Body Lift Surgery: Cost, Candidates, Procedure, Results and Risks

Body lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that enhances the shape and tone of the underlying tissue which supports the fat and skin. Several factors such as pregnancy, sun damage, age, frequent fluctuations in weight, and genetic factors can result in poor elasticity of skin tissues. A body lift procedure involves the removal of excessive fat and skin. The body areas covered by this cosmetic surgery procedure are:

• Abdominal area
• Inner thigh
• Outer thigh
• Buttocks

Body lift cost 

The average cost of a body lift surgery in India is Rs. 9 lakhs. Body lift surgery cost includes surgeon’s fee, medical tests, anaesthesia, prescriptions for medications, and hospital facilities charge. However, above-mentioned cost may vary based on the type of hospital, the cosmetic surgeon’s experience and type of procedure. Most medical insurance companies do not cover body lift surgery, but many cosmetic surgeons offer patient-financing plans. 

Body lift candidates

Suitable candidates for a body lift surgery are: 

• People with realistic goals and expectations
• People with soft tissue looseness
• Nonsmokers
• Healthy individuals without any serious medical condition
• People with stable weight

Preparing for body lift surgery

A patient undergoing body lift surgery is asked to: 

• Take medicines prescribed by the doctor
• Stop smoking
• Avoid taking aspirin and other inflammatory drugs
• Get a lab test
• Avoid eating anything just before the procedure

Body lift procedure

Body lift surgery is a complex procedure and often requires extensive incisions. The length and pattern of the incisions depend on the amount and location of the excess skin to be removed. A patient is given general anesthesia or intravenous sedation to perform the procedure effectively. During a body lift procedure, the cosmetic surgeon often uses the bikini pattern to make incisions. Several incisions are made around the waist, groin, buttock, waist and thigh. After making incisions, the cosmetic surgeon uses a liposuction technique to remove the excess skin and fat from the muscles. After the removal of excessive fats, the body tissues are tightened and repositioned. The new formation of tissue improves the body contours. Incisions area closed with sutures, surgical tape, or clips. 

Body lift results 

The outcome of a body lift surgery is visible almost instantly. However, it may take two years or more for the final results of the body lift procedure to surface. Once the swelling is reduced and scars fade a patient can experience positive results. A patient may have to maintain a stable weight, general fitness, and follow doctor’s instructions to achieve long-lasting results. Though cosmetic surgeons don’t guarantee good results in some cases more than one surgery has to be performed to achieve desired results. 

Body lift risks 

Before undergoing body lift surgery your cosmetic surgeon will tell you about the possible risks and complications associated with it. It is important that a patient address all queries with the plastic surgeon. Some risks associated with body lift surgery are: 

• Skin discoloration
• Infection
• Persistent pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Scarring
• Accumulation of fluid
• Skin loss
• Change in sensation
• Swelling
• Unsatisfactory results