Circumferential Body Lift

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circumferential-body-lift Procedure

A Circumferential Body Lift is a plastic surgical procedure that is a major operation which combines a 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 Circumferential  Body Lift is a serious surgical 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. This combined procedure is major surgery that takes longer to perform and is associated with more pain. Patient priorities and medical conditions are considerations in determining if someone is a candidate for a Circumferential Body Lift.

Best candidate for Circumferential Body Lift surgery is a person who has lost a massive amount of weight, either through Bariatric Gastric Bypass surgery, Gastric Banding or a weight loss diet. Such a person may have lost 80-300 pounds, but is left with folds of surplus 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. Circumferential Body Lift is not a surgical treatment for being overweight. Obese individuals who intend to lose weight should postpone all forms of Body Contouring surgery until they have been able to maintain their weight loss. This is often performed 12-18 months after Gastric-Bypass surgery. Circumferential Body Lift surgery is usually performed on both men and women, and may involve lifting other areas of the body such as upper arms, buttocks and thighs. Liposuction is often used to add additional contouring of the areas.

People who are not able to lose 30 or 40 pounds through diet or exercise also may opt for Circumferential Body Lift surgery.   Instead of tummy tucks, which might create an imbalanced contour, people in this category choose to have their whole trunk altered. Normal weight women in their 30s and 40s, often many years past giving birth, also opt for Circumferential Body Lift surgery to remove remaining post-baby weight and additional weight that came naturally with age. Some patients select Circumferential Body Lift surgeries to correct overly aggressive liposuction surgeries.

Although the steps of the Circumferential Body Lift procedure differ depending on the needs of the patient, the surgery is performed on the stomach first, removing excess skin from the belly button to the pubic area and then tightening the abdominal wall muscle. This is the area that is most often loosened by pregnancy or weight loss. The fat and skin from above the belly button is pulled down and sutured in place, and the belly button is pulled out to its normal position. The incisions are made around the entire circumference of the body. The position of the incisions varies from person to person, but is usually hip to hip, front and back. The excess skin between the incisions is removed. The incisions are then pulled together and closed. The procedure continues with the rest of the body parts, and often involves liposuction on the outer thighs. In all, the body lift surgery can take anywhere between 3 and 7 hours.

A Circumferential Body Lift is a major surgical procedure and requires significant recovery time. Most patients remain in the hospital for one to three nights. Pain and discomfort are first managed with intravenous or intramuscular medications, and later with oral pain medication. A specific dietary plan may be encouraged. The doctor will supply a complete instruction list that must be followed to reduce the risk of complications.

Drainage tubes are inserted, which will require personal home care for up to two weeks. The doctor may provide you with a medical compression garment to wear at all times except while bathing, which you should keep wearing until your doctor lets you know it is no longer needed. Dressings are generally removed two days after surgery and showering is allowed at that time.

Restrictions on your activities could include no exercise and no lifting of five pounds or more. Walking is encouraged after surgery; however, further exercise is not recommended until sufficient healing has occurred. Most people require four to six weeks recovery before returning to normal activities, and generally from six to eight weeks before exercising. There cannot be any pressure placed on the treated area. Approximately 75 percent of the swelling dissipates at six weeks and 90 percent at three months.

In every medical procedure there is a possibility of complications, which can cause a longer recovery period. The most common body lift complications include seromas (fluid accumulating under the skin) and small skin separations. Your surgeon will help to resolve these issues. Some patients experience reduced sensation in the treated area, which can be permanent. Infection, bleeding, and blood clots are much less common. The abdominal scars will appear to worsen during the first weeks or months, and may take up to 18 months before they flatten and lighten in color. The scars never completely disappear, but can be hidden by clothing. Ask your doctor to explain the risks and treatments for complications.

A Circumferential Body Lift procedure may or may not be covered by your insurance carrier so it's important that you discuss this both with your insurance carrier and with your plastic surgeon beforehand. If the insurance does not cover a Body Lift procedure, the price can range from $10,000 to $15,000, up to $25,000 to $30,000.

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