People who lose a significant amount of weight, such as post-bariatric surgery patients, often have excess skin left over. This can be a big concern around the abdomen and back, where extra skin can get in the way of physical activity. The body lift provided by Robert Frank, MD Plastic surgery is focused on the lower abdomen and back. Often referred to as a BELT lipectomy or lower body lift, the latter procedure can dramatically improve the patient’s daily life and self-image.* Dr. Frank offers body lift surgery to reduce excess skin and create a more aesthetic body contour.* He accepts patients from Munster, Hobart, Crown Point, and Frankfort.
Dr. Frank’s Approach to Body Lift
During the initial consultation, Dr. Frank talks with patients about the results they want to achieve. Body lift may be one important part of overall reconstructive surgery, and the desired results may differ between patients. By spending time with the patient and learning about their preferences, Dr. Frank can create a cohesive surgical plan.
In the past, patients from Hobart, Munster, Crown Point, and Frankfort who wanted to reduce excess skin around their torso had to rely on tummy tuck, which only improves a limited area of concern. With a body lift, Dr. Frank creates a 360-degree incision that raises the skin and eliminates excess sagging all around the body. After the procedure, patients can regain their active lifestyle and fit in their clothes more comfortably.*
After patients decide to have the procedure, Dr. Frank typically coordinates with their bariatric surgeon to conduct the body lift. Patients return for a second visit to have preoperative testing, ensure they are healthy enough for surgery, and complete consent forms.
About the Procedure
In a body lift, patients receive general anesthesia so that they remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Surgery takes about four hours.* The body lift creates several improvements in the patient’s appearance:
- The procedure flattens the abdomen and removes hanging skin.*
- Some patients have a pronounced pubic area, and surgery can make it less prominent.*
- The quality of the hips improves laterally, and the buttocks will typically rise to a higher, correct position.*
Dr. Frank can also excise heavy skin rolls to improve the appearance of the back and torso.*
*Individual results may vary
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Recovery from Body Lift
During recovery from body lift, patients will have follow-up visits at our office near the communities of Hobart, IN, Munster, IN, Crown Point, IN, and Frankfort, IL. These checkups ensure that the patients are healing properly after their BELT lipectomy. Typically, drains stay in place for two weeks, after which time our practice removes them.* Dr. Frank cautions patients against excessive activity as they recover, particularly because many have poor skin elasticity.
Body lift patients are some of Dr. Frank’s most satisfied clientele. They recognize an immediate improvement in their mobility and body contour.* After what may have been a lengthy period of time encumbered with weight and excess skin, the results of surgery can offer a significant change for the better.*
Dr. Frank’s Advice on Recovery
We all have our own ideas of how long recovery should take. Unfortunately, this means many patients try to rush their recovery and go back to normal activities. This trend is especially true among young mothers who want to spend every moment with their children. They may attempt to play with or pick up their children before their bodies are ready to handle that strain.
Dr. Frank sees rushed recoveries in several ways, with one of the most common being pain. Patients who try to be too active too early in the recovery process often find themselves running through their pain medication too soon and have to ask for an early refill. Rather than increase the amount of medication you take, you will feel better sooner and end the period wherein you need the medication faster if you allow your body to rest. Do not force your body to undergo more physical strain than it is ready to handle. It is okay to take 30-minute breaks on the couch.
Another way Dr. Frank sees patients push themselves too hard is an increased risk of both swelling and dangerous hematomas.
For example, after liposuction, your body needs time to move fluid out of your skin. Patients who have had liposuction will have skin that feels firmer than untreated areas because of this fluid buildup. Getting that fluid out of your skin is one of your recovery goals during the weeks after surgery. But if you activate your muscles near the treated area, that activity draws fluid into the area, which increases swelling and often pain. In the case of a tummy tuck, too much activity early in your recovery can increase blood pressure, which then causes more oozing into the space created during surgery. While a little fluid is normal, it’s easy to overwhelm your body’s ability to absorb this fluid. A hematoma is the result.
To minimize these concerns, Dr. Frank encourages all patients to clear their schedules of everything except the most essential duties for the two weeks after surgery. You should minimize the amount of childcare, job responsibilities, meetings, social activities, and home chores in which you partake so your body can rest. You will feel better and recover faster if you plan ahead so that your body, not your calendar, determines when you are ready for your physical activities.
If you are considering bariatric surgery or have significant excess skin following weight loss, speak with Robert Frank, MD Plastic Surgery about a body lift. Patients from Hobart, Munster, Crown Point, and Frankfort can call our office at (219) 513-2011 or use our online form today.
*Individual results may vary
