Body lifts are surgical procedures that can be performed on just about any part of the body. Some of the more common areas that The Centre, P.C. treats are the abdomen, waist, buttocks, thighs, upper arms, breast and face. Gynecomastia, a procedure to reduce enlarged male breasts, is also considered body contouring. A lower body lift treats the abdomen, buttocks, groin and outer thighs.

There is no other method of body contouring that can restore body shape, skin appearance and skin tone as effectively as a body lift. Other body contouring procedures may be performed separately or in the same surgical session as a body lift. These include liposuction, tummy tuck, breast lift, and male or female breast reduction.

Depending on the area selected, body contouring can produce a smoother, flatter abdomen, tightening of the buttocks, diminished cellulite on the thighs, or removal of back rolls or excess back skin. The procedures are performed under general anesthesia.

For body lift procedures, The Centre, P.C. recommends the use of the VitaMedica Surgery Program, a comprehensive pre- and post-surgery nutritional supplement system designed specifically for patients undergoing extensive surgical procedures.

The Centre, P.C. also offers several soothing body treatments that can ease the discomfort and swelling associated with surgery.

Lower Body

When an overall body lift is selected, the surgeon usually treats the belly first, by removing excess skin from the naval down to the pubic area. The abdominal wall muscle, which is deep into the skin and fat of the belly, is then tightened. The fat and skin above the naval area are then stretched down to the pubic area and sutured in place. A new opening is made to allow the belly button to be brought through in its original position.

The patient is then turned to the side and the excess skin and fat from the side to the mid-back is removed. This part of the operation reduces and lifts the outer thighs. As the skin and fat are removed from the back, the rolls are reduced and the buttocks are lifted. Each of these maneuvers is done to a different degree, depending on the needs of the patient; Some patients require liposuction of the outer thighs. The same steps are performed on the other side of the body. A belt lipectomy (which treats the circumference of the waist) usually requires between 3.5 and 7 hours to perform.

Upper Arm

An upper arm lift, or brachioplasty, improves the contours of the upper arm. Incisions are usually placed in the most inconspicuous location (inner arm toward the back), but some scarring will always be visible. After surgery, the upper arms are either wrapped or placed in an elastic sleeve to reduce swelling. Noticeable healing usually begins within 10-14 days. Sutures are generally removed with the first 2-3 weeks. Swelling and bruising gradually disappear over 3-4 weeks. The scars fade in 6-24 months, depending on your healing capacity.

If you are considering body contouring surgery, call or e-mail plastic surgeons at The Centre, P.C. to schedule your free cosmetic surgery consultation. We offer the latest body contouring procedures to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago.

 

Elkhart Office

RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514
FAX: 574-293-1511

Chesterton Office

Duneland Health & Wellness Institute
810 Michael Drive, Suite K
Chesterton, IN 46304
Fax: 219.926.3534

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