Plastic Surgeon Serving North Andover, Boston, Haverhill, MA - Nashua, Salem, Manchester, NH & Nearby Areas
Body lift surgery targets those areas of the body that are most impacted by changes in weight. A common part of post-bariatric body contouring and mommy makeover procedures, body lift surgery is an incredibly effective way of tightening and toning the appearance of the lower to midsection of your frame.
Are you interested in learning if body lift surgery can help you reach your goals? Please contact Nashua and Salem plastic surgeon Dr. George Chatson online or by calling 603-882-2103 to schedule an informative consultation today.
What Is a Body Lift?
A body lift is a combination of body contouring procedures that allow for optimal sculpting from the abdomen to the knees. Depending on your specific needs, Dr. Chatson may recommend a combination of procedures to be performed during your surgery. Some of the most common procedures included during a body lift include:
Thigh Lift Surgery
A thigh lift can be included in your body lift surgery to trim and tone the inner and outer thighs along with the groin area. This procedure can help sculpt your legs and create a firmer and tighter look.
Buttock Lift
A buttock lift or augmentation may be included in your body lift procedure to make the hips and bottom more shapely. This procedure involves removing excess fat and sagging skin from the buttock area to create a more lifted and firmer look.
Abdominoplasty
An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) may be included in your body lift. This procedure helps to slim the waist and stomach by removing excess skin and fat while tightening the underlying muscles located across the abdominal region.
Liposuction
Liposuction is an excellent procedure to include in your body lift. Liposuction can be used to sculpt the back and sides. This can effectively enhance the results that you already received from other included procedures while improving definition and adding contour.
When appropriate, Dr. Chatson may also suggest other breast and body treatments including breast reduction, arm lift, and neck and facial liposuction to ensure consistent and pleasing results. Combining these treatments can help you achieve a slimmer and more youthful look while enhancing proportion and contour.
Is a Body Lift Weight Loss Surgery?
Although some weight loss is expected from a body lift surgery, this procedure is not considered a weight loss surgery. Instead, it is a procedure that is performed on individuals who have excess fat and skin. Individuals who are considering a body lift should have reached their ideal weight and maintained it for several months prior to surgery. This will help to ensure patients do not experience any major changes in their weight after surgery, which can reverse the effects of the surgery.
Good Body Lift Candidates
Body lift surgery is used to remove excess skin and stubborn deposits of fat from several areas of the body. It is a complex and involved procedure that must be carefully considered. However, when appropriate, body lift surgery can help ideal candidates achieve remarkable results.
Good candidates for this procedure should be:
- In good physical and emotional health
- Prepared for a complex surgical procedure
- Willing to limit physical activities during a recovery period that may last for several weeks
- Dedicated to closely following Dr. Chatson’s pre and postoperative instructions
The best way to learn if you are a good candidate for body lift surgery is by meeting with Dr. Chatson for a one-on-one consultation. During this meeting we will discuss all of your options to help you choose the body contouring treatments best suited to meet your needs.
Why Choose a Body Lift Surgery Over Non-Surgical Options
Several non-surgical options exist for contouring the body. However, it is important to know that these procedures will not typically provide as dramatic of results as surgery. A body lift surgery is one of the most effective options for removing excess fat and skin on the body. It is also an excellent way to sculpt the body and improve contour.
Non-surgical treatment options only target specific areas of the body. Although they can be effective for removing localized fat, such as deposits located on the outer thighs or love handles, it is generally not used for full-body results. Additionally, treatments, such as Coolsculpting, can cause significant scarring along the internal structures of the body. This can present challenges in the future should you opt for a tummy tuck or another surgery later on. Coolsculpting can also cause paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, which can actually cause the fat in the body to expand rather than break down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Risks of Non-Surgical Options Compared to Body Lift Surgery?
The risks of body lift surgery are generally low but can include things like infection, scarring, and changes in skin sensation. Dr. Chatson will thoroughly discuss all potential risks and what to expect during your consultation to help you feel comfortable.
How Long Does the Recovery Period Last After a Body Lift Surgery?
Recovery from body lift surgery typically takes several weeks. Most patients can return to light activities within two to three weeks, but you should avoid strenuous activities for six to eight weeks, depending on your healing progress.
How Should I Prepare for My Body Lift Surgery?
To prepare for your body lift surgery, follow Dr. Chatson’s preoperative instructions, which may include stopping smoking, avoiding certain medications, and arranging for help during recovery. It's also important to maintain a stable weight and ensure you are in good overall health before surgery.
What Does Aftercare for a Body Lift Look Like?
Aftercare for body lift surgery involves wearing compression garments to reduce swelling, following specific wound care instructions, and limiting physical activities as your body heals. Dr. Chatson will provide detailed aftercare guidelines and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery progress.
Will I Have Visible Scars After a Body Lift?
While scars are a natural part of the healing process, Dr. Chatson carefully places incisions in areas you can easily hide with clothing. Over time, the scars usually fade and become less noticeable.
How Long Do the Results of a Body Lift Last?
Your results can last for many years, especially if you maintain your weight and lead a healthy lifestyle. Significant weight fluctuations, aging, or pregnancy can affect the results over time, but many patients enjoy a more toned and contoured appearance for 10 years or longer. Keeping up with regular exercise and a balanced diet will help preserve your new shape.
What Sets Dr. George Chatson Apart as a Plastic Surgeon?
Dr. George P. Chatson is a board-certified plastic surgeon known for his expertise in body contouring and advanced techniques like SAFELipo™. With years of experience and regular recognition in New Hampshire Magazine and North Shore Magazine, Dr. Chatson is trusted by patients for his skill and compassionate care. His office is praised for its excellent communication and the personal touch patients receive from the moment they call.
Beyond his practice, Dr. Chatson is committed to giving back. He has volunteered with Rotaplast International, traveling to Guatemala to provide free cleft palate surgeries to children in need. This dedication to helping others, combined with his surgical expertise, makes Dr. Chatson a wonderful choice for your body lift surgery.
Contact Our Office to Schedule a Body Lift Consultation
To schedule your body lift consultation with Dr. Chatson, please contact us today. For our office in North Andover, Massachusetts, call 978-528-1174. For our office in Nashua, New Hampshire, call 603-294-4189. Dr. Chatson serves patients in and around Salem, NH, and other nearby communities.
