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What are some of the common benefits of a body lift?

A body lift can tighten loose and sagging skin on various areas of the body. Many people interested in this procedure have undergone rapid weight loss through either gastric bypass or natural means. When you lose weight rapidly, the skin that covers your frame does not shrink as fast as you do. Your skin’s ability to expand and contract decreases as you age and collagen and elastin starts to break down. With a body lift, you can see the results of your weight loss as the surgeon retightens the skin over your body. Following the operation many patients are pleased with their new svelte figure.
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What will happen at the initial consultation?

Your doctor will discuss whether your expectations for the body lift will be attainable or not. The surgeon will show you where possible incisions and subsequent scars for your body lift will be located. Your medical history will be taken to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure. Also, possible operations to be included in the body lift will be discussed. During your consultation you can see before and after photos of patients who have received this surgery.
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How is a body lift done?

The plastic surgeon removes excess skin and repositions it on the body. A body lift or body contouring procedure includes several plastic surgery procedures rolled into one. Your doctor may do them during the same operation, or spread them out over several months. A body lift is an individually customized procedure. It usually includes a tummy tuck and liposuction. An arm lift, thigh lift, breast lift and other procedures depending on your needs can be included in this operation.
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At what age can a body lift be done?

There are no specific age requirements for this procedure.
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How long does a body lift take?

This procedure can take from 2-5 hours, but varies due to the individualized nature of a body lift. Additional procedures may be scheduled over a few months.
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Do I have to stay in the hospital?

A body lift will require a hospital stay of 1-8 days.
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How much pain is there?

There is a fair amount of pain following this surgery along with bruising and swelling in the areas operated on. Pain medication can be administered intravenously or orally to alleviate any discomfort you have during your recovery. A particularly effective pain therapy involves the use of a pain pump. Pain medication is sent directly to the areas operated on via drains put in place after the surgery.
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What can I expect after a body lift?

Bandages or a surgical bind will be used where needed. There will also be drains placed in certain areas to relieve the body of any fluid accumulation. Incisions will need to be cleaned and dressed as often as the doctor indicates. You should be aware that a trade-off of having a body lift is the noticeable scars you will have after the procedure. The scars from a body lift will be long and can take years to fade. Most people do not mind the scars because their clothes fit so much better afterwards.
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What is the recovery period like?

The average individual returns to work in 3-6 weeks, depending on the type of job they have. Regular exercise can be taken up after 8 weeks. Your scars will fade significantly during the first year, but may not ever disappear completely.
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What is the long-term outcome like for most people?

If you don’t have any significant weight gain, such as that which occurs during pregnancy, your results will last.
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Ideal candidate:

An ideal candidate is someone with realistic expectations and past childbearing age, as pregnancy will reverse some of the benefits of a body lift.
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Risks:

There is a risk of infection, excessive tightening of the skin, blood clots and excessive bleeding with this surgery.
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Body lift costs:

There is no information available at this time.
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Choosing a doctor:

It is critical to select a physician who is adequately trained and experienced in breast augmentation procedures. We strongly recommend that you consider choosing a surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties. See our Physician Locator feature to find a surgeon in your area, including detailed profile information for many of the listed doctors. Also read How to Select a Plastic Surgeon for a more detailed discussion on choosing the right doctor.
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Questions to ask your doctor:

1. Are the desired results I described realistic?
2. Where is the surgery performed? How long will the procedure take?
3. What kind of anesthesia is used?
4. How much does this procedure cost?
5. What is your experience in performing this procedure? (How long has he/she performed this procedure, and how many he/she has performed in the past year?)
6. What percentage of patients have had significant complications? (The physician should disclose this information to you.)
7. Will you repeat or correct procedures if it does not meet agreed upon goals? And if the procedure must be repeated / corrected, will I be charged again? (The physician should provide you with his/her policy on this issue.)
8. May I see "before and after" photos of recent patients? The physician should provide many photos of recent patients.
9. Will I need additional assistance when I come home from the hospital?
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Be sure to:

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements).
• Tell your doctor about all medications, herbal supplements or natural supplements you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription).
• Carefully follow any instructions your surgeon gives you regarding eating and drinking, smoking, and vitamins.
• Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines for two weeks prior to surgery.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.
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How do I finance this procedure?

Did you know that 29% of all Americans have considered having an elective procedure? Of those, 60% would schedule a procedure immediately if financing was available. With iEnhance's patient financing options, money no longer has to be the barrier between you and your new image. By filling out our on-line application you can qualify for a loan in as little as 30 seconds.

Related body lift articles

Find a doctor that specializes in body lift procedures

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Body Lift vidoes

Wilcox - Body Contouring
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At iEnhance, find information on top plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, facelift, tummy tuck, BOTOX ® Cosmetic, eyelid surgery, thermage, rhinoplasty; as well as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures. Locate a plastic surgeon, cosmetic surgeon, cosmetic dentist, or specialist today!

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Facts:

*Top 5 Surgical Cosmetic Procedures in 2008:

1. Breast Augmentation: 356,000
2. Liposuction: 341,000
3. Blepharoplasty: 195,000
4. Rhinoplasty: 152,000
5. Abdominoplasty: 147,000

*Top 5 Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures in 2008:

1. Botox: 2,464,000
2. Laser Hair Removal: 1,281,000
3. Juvederm/Restylane: 1,263,000
4. Chemical Peel: 592,000
5. Laser Skin Resurfacing: 571,000

* Data collected from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

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