body contouring procedures.

You will be given guidelines prior to your surgery on how to prepare for your body lift, including informing you of any medicinal or dietary restrictions. Dr. Asaadi will also provide instructions on what to do the day of your surgery and discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used for your procedure. Please arrange for someone to transport you to and from the surgery center and to stay with you for at least one night following your return home from the hospital.

Before your surgery, Dr. Asaadi will take detailed measurements of your body so he can come to a better understanding of what your specific case will entail. He will also take this time to discuss any potential risks or complications.

What Can I Expect After My Body Lift Surgery?

Body lift surgery is a major surgical procedure that requires significant downtime. The recovery period for this procedure is typically three to four weeks, depending on the specifics of your surgery. Following your body lift, bandages and dressings will be applied and a small drainage tube may be placed to aid in healing; these can be removed within the next few weeks. Patients may experience mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the weeks following body lift surgery. Dr. Asaadi can prescribe medications to relieve these side effects. After undergoing post bariatric surgery, your scars will go through a healing process for two to three months. As a general rule, the skin of patients who have lost significant amounts of weight takes longer to heal. To minimize your scarring, laser surgery may be suggested in the weeks following your procedure. For the best results, scars should be treated within two weeks after your post bariatric surgery.

Body lift patients are advised to avoid any rigorous physical activity, including exercise or housework, to allow for optimal healing. You may begin to return to your daily routine after a few weeks of healing. Ultimately, your recovery time will depend on the specifics of your procedure. Dr. Asaadi can further discuss what to expect following body lift surgery during your consultation. Additionally, you will be given detailed post-operative care instructions. Our staff is also available to answer any questions you may have along the way.

The Importance Of Choosing A Highly Experienced Body Lift Surgeon

It is important that you choose a skilled body lift surgeon who understands your individual anatomy, as every patient’s body is different. When the right plastic surgeon performs post bariatric surgery, there is usually no need for a revision. Dr. Asaadi stresses the importance of choosing a qualified, experienced, and board-certified plastic surgeon when considering body lift surgery.

How Can I Get Started With My Body Lift?

Dr. Mokhtar Asaadi and our staff will be happy to discuss body lift surgery with you. Please contact our New Jersey office at 973.731.7000 or our New York office at 212.938.0158 to schedule a private consultation. You may also request an appointment online to meet with our body lift surgeon.

 

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