Body Lift - Belt Lipectomy

A body lift (or belt lipectomy) is typically performed for patients who achieve major weight loss. The surgery works to improve the overall shape of your body by restructuring the underlying tissue that supports fat and skin.

In many cases, sagging or excess fat and skin are removed in order to help treat conditions brought on by poor tissue elasticity. In the end, a body lift in Newport Beach helps give you a more shapely body that is both younger and healthier in appearance.

Who is a Candidate for a Body Lift?

While a body lift certainly helps remove excess fat deposits, this is not its primary focus. Overall, body contouring with balance and harmony remaining of utmost importance. In cases when significant fat removal is needed, liposuction may be performed in addition to a body lift.

The primary goal of a body lift is to treat any issues with loose skin and poor elasticity. These symptoms often linger even after weight loss and an improved, healthier lifestyle, and so must be surgically treated.

The best candidates for a body lift are:

Individuals with significant soft tissue looseness in one or more body areas
Individuals without medical conditions that may impair the healing process
Generally healthy individuals
Non-smokers
Individuals committed to maintaining consistent body weight and a healthy lifestyle following surgery

The main contraindications making a person a poor candidate for receiving a body lift are simply the absence of the above criteria.

How do Body Lifts Work?

Body lifts are performed through a series of incisions and tissue reshaping techniques. To begin the operation, you will be given anesthesia to reduce pain and discomfort. From there, Garrett Wirth, MD, MS, FACS will make the incisions necessary to achieve your desired results. The precise locations and lengths of your incisions depend on your unique situation. In general, incisions are placed in natural skin folds to remain hidden if possible. They are centered on the buttocks, abdomen, waist, hips, and thighs for lower body lifts as an example.

After incisions have been made, Dr. Wirth will remove excess skin or fat, and underlying tissues will be reshaped. Liposuction may also be performed in conjunction with these more typical lifting and reshaping techniques. The skin is then pulled across the newly shaped body, and all incisions and tissue alterations are held together with a combination of sutures, skin adhesives, and tapes.

Not only is Dr. Wirth a great plastic surgeon but a great humanitarian. He makes you feel as if you are the only patient, is kind and sensitive to your needs, concerns and feelings. A good doctor stands by you throughout any procedures that you are considering, informing you what needs to be done and how. You will feel completely grateful that you've met such a remarkable individual.

M.G.

What Happens After a Body Lift?

Immediately following a body lift, expect soreness and swelling at all incision and operation sites. Garrett Wirth, MD, MS, FACS will properly dress and bandage all incision lines. You will be given a compression garment or elastic bandage to help minimize swelling and support newly reshaped areas. As swelling subsides, the final outcome of your body lift will become apparent.

It is important that you maintain a consistent body weight and healthy lifestyle after receiving a body lift. This will ensure that whatever changes have been achieved through the operation will be as long-lasting as possible.

Body Lift FAQs

What does a body lift cost?

The cost of a body lift varies based on the extent of the procedure and the areas being treated, such as the abdomen, thighs, flanks, and buttocks. Dr. Wirth will provide a detailed personalized quote during your private consultation, which will include Dr. Wirth’s fee, facility and anesthesia costs, and all necessary post-operative care.

What is the difference between a body lift and a tummy tuck?

A body lift is a comprehensive procedure that addresses sagging skin and excess fat around the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, often after significant weight loss. A tummy tuck specifically targets excess abdominal skin and fat. Dr. Wirth will discuss the best approach based on your body type and aesthetic goals.

How long is the recovery process after a body lift?

Recovery from a body lift typically takes several weeks, with the initial swelling and bruising peaking within the first 1-2 weeks. Dr. Wirth recommends light activity for the first 4-6 weeks and will guide you through a detailed aftercare plan to ensure proper healing and optimal results.