| Bariatric Surgery.info Body Lift (Circumferential Torsoplasty) Plastic Surgery Operation |
Body lift combines tummy tuck, inner thigh
lift, outer thigh/butt lift |
Body Lift (Torsoplasty) Plastic Surgery ProcedureThe plastic surgery operation known as body lift is a major operation which combines tummy tuck, inner thigh lift, and outer thigh/buttock lift. It is also referred to as torsoplasty, circumferential torsoplasty, central body lift, lower body lift, belt lipectomy, circumferential panniculectomy and circumferential lipectomy. A body lift is a serious procedure which (like abdominoplasty) involves the exchange of one cosmetic problem (loose skin) for another (scars). It involves the abdomen, hips, torso, back, buttocks and outer thighs. Body Lift After Massive Weight LossOne of the best candidates for body lift surgery is a person who has lost a massive amount of weight, either through bariatric gastric bypass surgery, gastric banding or weight loss diet. Such a person may have lost 80-300 pounds, but are left with folds of surplus unelasticated skin on their breasts, backs, trunks and thighs. A person who has lost this much weight may require corrective plastic surgery for their entire body, in order to normalize their body contour. Body Lift Surgical ProcedureThe operation lasts 4-7 hours, and is performed under general anesthesia. The sequence and duration of a body lift procedure varies according to the needs of the patient, although plastic surgeons typically perform body lift surgery in three stages. During stage 1 and stage 2, the patient is positioned on his/her side. Excess skin and body fat from the buttocks, hips, back and thighs are then removed from each side. During stage 3, an abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” is performed to remove surplus skin and fat from the abdomen. The underlying abdominal muscles are exposed and tightened. Bottom line: loose skin plus localized residual fat is excised from almost the whole of the central body, while weak muscles are tightened. The procedure typically involves a combination of surgical excision and liposuction. Body Lift ComplicationsLike all major surgeries, body lift carries a wide range of health risks. One of the main consequences peculiar to body lift is scarring. Following this type of plastic surgery, post-operative scars typically extend from along the lower abdomen, around the hips, and toward the buttock crease. There is another scar in each groin crease due to the inner thigh lift. Body lift patients may incur additional incision scars depending on the number of procedures performed. Body Lift RecoveryPatients undergoing body lift surgery typically need to spend 2-4 nights in hospital. Stitches or sutures dissolve by themselves. Bandages are removed within 7 days. Patients typically return to work within 2-4 weeks and resume normal activities including exercise within 4-6 weeks, although some exercise is encouraged almost immediately. Scarring is significant and permanent, although it fades substantially within 6-12 months. Cost of Body LiftA ball-park average price in the United States for a body lift (panniculectomy) is $15,000 See also: ------------------------------------------------ Bariatric Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss |