How to Prepare for a Body Lift

If you and Dr Damon Thomas have determined that a body lift procedure is best for you, then it’s time to start preparing for your surgery. Depending on where your excess skin is located, either an upper, mid or lower body lift will be performed, and there are certain measures you should take to ensure your surgery and recovery go as smoothly as possible. Here’s what you can do to prepare for surgery.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Understanding the body lift procedure is key to feeling at ease before you go in for surgery. Education about the body lift will be provided during your consultation with Dr Thomas, where he will explain the type of incision that will be made as well as how the tissues and muscles are adjusted during surgery. 

He will also provide you with care instructions and give you a realistic expectation for the surgery and recovery. Your consultation is a time for you to ask any questions, mention concerns about the procedure and become comfortable with the body lift procedure overall.

Dr Thomas will also perform a medical examination to make sure you have no underlying health concerns that may impact the surgery. If you have any medical conditions that can be treated beforehand, Dr Thomas will prescribe or adjust any medications to make you as healthy as possible for your body lift.

IS YOUR WEIGHT STABLE?

Many individuals opt for body lift surgery after they have lost a significant amount of weight. The excess skin left over after weight loss is a cosmetic concern for some patients and can cause physical discomfort for others, even after they have worked so hard to achieve such an accomplishment. 

One criteria for body lift surgery is to maintain a secure weight before the procedure and to adopt a regular health regimen. If you are receiving a body lift as a post-bariatric procedure, it’s important to have stabilized your weight at least three months before surgery begins.

If you are able to adhere to a diet and exercise plan before surgery, you are more likely to continue the lifestyle once the body lift is complete, which will ensure the longevity of the procedure.

THINGS TO AVOID

You should avoid smoking for at least six weeks to promote proper healing of your wounds after surgery. It’s also important that you stop taking any anti-inflammatory medication or other drugs that could increase bleeding. Additionally, avoiding dehydration will help you feel more comfortable during recovery – drink plenty of water before and after your surgery.

REMEMBER…

Recovering from a body lift takes time and will require a period of bedrest without lifting anything for some time. It’s important to have a support system in place as you regain your original strength. Someone should be available to take you home after surgery, and it will be helpful to have family members or friends assist you as you heal, especially if you have young children. 

It’s also advisable to speak with your employer and make them aware of your upcoming surgery and recovery time, as you will need to take time off. Other proactive measures you can take are preparing meals before you go in for surgery as well as arranging your house in a way that makes recovery convenient. Dr Thomas will provide you with post-surgical instructions that, if followed correctly, will help you achieve a healthy recovery and a satisfying result.

If you would like more information about body lift surgery, call us on +03 9034 7738 and schedule a consultation.

MAKING AN INFORMED DECISION

Our website is intended to provide general information about body lift surgery and should not be used as a substitute for personalised medical advice. It is important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if a body lift is the right procedure for you. The following considerations should be part of your decision-making process.

Risks

All surgical procedures carry risk. The potential risks and complications associated with body lift surgery include, but are not limited to, bleeding, infection, changes in sensation, asymmetry, poor scarring, and the need for additional surgery. It is important to understand the risks involved and weigh up the benefits and drawbacks of surgery before undergoing a body lift.

Recovery

Recovery time after body lift surgery may vary depending on the individual, the extent of the procedure, and the technique used. In general, patients should be prepared to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising after surgery. Patients must also be prepared to take time off work and other activities (including exercise) and follow post-operative instructions to promote proper healing and minimise the risk of complications.

Results

Individual results may vary depending on a number of factors, including the patient’s natural body shape and the surgical technique employed. It is critical to have realistic expectations about the outcome of body lift surgery and understand that each patient’s outcome will be unique. It is also important to know that body lift surgery is not intended to replace a healthy lifestyle and exercise routine and cannot stop the ageing process.

If you have any questions or concerns about body lift surgery, please do not hesitate to contact us.