Also known as body contouring, a body lift reshapes the contours of the body. It’s like a facelift for your other end! But be warned — this surgery is among the most extensive available and requires a hospital stay and significant recovery time, not to mention expense. The procedure involves an incision along the bikini line, both front and back, and a repositioning of muscle and tissue layers and removal of excess skin and fat. The result should be a thin bikini-line scar and a more toned and “lifted” abdomen, waist, groin, thighs, buttocks, and hips.
More than 12,000 lower body lifts were performed in 2007. While this may not seem like many compared with other procedures, this is fairly new procedure, and this number represents a 498.2% increase from 1997. One reason for this is the increasing number of people turning to bariatric surgery (like gastric bypass) to lose significant weight, which can leave them with a great deal of loose skin. A body lift can remedy that result.
Average cost of surgery $8,043 surgeon fee only
Statistics are courtesy of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
A few years ago I noticed that, despite my rigorous workout routine, my waistline seemed to be disappearing! After much research and several doctors’ opinions, I decided on procedure that’s a cross between a tummy tuck and a body lift, called a High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty. Getting for the surgery was a bit like training for a marathon, but being in the best shape possible helped me recover relatively quickly. Even with all the work and a significant recovery time, I’m extremely glad I had it done: It has restored something I had and now have back again — a flat, trim abdomen and thighs.
Always remember, any surgical procedure carries risks, so be an informed patient!
