Body Lift
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What is a body lift?
A body lift, or belt lipectomy, removes excess skin and repositions tissue to create aesthetically pleasing contours following major weight loss or extreme skin sagging due to age. Excess fat can be removed with liposuction or excision. The skin is lifted and reshaped, then reduced and smoothed over muscles to give a newly contoured appearance. In addition, a lower body lift can reduce stretch marks and cellulite if the affected sagging skin is in the surgical area, creating smoother skin overall.
Good candidates for body lift surgery include those who have undergone massive weight loss and have excess skin left over that hinders their body contours. Skin can lose its elasticity, leading to drooping and cellulite areas, not caused by fat but rather by the skin’s inability to stretch anymore. A body lift can correct these issues for smooth skin that appears tight and much more flattering on the patient’s figure.
Body lifts are recommended for patients who have had a stable weight for several months. Depending on the extent of the lift, the surgery can take three to eight hours, and healing time can take one to two months as it is a significant procedure. The patient may also opt for an additional arm lift or a thigh lift if the skin sagging goes beyond the torso.
During your consultation visit, your surgeon will show you before and after pictures of patients who have undergone a breast augmentation. You will be able to see firsthand the difference the procedure made for these people. Interested in viewing before and after photos before your consultation? Visit our online gallery.
Before & After Photos
What is the average cost of a body lift? Is there a charge for the consultation?
The price of a body lift varies for each patient depending on the extent of surgery needed to achieve your individual aesthetic and personal goals.
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Is financing available? And will insurance cover any of my fees?
Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery accepts several types of payment. They are cash, credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover, and American Express), money orders, cashier checks, and financing with an outside agency. Cosmetic body lift surgery is not covered by commercial insurance and must be paid in full before surgery. Make sure finance arrangements are made in advance with a financing agency of your choice.
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Should You Go for a Breast Lift or Not?
Do I have to stop smoking before a body lift procedure?
Yes, Dr. Humphrey requires the patient to stop smoking one month before surgery and one month after surgery. Nicotine in cigarettes, vapes, and other tobacco products decreases the blood supply to the skin, and blood supply is important to the healing process. We also require patients to eliminate secondhand exposure to all tobacco and marijuana products for the same duration.
Is there anything I need to do to get myself ready for surgery?
You must cease taking all blood thinners and vitamin E supplements at least two weeks before and after surgery to reduce bruising and the risk of hematoma. You may need to get medical clearance from your primary care doctor as well as instructions on how to stop these medications if you are on prescription blood thinners. We also need patients to stop taking all herbal medications and diet pills (prescription and over-the-counter) at least two weeks before surgery and one week following surgery.
All cosmetic surgeries done at Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery are elective procedures. We require that our patients be in overall good health before performing any surgery. If there are any remaining questions about your health, medical clearance from your primary care doctor may be necessary.
Additional procedures
What are the types of body lift surgery and how do I determine what is best for me?
Some patients may elect for a full body lift including the shaping and toning of the abdominal area and back, chest, and sometimes thighs. The degree of lift you will need is best determined during your consultation with our experts. Together, the surgeon will listen to your concerns with the goal of having the best aesthetically pleasing result and the least amount of scarring.
Is there a better time of year to have the surgery performed?
It is best to pick a date for your body lift that allows you enough downtime to heal. Since this is an extensive procedure, healing can take several weeks. You should make adjustments at work due to standard elements of recovery like swelling and being on pain medication.
What is my next step?
At Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery, Dr. J. Stewart Humphrey, MD is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. He offers plastic and hand surgery to patients across Missouri, including Cape Girardeau, Jackson, and Sikeston. Heartland Plastic Surgery is located 50 miles from Carbondale, IL and 58 miles from Marion, IL. Your next step is to contact the Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery office today at (888) 515-2847 to schedule your initial body lift consultation. We suggest that you bring a list of your questions to this first visit so our knowledgeable surgeons can best guide you to your ultimate goals. Take this important first step towards a better you and call us today!
Dr. J. Stewart Humphrey is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the gold standard for plastic surgery certification in the United States. Dr. Humphrey…
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
DR. J. STEWART HUMPHREY
