Body Lift Pittsburgh

Designed to tighten the skin following massive weight loss, a body lift is a procedure that may involve multiple body areas, upper and lower alike. Whether your weight loss was achieved naturally, or was the result of a bariatric surgery (gastric bypass or gastric banding), a body lift can eliminate the unattractive, sagging skin that remains.

As an experienced surgeon in procedures such as the body lift, Pittsburgh-based specialist Dr. Heil will determine whether your surgery should take place during one procedure or over a series of smaller surgeries. Depending on the areas of the body that require treatment, the surgical components of your procedure may include:

Upper body lift: Designed to tighten the skin of the upper body, the upper body lift involves removing skin on one key area: the bra line. After any unwanted skin on this area is removed, Dr. Heil will have access to any fat that is to be removed as well (for example: back fat rolls, or fat that must be reduced in order to narrow the waist).

With the aid of this bra line incision, extra skin in other upper body areas, such as under the breasts or over the lower rib cage, can be eliminated as well. If necessary, men can also incorporate male breast reduction (gynecomastia surgery). Finally, Dr. Heil will tighten the skin under the breasts through excision, and the subsequently raised abdominal skin will be sutured to the lower rib cage.

Following recovery from an upper body lift, Pittsburgh residents can expect results that are desirably smoother, more visually appealing skin on the trunk area, including the shoulders, back, breasts, and upper abdomen.

Lower body lift: Focusing on the lower abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, a lower body lift targets sagging skin on the outer thighs, abdomen, and buttocks. It begins with a belt-like excision above the outer thighs, followed by the necessary separation of the thigh skin, any necessary fat removal, and suturing.

However, the thighs are not the only area of treatment during a lower body lift. This body lift variation also includes a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), which will eliminate hanging skin on the abdomen and tighten stomach muscles. Any excess, lingering abdominal fat can be removed at that time as well. The tummy tuck portion of the procedure involves a horizontal incision along the pubic area, followed by the removal of unnecessary tissues and skin reduction. After tightening the muscles and suturing, the navel is repositioned to its original location. For more information on tummy tuck surgery, please visit our liposuction/tummy tuck page.

Following their recovery, lower body lift patients boast firmer, more attractive skin on the thighs, abdomen, and buttocks, in addition to a significantly flatter stomach area.

Total body lift: As the name implies, the total body lift combines upper and lower body lifts; it may include supplemental procedures (described below) as well. As stated, this may be done as one surgery, or at separate intervals; during the initial consultation, Dr. Heil explains to Pittsburgh body lift candidates the pros and cons of each option, including surgical risks (explained below).

Supplemental Body Lift Procedures

At our practice, a body lift Pittsburgh friends will notice can be much easier than it sounds. Body lifts may include one or more minor lift procedures. Two of the most common supplements include:

Arm lift (brachioplasty): For those whose upper arm areas continue to sag following weight loss, an arm lift can create a sleeker, more toned appearance on the arm area. The procedure involves a discreetly placed incision along two areas: first, the underarm; second, the inside surface of the arm from the elbow to the underarm. After any excess fat is removed through liposuction, the unwanted skin is trimmed away, pulled together and sutured in place. Dressings are applied to the incision areas, and a compression garment may be required for several weeks after surgery.

Inner thigh lift (medial thighplasty): Although a lower body lift improves the appearance of the outer thighs, it does not address the inner thigh area. An inner thigh lift removes the hanging skin from the inner thighs, resulting in smoother, more attractive legs. The procedure begins with an incision at the junction of the thigh and groin. After any unwanted fat is removed through liposuction, the excess skin is trimmed away, pulled together and sutured in place. Dressings are applied to the incision areas, and a compression garment may be required for several weeks after surgery.

Body Lift Surgery: The Recovery

Any body lift Pittsburgh specialists can perform counts as a major surgical procedure, requiring significant recovery time. The first several days will require you to remain under our Pittsburgh body lift surgeon's care, with follow up visits and monitoring.

Post-operative instructions, including those related to diet, supplements, and habits must be followed explicitly to ensure your successful healing. For example, patients are strongly cautioned to avoid smoking for two weeks following their procedure. This is absolutely necessary for a complication-free recovery, as smoking interferes with the healing process in ways that many patients are not aware.

Pain and discomfort are first managed with intravenous or intramuscular medications, and later with oral pain medication. The drainage tubes, which will prevent the risk of dangerous fluid accumulation, will require personal home care for up to two weeks. These tubes are normally removed during your second follow-up appointment. You will also receive strict instructions regarding your compression garment, dressings, and bathing.

Your post-surgery activities will be restricted, including limitations on exercise, lifting, and other strenuous activities. Dr. Heil will evaluate your eligibility to return to work on a case by case basis; the same is true for sexual activity.

Body Lift Risks

As with any cosmetic surgery, complications, however rare, may arise. Some risks of body lift surgery include infection, anesthesia reactions, blood clotting, and fluid accumulation or loss. Less severe body lift risks include bruises and scars, a numbing of the skin, and changes in skin pigmentation.

When liposuction is involved, potential complications include irregularities like dents, lumps, and sagging skin. Patients should be aware that because the targeted fat cells are permanently removed during liposuction, they should commit to a healthy lifestyle thereafter. If significant weight is gained in the months or years following body lift with liposuction, the fat will accumulate irregularly in other areas of the body - because it cannot accumulate in the area that was treated. The result is a disproportionate, often "lumpy," appearance. If bariatric surgery was your weight loss method, additional risks are at play. For more information on these risks, inquire during your initial consultation If you want a body lift Pittsburgh residents will notice and ask about, come to see our specialist, Dr. Heil.