Toledo Plastic Surgery – Monroe - Body Lift
Body Contouring After Massive Weight Loss

Congratulations! You’ve done the hard part by losing the weight, and now you’re wondering how to reach your final goal of a new body image. Many people are surprised after losing weight that their bodies don’t look the way they expected. Loose, sagging skin is a common problem for massive weight loss patients, but fortunately, plastic surgery can help you achieve your dreams.

Monroe plastic surgeon Dr. Kelly will take the time to carefully evaluate your situation and help you decide which surgery or surgeries are required to create the shape you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Dr. Kelly performs all surgeries in his state-of-the-art facility in Monroe with highly trained assistants.

Body Lift Plastic Surgery Procedure Information

Some of the more common surgeries used for body contouring after massive weight loss are as follows:

• Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) - An arm lift will reduce or eliminate excess skin from the upper arms. An incision is made from the elbow to the armpit, so some scarring will be visible. Brachioplasty is usually done under general anesthesia, and initial healing occurs in 10 to 14 days, while bruising gradually disappears over 3 to 4 weeks. Scars will fade in 6 to 24 months, depending upon your skin.
• Thigh Lift - A thigh lift will reduce or eliminate excess skin from the thighs, producing tighter, more shapely thighs with fewer skin irregularities. The location of scars will vary, depending upon the part of the thigh that needs to be lifted. A thigh lift is performed under general anesthesia, and recovery will vary depending upon the extent of the surgery. Oral medication may be adequate to control discomfort for smaller thigh lifts, but for larger thigh lifts, skilled nursing may be required. Bruising and swelling usually subside within a month, and full recovery is usually expected within 4 to 6 months.
• Buttock Lift - A buttock lift will reduce excess skin from the buttocks and create firmer buttocks with more flattering contours. This surgery will produce either upper or lower scars, depending upon your body type. Buttock lifts are performed under general anesthesia, and recovery will vary depending upon the extent of the surgery. Bruising and swelling usually subside within a month, and full recovery is usually expected within 4 to 6 months.
• Hip Lift - Often performed in combination with thigh and/or buttock lifts, a hip lift will reduce or eliminate excess skin from the hips, creating a smoother, more shapely physique. Scar locations will vary, depending upon your body type and other surgeries performed. Hip lifts are performed under general anesthesia, and recovery will vary depending upon the extent of the surgery. Bruising and swelling usually subside within a month, and full recovery is usually expected within 4 to 6 months.

Additional Plastic Surgery Procedures

Procedures that may enhance the result of body contouring include Liposuction / Liposculpture, Breast Enlargement, Breast Lift, Tummy Tuck, or Neck Lift.

Occasionally, if the body lift is being performed for medical reasons, the procedure may be partially covered by insurance. Usually, the patient is responsible for payment.

The specific risks and the suitability of any body contouring plastic surgery procedure can be determined only during your consultation with Detroit area plastic surgeon Dr. Kelly. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk, but major complications are unusual.