As people grow older, they become more susceptible to bouts of nostalgia, fondly remembering their younger years, when they were healthier, more virile, and in better shape. Though some individuals are accepting of the inevitable changes brought about by aging and other life experiences, many other people tend to lapse into misery or depression, thinking about how they used to look better. Women who have become pregnant and had children end up wishing that they could have the same youthful taut skin they used to prior to giving birth. Middle-aged former athletes wish they could reclaim their strong, well-defined physiques. As a person ages, however, so too does his or her body diminish in its ability to shed pounds and retain its skin elasticity. The most dedicated attempts to lose weight through diet and exercise may remove the excess fat, but in older people, the skin can no longer bounce back. A large number of older individuals are forced to deal with layers of unsightly skin folds, which can sometimes look worse than a bulging belly.

Loose, sagging skin can develop from pregnancy, excessive weight loss following obesity surgery, and aging. Due to excessive stretching of the skin from weight gain, when weight is lost the skin remains stretched. Even a person’s genetic makeup plays a part. People with this problem can benefit from body lift surgery, a cosmetic surgical technique that removes the remaining excess fat and tightens the skin through a series of incisions and sculpting techniques. This can be done on different areas of the body, but is mostly performed on the stomach, thighs, and butt. The body lift is also known as a belt lipectomy since the incisions on these areas encircle the body like a belt.

After choosing a reputable surgeon, an extensive consultation will be required. Candidates for this surgery are those that have stable weight and do not expect significant weight loss or gain in the future. Any substantial fluctuations in weight may render the procedure ineffective. The surgeon must be duly informed of the health status of the potential patient, as well as any conditions that may complicate the procedure. People with healing, bruising, and bleeding difficulties are not suitable for body lift surgery. Problems also arise from nicotine users which is why doctors will advise smokers to quit well in advance of the surgery. This procedure is not suited for those with an abnormally high BMI or fat percentage, such as those who are obese. Such patients should pursue other weight loss options first.

Before the surgery, the doctor will determine the best anesthesia combination. Most go for general anesthesia because of the extensive incisions and skin removal that are involved in the procedure. The incision patterns differ depending on where the excess fat and skin are located. Your surgeon will determine the most suitable technique but in general, as earlier mentioned, the incisions will look like a huge belt worn low. Any remaining excess fat is removed and the sagging skin is pulled or tightened into place. When this is done, the incisions are closed with sutures and given added support with tissue glue. Bandages will be used to dress the cuts and tubes may be placed under the skin to drain excess blood and fluids, but this is temporary.

During the healing process one will be advised to avoid any exercise for 6 to 8 weeks. The healing itself will take four to six weeks. Some scarring and swelling is to be expected although a large percentage of the swelling goes away after six weeks. Other side effects of a body lift include skin discoloration, excessive bleeding, poor wound healing, blood clots, recurring looseness of the skin and persistent pain, but these are all quite rare.