The body lift is performed to remove excess skin and sometimes also fat from the torso and upper legs. It is a complicated procedure that can take three to seven hours under general anesthesia and involves a difficult recovery period of four to six weeks, but it offers an improvement in appearance for patients who have lost significant amounts of weight due to childbearing, diet, exercise or bariatric surgery, or who have loose, inelastic skin for other reasons. Body lifts can tighten and tone the abdomen, back, buttocks, hips and thighs. The procedure is often combined with others such as breastlifts, facelifts and armlifts to retain a proper body proportion.

During the procedure, skin is lifted from underlying tissue, muscles are tightened and stitched and fat is removed where necessary, and the skin is sutured closed. The navel is often removed and replaced in its new position. Surgical tubes may be needed for a few days to drain any fluid, and patients may need to wear compression garments for a few weeks to faciliate faster healing.

After surgery, patients are encouraged to walk as soon as they are able, although stenuous activities must be limited for about a month. Results are visible immediately.

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