BODYLIFT
We all understand the concept of a facelift: smoothing and tightening the skin and underlying tissues to eliminate facial creases and wrinkles and turn back the clock on an aging face. A bodylift is a similar concept, except the most common reason for a bodylift is not aging, but rather skin that cannot conform to body contours because of lost or poor elasticity after weight loss, liposuction or other body-shape changes. And while a facelift may redistribute fat, a bodylift will more likely remove it in conjunction with liposuction or excision (cutting the fat out). For some patients, the issue is not fat, but excess skin. The younger patients who benefit from a bodylift are those who have gained and lost a large amount of weight. This combination stresses the skin to shapes and proportions that can only be corrected through a bodylift procedure.

Lower bodylift
You may hear the terms "thong lift," "lateral tension lift," "circumferential lift," "belt lipectomy" and others to describe surgery that reshapes target zones or the entire body from the waist area through the hips. A lower bodylift can address the tummy, love handles, flanks, buttocks, hips and thighs, individually or collectively. The result is more defined and proportionate contours with a smooth appearance and skin that conforms to your shape. This form of bodylift surgery is among the fastest-growing cosmetic surgical procedures, with 15,000 reported in 2004 by ASAPS.

The procedure requires strategically placed incisions through which a plastic surgeon can reshape your body contours by reducing fat; lifting, tightening and shaping the underlying skin matrix; and smoothing and reducing the overlying skin. Depending on skin quality and the regions your lift will address, incisions could be limited or extensive. In general, patients are willing to accept the trade off of visible scars for improved contour and shape. For example, to lift the thigh a vertical scar from the groin, down, may be necessary. If patients can get a dramatic change in the shape of the thigh in their clothing, they are willing to accept the scars.

The lifted shape of new and improved body zones is visible immediately after surgery, but contours, skin tone and scars will continue to refine for as long as six months to a year after surgery. To keep your form from bulging again, maintain a stable weight, practice good nutrition and exercise regularly. And once you are ready to reveal those curves, don't forget the sunscreen: Lifted areas will be more susceptible to sunburn, which could result in dramatic and irregular pigmentation changes for a year or more after your bodylift.

After surgery
You will likely be dressed in a compression garment or wrapped in elastic bandages to help the skin conform to the new body contours and reduce swelling. Thin, flexible tubes may be placed in your incisions to drain any excess fluid after surgery. Walking as soon as possible after surgery is a must to keep blood circulating and to prevent blood clots. Your plastic surgeon may provide you with crutches or a walker after surgery because standing fully upright will be difficult for a few days and bearing all your weight on your lower body can be very stressful. Within a few days you'll be able to shower, probably with some assistance. And if you have been wearing a compression garment, limit the time that garment is removed to no more than 10 minutes, or swelling can increase sharply.

Within a week you'll be back to a modified daily routine.

Within two weeks you're ready for daily life minus strenuous exercise, lifting, pushing or bending. Skin in the treated areas may feel numb or sensitive for several weeks after surgery, which is normal, but acute pain requires that you call your doctor immediately.