Total Body Lift
A total body lift or belt lipectomy includes an abdominoplasty, inner thigh, outer thigh, and buttock lifts all into one procedure. The scar is circumferential within the bikini- line and incorporates all the incisions required for each of the lift procedures into one continuous scar. This procedure is extensive but the results can be extremely gratifying
ANESTHESIA
General. You will sleep during the entire procedure.
LOCATION OF OPERATION
Hospital, outpatient surgery center, or office-based suite.
LENGTH OF PROCEDURE
Buttock lift, 4 hours; total bodylift 6-8 hours.
LENGTH OF STAY
Buttock lifts may require an overnight stay. Total body lifts will require 3-5 days in the hospital.
RECUPERATION AND HEALING
Moderate to severe. Anticipate 5-14 days of prescription pain medications.
Both are expected, but will improve within 4-6 weeks. Swelling may be reduced by keeping your legs elevated. As thigh swelling improves, you may notice swelling in your knees and ankles. Bruising improves in 10-14 days.
If drains are placed, they will be removed in 3-7 days depending on drain output.
Removed in 2-4 days
All stitches/sutures are dissolvable.
You may return to work in approximately 1-4 weeks if you have stopped taking pain medication. If you are able to elevate your feet during work hours, you may return sooner. If your job requires lifting, you should wait 6 weeks to return.
May be gradually resumed in 6 weeks.
If your scar(s) is exposed while outdoors, you should protect it with sunscreen SPF 15 or higher for at least one year to prevent permanent discoloration.
8-10 weeks.
Final results are seen in approximately 6 months to 1 year after scar maturation.
Special Care
ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING!!!!!!! Smoking is prohibited 4 weeks prior to surgery and at least 4 weeks after surgery for proper healing and best results.
