Body Lift: The Key to Getting Your Body Back After Significant Weight Loss

If you’ve lost a lot of weight, you may still be struggling with excess skin. Often the weight loss journey doesn’t end when the extra pounds are gone. Rather, your end goal is reached when you get rid of the loose, sagging skin that’s leftover after weight loss.

A body lift, performed by a board-certified cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Mark Mathieson, could be the key to getting your body back.

What a body lift can accomplish

A body lift improves the shape and tone of your body by targeting excess, sagging skin and fat — a common problem after significant weight loss. You can undergo body lift surgery on many parts of your body, including your abdominal area (belly, lower back, love handles), your buttocks, and your thighs.

Any excess skin is removed from your body, and your surgeon repositions your tissues to create a more youthful and aesthetic shape and tone.

A body lift isn’t intended strictly for the removal of excess fat. If you have a significant amount of fat to lose in addition to poor skin elasticity, your cosmetic surgeon may recommend liposuction as well. Common motivators for body lift surgery include hanging skin resulting from significant weight loss, pregnancy, age, or sun damage.

What to expect from a body lift procedure

A body lift is a major procedure that requires anesthesia. You may be given general anesthesia, local anesthesia, or a combination. Dr. Mathieson determines the best option for you.

To prep you for surgery, Dr. Mathieson marks areas on your body to guide the procedure. He makes incisions at the predetermined areas, removes excess skin, and repositions it. He may also tighten your upper abdominal muscles and reposition your belly button, depending on your needs and goals.

Then Dr. Mathieson closes your incisions with sutures and bandages them.

Who’s a good candidate for a body lift?

Generally speaking, you’re a good candidate for a body lift if:

You have a significant amount of loose, sagging, or excess skin
Your weight is stable at or near your goal weight
You don’t smoke
You are generally in good health
You don’t have a medical condition that will impair healing

A body lift isn’t intended solely for weight loss. If you need to lose a large amount of weight, consider other options first, such as liposuction or bariatric surgery. In addition to those criteria, you should be committed to maintaining your body lift results through proper nutrition and exercise.

If you think a body lift might be the right procedure for you, call one of our offices today to schedule a consultation, or request an appointment online. Dr. Mathieson is happy to discuss the body lift procedure with you and determine if it’s the right option to help you reach your goals.