Body Lift

A body lift (sometimes called belt lipectomy) is typically performed for individuals who have lost a large amount of weight. After weight loss, it’s common to have excess skin on the lower body, as well as the extremities.

With the body lift, Dr. Dry can remove excess skin and improve body shape so you can enjoy the results of your weight loss.

Is Body Lift Surgery Right For You?

If you are bothered by excess, loose skin on multiple areas of the lower body, a body lift may be right for you. The thighs, buttocks, hips and abdomen may all be affected, as well as other areas. Because of the large skin folds created by excess skin, these conditions often lead to hygiene issues and even pain. You should stop smoking (if applicable) and reach a stable body weight before you undergo body lift surgery.

What Happens During Body Lift Surgery?

A body lift is a relatively extensive procedure or series of procedures performed at intervals determined by your plastic surgeon. You will be given antibiotics before and after surgery. The incision areas are marked within the natural contours of your skin. The body lift incisions will be placed in locations that can be concealed if possible. Dr. Dry works around the lower body in a circumferential pattern. Skin is lifted and removed and liposuction is performed to improve body contour.

How Will I Look and Feel After a Body Lift?

You will probably be advised to rest during the first 24 hours of recovery. On the second day, you may be advised to walk with assistance. Compression garments are provided to help minimize swelling and promote skin contraction. These will need to be worn for about 6 weeks.  Total recovery time for a body lift may take 4 to 6 weeks.

Dr. Dry offers several additional procedures for patients who have lost weight. Many of these surgeries will need to be combined for best results. Options include brachioplasty, thighplasty, abdominoplasty and mastopexy.

Body Lift Surgery Risks and Possible Side Effects

With a body lift, the risk of complications is believed to increase in patients with a higher BMI, so it is best to be at your ideal weight before considering surgery. As with any cosmetic surgery procedure, there is a risk of complications including seroma, infection, poor healing, scarring, thrombosis, DVT and pulmonary embolism. If you are concerned about these possibilities, be sure to ask Dr. Dry for more information during your consultation in Kirkland, Washington.

Do you have questions about body lift cosmetic surgery? Contact the office of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gavin Dry to learn more about this procedure. We are located in Kirkland, Washington, convenient to Seattle, Belleuve and Eastside.