Also called circumferential torsoplasty, panniculectomy and lipectomy, the body lift is performed to remove excess skin and sometimes also fat from the torso and upper legs (affecting the abdomen, back, buttocks, hips and thighs). It is a complicated procedure that can take three to seven hours under general anesthesia and involves a difficult recovery period of four to six weeks. Patients generally require a one to three day stay in the hospital.

Candidates for body lifts typically suffer from loose (inelastic) skin on many or most areas of the body as a result of age, childbearing or extreme weight loss due to diet, exercise or bariatric surgery. Patients that require a body lift have significant loose and hanging skin affecting the outer hips and buttocks in addition to the loose or hanging skin of the lower abdomen (treated with an abdominal panniculectomy or abdominoplasty). This procedure is an extension of the abdominal surgery completely around the waist area.

During the procedure, skin is lifted from underlying tissue, muscles are tightened and stitched and fat is removed where necessary, and the skin is sutured closed. The navel is often removed and replaced in its new position. Surgical tubes (drains) are needed for a several days to drain any fluid, and patients need to wear compression garments for a few weeks to facilitate faster healing.

After surgery, patients are encouraged to walk as soon as they are able, although strenuous activities must be limited for six weeks. Results are visible immediately but improvement may continue for some time.

After substantial weight loss or simply from the effects of aging, skin on the upper arms can become inelastic, loose and flabby. Arm lifts, also known as brachioplasty, remove that excess skin and fat. The procedure is normally performed as an out-patient and requires general anesthesia. Many of our patients request that an arm lift be performed at the same time as other bariatric reconstructive procedures. This is possible in selected patients. The incisions are made along the inner aspect of the arm and extend into the axilla. The resulting scar is visible along the inner aspect of the arm but is hidden when the arm is positioned at your side. Drains tubes are placed under the incisions for several days after the procedure. The improvement in appearance of the arms will be evident immediately after the surgery, but the final contours will not be seen for several weeks after the surgery. Compression garments must be worn for several weeks after the surgery to control swelling. Most patients resume daily activities within a few days of the procedure but strenuous activity should be avoided for about 6 weeks.

Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight either through exercise and/or dieting, or after bariatric surgery, will often be faced with an excess of skin and fat in the lower abdomen. Called an abdominal panniculus, this is the residual stretched skin and fat in the lower abdomen that hangs over the groin area. Other skin problems that may be present include rashes, skin infections, and excess moisture in the groin folds. Patients with previous abdominal incisions may also have a hernia (a weakness in the strength layer of the abdomen) that sometimes can be painful and/or visible as a bulge in the abdomen. Correction of the abdominal panniculus involves removal of the excess skin and fat, usually removal of previous scars, and repair of any hernias if present. Although similar in concept to a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), panniculectomy often is more complicated as multiple factors determine the shape and extent of the incisions used and planning for hernia repair if needed.

Individuals considering an abdominal panniculectomy should have a stable weight, be in general good health, and refrain from smoking. Although large incisions may be needed to remove the excess skin and fat, the benefit is an improved clothing fit and appearance. The procedure time ranges from 3 to 5 hours. An overnight stay in the hospital is generally required. Drains are left in place for 5 to 10 days. Walking is allowed and encouraged immediately after the surgery, but strenuous activity is not allowed for 6 weeks.

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