A body lift is often warranted in cases where patients have lost a significant amount of weight and their skin cannot return to its original elasticity. Body Thermage can also be an effective tool for shrinking excess skin, if the patient doesn't want to undergo a surgical body lift immediately, or to add further skin tightening following recovery from surgery. The surgical body lift is a comprehensive cosmetic surgery procedure that gives patients a significant change in body composition. Think of it as the one-stop-shop for most of your weight loss or body toning needs. The Body Lift: Who Should Consider This Procedure? The first thing to know is that you can have a body lift even if you have not yet lost weight. However, most patients have either had gastric bypass surgery or achieved extensive weight loss prior to considering a body lift. The skin often stretches to such a degree during weight retention that even when the excess fat is gone, the skin remains in its enormous state. At times the physical discomfort and appearance of this extra skin causes more embarrassment than the initial weight. Some surgeons use the analogy of a thin person wearing an overweight person’s clothing only the clothing is skin. Persons wishing to remove such skin and tailor their body to a more natural shape are perfect candidates for a body lift. This Sounds Major…What Exactly is a Body Lift? A body lift is a major procedure with combinations of several surgical components to create a new look in several areas of the lower body, including a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), a thigh lift, and buttocks lift. This is not a procedure for someone who just wants a little change on one of the areas mentioned. The costs and time of recovery are such that some people might be deterred from a complete body lift. A full discussion with a qualified surgeon will help you decide if this is the right procedure for you. If you are a candidate for a body lift, but are still hoping that you can achieve the same results with Thermage or other laser treatments then you may have been misguided. Although Thermage and laser treatments are excellent treatments for some skin conditions, it is only successful on skin that has limited laxity. The major drooping caused by excessive weight loss is too great a challenge for these treatments. The skin will not respond well to Thermage, liposuction or other similar treatments and often times the skin’s condition will worsen will no improvement whatsoever. Only a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon will provide you with the truth about what risks you face, as each person has individual considerations. Minor problems during surgery will not affect the outcome of the results and major problems are few and far between. When you do talk to your doctor, be sure to mention current medications you are taking as well as any health problems you have previously or currently face. An open and honest discussion will start you on the path to a whole new body, one you can be proud to show off and excited to own. Recovering After Surgery After your surgery you will need to remain in bed for two to three weeks. During this time your doctor will make frequent visits to check on your condition and dressings and bandages will be replaced as needed. Expect to be out of work for three weeks to allow your body adequate time to recuperate from the ordeal. Soreness is common and should be expected; just think of the workout your body just experienced! Communicate concerns or pains with your doctor to prevent serious problems.
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3/22/2010 10:55:25 AM 38.107.191.119