How to Deal with Excess Skin after Bariatric Surgery - The Total Body Lift Procedure

Patients who most commonly need a body lift procedure are those who have experienced massive weight lose, i.e. one hundred pounds or more, often using bariatric surgery (gastric bypass). With no more fat to fill it out, skin hangs loose from the body, appearing wrinkled, even if the person is not old. After a patient has kept the weight off for at least six months, a cosmetic surgeon may perform a body lift procedure.

Unlike most plastic surgery, the body lift is done in a hospital under full anesthetic and the patient is kept in the hospital for a few days afterward. The surgeon usually begins with abdomen, the area likely to sag most severely. Using a horizontal c-section type incision, he or she removes all the extra skin and fat along with excess tissue. He or she then pulls the remaining muscle and tissue up to the level of the rib cage, as is done with a typical tummy tuck. He or she cuts a space in the skin for the belly button, which would otherwise be misshapen and closes the incision with sutures. He or she then proceeds to the thighs and buttocks, placing the cuts as unobtrusively as possible.

The patient goes home equipped with drainage tubes, dressings and a medical compression garment. He or she will need assistance for a few days and must be careful to follow the doctor’s instructions exactly from dressing changes to dietary and other restrictions.

Recovery is long, it is four to six weeks before normal activity can resume and no strenuous exercise for a while after that. It may be three or four months before new contours can truly be seen.

Other Areas Not Covered in the Body Lift

The term “complete body lift” applies to the three areas mentioned. Other areas of the body not covered by this surgery, such as upper arms or inner thighs, can also have procedures done, but it is not recommended to undergo any more than the total body lift at one time. The rest can be taken care of as need be.

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