Adipose tissue or fat is an important connective tissue in our body. It provides cushioning, protects our organs, provides energy and helps maintain our core body temperature in cold weather. Weight gain from pregnancy, hypothyroidism, menopause and lifestyle choices leads to the development of excess fat cells. Once we shed these excess pounds, our skin, which was once stretched to accommodate the extra adipose tissue, can become slack. The good news is that once you have reached your ideal and stable body weight, body lifting surgical procedures can remove this excess skin to lift and restore its tautness.
Body lifting procedures at Oakville Plastic Surgery.
Breast Mastopexy / Breast Lift.
Aging and breast-feeding can lead to lax skin, which causes breasts to droop or sag. During a breast lift procedure, excess skin is removed and the breast tissue and nipple are repositioned higher on the chest wall. Breast implants can also be inserted during this procedure.
Mastopexy complications can include bleeding, infection and scarring. Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions for your aftercare to prevent any complications and optimize your healing. You will need to plan ahead for your recovery, as heavy lifting must be avoided for four to six weeks post procedure.
Immediately after your procedure, you may have tiny drains in your breasts along with bandages and stitches. Using a special bra or dressing will help to support the breasts during the recovery period. Your surgeon will follow up over the proceeding days and weeks to ensure ideal healing and aesthetic results are achieved.
Brachioplasty.
To address sagging and loose skin on the upper arms, a combination of surgery and liposuction are used to remove excess skin and fat. In order to make the surgical scar as inconspicuous as possible, the surgical incision is made under the inner arm from the elbow to the armpit, where it is least likely to be noticed.
Brachioplasty surgery is performed as an out patient procedure and complete healing can take up to a year. Immediately following surgery, the arms can be quite swollen. Supportive wraps are used for several weeks while the swelling improves.
Complications from this surgery include scarring, numbness, bleeding, infection and asymmetry of the arms. Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions for your aftercare and follow up throughout your healing process to support an optimal outcome.
Buttock Lift.
The surgical incision for this procedure is placed underneath the curve of the buttock area to reduce its visibility. Excess fat and skin are removed and the buttock area is reshaped.
The main challenge to recovery from this procedure is not being able to sit. With time, a gradual return to normal activities can be expected. Compressive garments aid in the healing process, which takes place over several weeks.
Complications for this procedure are similar to the aforementioned surgeries. Bruising, swelling, infection, numbness and uneven contours can result. By following the instructions of your surgeon closely, these risks can be minimized.
Abdominal Lift or Tummy Tuck.
For a tummy tuck surgery, an incision is made around the navel running from hip bone to hip bone. Removal of fat, excess skin and the repositioning of muscle and tissues helps reshape and improve the appearance of the abdomen. Sometimes a second cut is required to lift and smooth the skin of the upper abdomen.
Complications include infection and scarring. Your surgeon will inform you of the best practices for your recovery and follow up in the days and weeks after your procedure to assess your results.
Thigh Lift.
An incision is made on the upper inner thigh. Liposuction is often performed with this procedure while excess skin is removed and then lifted and redraped. The complications for this procedure are quite similar to the aforementioned body lift surgeries. Compression bandages aid in the recovery process, which can take several weeks. Your surgeon will instruct you on what to expect post-procedure and follow up to assess the results of your surgery.
A body lift can include one or more of the procedures we’ve discussed here. The aesthetic improvements achievable can facilitate improved confidence and a positive body image. Regular exercise and a healthy balanced diet will help to maintain and prolong the results of your body lift procedure. To learn more about these procedures, we invite you to contact us by calling (905) 901-9545 or emailing [email protected]. Requests for a consultation with Dr. de Kleer, plastic and reconstructive surgeon, are also welcomed.
