Recently, more and more women and men are embracing cosmetic surgery. If you have some concern with your body that is affecting your confidence and self-esteem, you can get a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure to help sculpt a body that you can feel confident in. A full body lift, also known as a 360-degree body lift, combines techniques to get rid of excess skin on your body and achieve a contoured body shape.
A body lift will help if you have loose skin after weight loss. This can include back rolls and extra skin on the abdomen, lower buttocks, hips, and thighs. If you want a body lift, it is essential to know about the recovery times so you may take care of yourself and plan accordingly.
This article will examine everything you need to know about a body lift. The recovery times and how to prepare for a body lift.
Read on to learn more.
Table of Contents
Preparing for a Body Lift
Ample homework is the key to a smooth body lift recovery time. Preparation for a body lift starts before you get on the table and is as crucial for your recovery.
Here are a few things you must do before your surgery to ensure a smooth recovery afterward.
- It might be best to quit smoking at least six weeks pre-surgery to help your body heal faster after the procedure.
- Keep hydrated, and daily drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water.
- Avoid taking blood-thinning medications for a few weeks before the procedure, as it may lead to excessive bleeding during and after the surgery.
- If your surgeon asks you to lose more weight before the surgery, you should follow their instructions.
- Get someone to drive you home after the surgery.
- Arrange for someone to help you around the house for at least for one-week post-surgery
- Prepare your home for recovery, shop for groceries, and cook and freeze food before the procedure. You should also prepare your recovery room, get extra pillows, and place everything you need at arm’s length.
- Get loose, comfortable clothes to wear during the body lift recovery time. If you do not have comfortable clothes, this would be an excellent time to go shopping.
- Get all your lab work done in time, and ask your doctor any questions you may have about the procedure.
Recovery From Body Lift Surgery
A body lift recovery time is six to eight weeks. However, everyone is different, and some recovery may take more or less time depending on the patient’s age, health, and the extent of the procedure.
A body lift is a one-day surgery, and you go home after the procedure. The surgeon will observe you for at least an hour after the procedure and prescribe medication.
The first week after the procedure is the hardest. You will have extensive swelling and bruising and some pain and discomfort. The pain medication prescribed will come in handy at this time. It might help if you also got a lot of rest in the first week to help the healing process; however, ensure you walk around the house for at least fifteen minutes to avoid blood clotting.
Ensure you wear your compression garments for the first month to help with the swelling. A cold press will also help with the swelling during the first two weeks.
The swelling and bruising should have reduced significantly by the third and fourth week. And you may start seeing the results of the surgery. You may shorten the time you wear the compression garments, but you should continue with the daily walks.
At this time, some people can go back to non-strenuous work. If you work a desk job, get up and walk around the office for at least five minutes now and then.
By the fifth and sixth week of your body lift recovery, you will see more of the surgery results as the swelling will have significantly reduced and the incisions healed.
You may also start your exercise but avoid heavy lifting until your surgeon gives you the go-ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Body Lift Surgery?
A body lift recovery takes at least six to eight weeks.
What Are the Possible Complications of a Full Body Lift?
Like any other surgery, a body lift procedure has its risks. Some of the possible complications include:
- Bleeding
- Fluid accumulation
- Scarring
- Infection
- Body numbness
- Blood clotting
Am I a Good Candidate for a Body Lift?
You are a good candidate for a body lift if you:
- Are healthy
- Are non-smoker
- Have a stable body weight
- Have loose, excess skin on your lower body
- Re able to take at least two to three weeks off work to recover
- Have a realistic expectation of the surgery outcome
What Areas Does a Body Lift Target?
A 360-degree body lift target several areas, including:
- Abdomen
- Buttocks
- Flanks
- Lower back
- Outer thighs
