Body Lift in Miami

Body lift surgery is intended to help men and women who have lost an excessive amount of weight achieve a more desirable silhouette. By removing excess skin on the midsection and other areas of the body, the procedure can provide a smoother body contour, so you can enjoy the results of weight loss.

Removes excess, sagging skin
Tightens and firms skin
Creates a smoother, more natural body contour and shape

After losing an excessive amount of weight (more than 50% of their body weight), many patients elect to undergo a body lift in Miami to remove excess, sagging skin. This extensive surgical procedure is also known as a belt lipectomy and is performed on patients who are at a stable body weight and struggle with excess skin on the inner/outer thighs, buttocks, hips, and abdomen. Patients who undergo a body lift may also deal with hygiene issues and discomfort due to skin folds. Oftentimes, patients who have undergone bariatric surgery elect to have a body lift.

The Surgical Process

The entire body lift procedure can last two to five hours. First, the doctor will mark the incision sites and administer general and local anesthesia. The incisions are made in the natural folds of the skin where they can concealed if possible. Given the nature of a body lift, the treatment is circumferential and performed in stages if necessary. The excess skin is lifted and removed and liposuction may be performed on certain areas to achieve the desired result. To avoid infection, the patient is prescribed antibiotics both before and after surgery.

Life Post-Body Lift in Miami

Recovery time after a body lift is four to six weeks and the patient will likely be advised to be on bed rest for the first 24 hours after the surgery. On the second day, the patient may be able to walk with assistance. Drains will be in place on the patient to collect excess fluids and these can usually be removed after one week. To control swelling and aid in recovery, the patient will wear compression garments; these will usually be worn for six weeks.

Some complications may arise after body lift surgery and these can include seroma, infection, delayed healing, scarring, thrombosis, DVT and pulmonary embolism.

Do you have questions about a body lift in Miami and post-bariatric body contouring? Contact Miami Beach plastic surgeon Dr. Rian Maercks to schedule a consultation, during which you can discuss your concerns and determine if surgery is right for you.