There are several factors that result in excess skin, including age, genetics, pregnancy, sun and weight loss or gain. Sometimes, even regular exercise is not enough. To get a firmer body and a more youthful appearance, you need a surgical body lift that reduces excess fat and skin. Body lifts deal with cellulite, poor tissue elasticity, loose skin, and saggy body contours.
A body lift is a comprehensive cosmetic surgery designed to restore natural beauty and enhance your body's contours after significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. By removing excess, sagging skin and tightening the underlying tissues, a body lift can help you regain poise and confidence in your appearance. Using advanced surgical techniques, Dr. Bartholomew removes excess skin and tightens the underlying tissues to create a smoother, firmer appearance. This life-changing surgery not only rejuvenates your body but also fosters self-respect and emotional well-being by allowing you to feel more comfortable in your own skin.
A body lift offers more than just physical transformation—it can truly empower you by unlocking your potential to live with confidence and comfort. Beyond enhancing appearance, it can boost confidence and improve physical comfort by eliminating excess, sagging skin that may cause discomfort or restrict movement. With Dr. Bartholomew's expertise in anatomy and personalized care, this surgery is tailored to meet your unique needs, helping you achieve lasting results.
Key benefits of a body lift include:
A body lift can be an empowering option for those looking to restore their body's natural beauty and enhance their self-confidence. Ideal candidates are individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or other life changes, such as pregnancy, that have left them with excess, sagging skin. To achieve the best possible outcome, it's important that candidates maintain a stable weight and be in good overall health. This ensures both optimal healing and enduring results. Additionally, those seeking to undergo a body lift should be non-smokers or willing to quit prior to surgery, as smoking can impact recovery.
While a body lift can be life-changing, women who are still planning to have children are encouraged to wait, as future pregnancies can affect the results of the surgery. During your personalized consultation, Dr. Bartholomew will carefully review your medical history, current health, and aesthetic goals to determine if this transformative procedure is the right step for you.
Like any other surgery, there are some risks involved in a full body lift: bleeding, blood clots, fluid accumulation, infection, numbness, poor healing, scarring and skin loss. There is also a possible bad reaction to anesthesia.
During your initial Portland body lift consultation, you will have an opportunity to discuss what you hope to achieve with your body, specific areas you want to address and your overall goals. Dr. Bartholomew will explain all the different options available to you and which ones best fit your objectives. He will relay information about the procedures and its risks.
You will receive specific instructions on how to prepare for your body lift surgery. There are steps to follow prior to the day of your surgery, including food and medications. Part of your postoperative care will be to ensure a family member or a friend drive you home and be available to help you during your recovery at home.
How long a body lift takes will depend on the extent of the work you are getting done. They involve extensive incisions with the length and pattern depending on how much and where the excess skin will be removed. One example is using a bikini pattern for the incisions when five areas (abdomen, buttock, groin, thighs and waist) are all done in one procedure.
Some body lifts deal with the middle section (abdomen and back) while others concentrate on the lower body (buttocks, hips, stomach, thighs and waist).
Liposuction is often chosen to get the improved contour you are looking for. The incisions are finally closed with deep sutures to support the new contours.
The choices are plenty and it is important to talk to Dr. Bartholomew to figure out what is best for you. Many procedures include a combination of body lifts and liposuction.
The results of a body lift are both immediate and enduring. While some improvement can be seen right after surgery, it typically takes several months for swelling to subside and the full results to become visible. As the body heals and adjusts to its new contours, the skin tightens, revealing a smoother and firmer silhouette. Patients can enjoy long-lasting results, especially when maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. In addition to the aesthetic improvements, patients often report increased comfort and an improved quality of life due to the removal of heavy, sagging skin. The rejuvenating effects are long-lasting, especially when maintained with a healthy lifestyle, allowing you to enjoy a renewed sense of self-assurance for years to come.
Depending on what you are getting done, you may stay at the hospital for a couple of nights. It can take several hours to perform the procedures depending on the amount being done.
You will receive dressings or bandages on your incisions. You may be wrapped in an elastic bandage to reduce the swelling and help support your new contours. You may get a small tube underneath your skin to deal with excess fluid or blood.
Dr. Bartholomew will give you specific instructions on how to take care of your bandages and the surgical sites after your body lift. On average, it takes up to two weeks for your body lift sutures to heal. The incisions can take over a year to fade away and will always be permanent. Fortunately, they can be hidden by your clothes, even swimsuits.
You will experience discomfort on the affected areas. Dr. Bartholomew may also prescribe medication for pain and help reduce an infection. You will be encouraged to start walking as soon as it feels comfortable to help with the healing process and minimize the potential for blood clots.
Avoid bending and lifting for a few days after your body lift surgery. If your abdomen or thighs were involved in your procedures, it will be best to not stand upright and stress the internal sutures. It is also a good idea to sleep with your knees elevated by pillows.
Dr. Bartholomew strives to offer the best body lift Portland has to offer. Thus, it is important to follow all of Dr. Bartholomew’s instructions to ensure proper healing. You can return to your normal, light activities when you feel up to it within two or three weeks.
But the healing process, depending on how much work was done, can take several weeks. Although you will quickly see the results of your procedures, you must remain patient to feel the full outcome. It can take several months to see the final results of your Portland body lift.
You can look forward to having smoother skin and contours, tighter appearance that will enhance your self-confidence and body image.
The cost of a body lift surgery can vary depending on the specifics of your treatment plan, as each surgery is customized to meet your personal needs and goals. Factors such as the areas being treated, surgical techniques, and whether the procedure is combined with other treatments can all influence the total cost. In general, the total cost includes surgical fees, anesthesia, and facility fees, ensuring that your treatment is performed in a state-of-the-art facility with expert care. Dr. Bartholomew will provide a detailed quote during your consultation, giving you a clear understanding of the investment required for your transformation.
Is Body Lift a common procedure?
Yes, a body lift is a fairly common procedure, especially for individuals who have undergone significant weight loss. It is highly sought after for its ability to restore natural contours and improve overall body shape.
Is a Body Lift permanent?
While a body lift provides long-lasting results, the permanence of the outcome depends on maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Significant weight fluctuations or future pregnancies can affect the results.
Will there be considerable scarring following a Body Lift?
Some scarring is inevitable with a body lift, but Dr. Bartholomew takes great care to place incisions in less visible areas, and the scars typically fade over time. He will also provide guidance on scar care for optimal healing.
Should I lose weight in preparation for a Body Lift?
Yes, it's important to be at or near your ideal weight before surgery. Dr. Bartholomew recommends achieving a stable weight, as weight fluctuations can impact the longevity and quality of your results.
Can I combine a Body Lift with other cosmetic treatments?
Absolutely. A body lift can be combined with other procedures, such as liposuction or breast surgery, to create a more comprehensive transformation. Dr. Bartholomew will work with you to design a personalized treatment plan that meets all your aesthetic goals.