Body Lift in Rockford, IL
When people begin a weight-loss journey, they often imagine a trim, toned body at the finish line. For many, however, reaching their goal weight does not yield these idealized results. Skin that has stretched to cover their larger body may not be elastic enough to retract to fit the body’s new shape. Dangling skin can obstruct the new figure, and no amount of diet and exercise can make this excess skin disappear.
Body lift is a comprehensive plastic surgery plan that improves the contours around the midsection of the body. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rodriguez performs body lift on patients in Rockford who wish to tighten the skin on their abdomen, hips and lower back. Whereas tummy tuck focuses exclusively on the abdomen, body lift is circumferential, addressing loose skin on the entirety of midsection.
The Pedro Rodriguez Difference
Dr. Pedro Rodriguez is an elite plastic surgeon who performs cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He specializes in breast, body and face procedures. Merging advanced techniques with his keen eye, he produces transformative results for his patients that are both attractive and natural-looking.
Patients in Rockford choose Dr. Rodriguez because of his outstanding surgical skills and attentive care. Through decades of experience, he understands precisely how to rejuvenate the face and achieve appealing breast and body contours. He takes pleasure in helping his patients build confidence by reaching their aesthetic goals.
Candidates for Body Lift
The ideal candidate for body lift is an adult who is in good overall health, does not smoke and has loose skin around the lower torso. It is appropriate for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight through bariatric surgery, adopting a healthy lifestyle or following pregnancy.
Dr. Rodriguez recommends that patients maintain a steady weight for multiple months before having surgery. Women who intend to have additional children should always wait as a subsequent pregnancy is almost certain to undo the results accomplished through body lift surgery.
Some patients who have body lift also have thigh lift and/or buttock lift so that the contours on the lower body are uniform. Combining procedures can be discussed with Dr. Rodriguez during a consultation.
Body Lift Procedure
After providing the patient with general anesthesia, Dr. Rodriguez makes strategic incisions along the circumference of the body. Incisions are placed inside the navel, just above the pubic area and along natural curves where subsequent scarring is easier to conceal. Dr. Rodriguez uses these incisions to remove excess skin and reshape the underlying tissue to achieve sleeker contours. He pulls the remaining skin taut to complement these contours and then sutures the incisions back together. The entire procedure can last several hours because it targets such a large section of the body.
Body Lift Recovery
Patients typically need about two weeks of rest and relaxation before resuming their work, depending on the nature of their job. Mobility is limited for the first six to eight weeks; patients should wait to reintroduce strenuous exercise into their routines until receiving approval from Dr. Rodriguez. At all times, patients should wear the compression garment Dr. Rodriguez provides to accelerate the healing process and to help produce better results.
Body Lift FAQ
How can I prepare for body lift surgery?
Dr. Rodriguez will outline the steps before your body lift procedure, such as discontinuing blood thinning medications and supplements and completing the necessary medical lab tests. He may prescribe medication beforehand so you can fill it and have it ready when needed. Maintain a healthy lifestyle in the weeks leading up to your body lift, including eating balanced meals, hydrating, and quitting smoking and drinking alcohol.
There are many ways to prepare yourself and those around you for recovery from body lift surgery.
- Schedule your leave from work.
- Make arrangements for a loved one to accompany you on the day of your procedure and stay with you for a couple of days.
- Go grocery shopping before your body lift surgery.
- Consider making nutritious meals that can be frozen and reheated
- Stock your pantry with healthy snacks, fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
- Create a space in your home for healing — typically the bedroom — and have water, bendy straws, snacks, chargers, and the TV remote within reach so you can rest as much as possible after body lift surgery.
Do I need to sleep in a specific position after body lift?
Yes, sleep on your back with your legs and head elevated using several pillows. Ensure you get adequate rest at night and nap, if possible, during the day. Sleep and rest are crucial to recovery because the deepest sleep stage (REM or rapid eye movement) is when the body repairs tissues and cells, reboots the central nervous system, and improves brain health. These repairs are crucial after the physical and mental stress of body lift surgery.
What does a compression garment do?
Wearing your compression garment(s) as directed is pivotal to healing after body lift. A compression garment is a medical-grade article of clothing made with breathable and durable materials like nylon and elastic. These items facilitate healing and provide comfort after surgery. Compression garments should fit snugly and are worn 24/7 at first, with only brief breaks to bathe, and then at night for several weeks. Do not rush this process because compression garments offer significant benefits, such as:
- Reduced swelling: Compression garments maintain steady pressure, prevent excess buildup, and lead to less swelling to help the body heal faster.
- Less bruising: Bruising is expected after any procedure. Ruptured blood vessels spread into surrounding tissues to create visible bruising. Compression garments reduce post-operative bruising by stopping these ruptured cells from rising to the surface layer of the skin.
- Improved scarring: The continuous pressure from the compression garments helps to flatten the area and smooth the incision line, though genetics and surgical techniques also play a role.
- Lower infection risk: Compression garments improve circulation and promote rapid wound healing, reducing the risk of infection and blood clots as long as the garment is clean.
- Improved comfort: These garments should be comfortable and stretch for tissue support, making the recovery process comfortable and protecting the treated area.
Will I have visible scarring after my body lift procedure?
The location of your incisions depends on the surgical technique. Dr. Rodriguez conceals incision lines within the natural curves or along the underwear lines where possible. Incision lines will fade significantly over time, especially in the first year. Topical treatments and constant moisturizing can help improve the appearance of body lift scars.
What if I gain weight after body lift surgery?
Falling off your healthy diet and avoiding exercise will lead to weight gain and affect your body lift results. You may need a future procedure to remove more excess skin if you gain and lose additional weight. Staying active and eating balanced meals are the best ways to maintain your new body contour.
What is typically included in a body lift procedure?
A body lift addresses excess skin and soft tissue laxity after significant weight loss or age-related changes. The procedure may include excision and reshaping of skin and tissue in the lower abdomen, flanks, buttocks, and outer thighs. In some cases, the procedure extends circumferentially around the torso. Muscle repair is not typically part of a standard body lift unless combined with abdominoplasty. Dr. Rodriguez tailors the surgical plan based on anatomical findings and patient goals.
How is a body lift different from bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a weight loss procedure (such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy) that modifies the digestive system to reduce caloric intake or absorption. A body lift, by contrast, is a body contouring procedure intended to remove excess skin and improve tissue shape after major weight loss. It does not address metabolism or weight regulation. Patients often consider a body lift once their weight has stabilized following bariatric surgery or non-surgical weight loss methods.
What are the long-term results of a body lift?
Body lift surgery produces long-lasting structural changes by removing excess skin and repositioning tissues. While the aging process continues and some skin laxity may develop over time, the overall improvement in contour is generally stable if the patient maintains a consistent weight. Significant weight fluctuations or additional pregnancies may affect results. Dr. Rodriguez provides guidance on how to support long-term outcomes through healthy lifestyle habits and weight maintenance.
Can I combine a body lift with liposuction?
Yes. Liposuction is frequently performed in conjunction with a body lift to further refine body contours and address localized fat deposits that do not respond to skin excision alone. Common target areas include the flanks, hips, or thighs. Combining liposuction with a body lift can enhance the overall symmetry and contour of the treated areas. Dr. Rodriguez assesses whether combining procedures is safe and beneficial based on each patient’s surgical plan and health status.
How soon after weight loss should I consider a body lift?
Patients are typically advised to wait until their weight has been stable for at least 6 months before undergoing a body lift. This stability allows the skin to contract as much as possible and ensures that the surgical plan accounts for the final body composition. Ideal candidates have reached or are close to their target weight and do not anticipate further significant changes. A consultation is necessary to evaluate timing based on health history and goals.
What are the risks and complications of a body lift?
As with any major surgical procedure, a body lift carries risks such as bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation (seroma), delayed wound healing, scarring, and changes in skin sensation. Dr. Rodriguez performs all procedures in a safe setting, discusses risks in detail during consultation, and provides clear recovery guidelines to minimize complications.
Is hospitalization required for a body lift?
A body lift is usually performed under general anesthesia and may require an overnight stay for observation, depending on the extent of the procedure and patient-specific factors. In some cases, outpatient surgery is possible, but extended monitoring may be advised for safety. Dr. Rodriguez will determine the appropriate surgical setting and recovery protocol for each case.
Schedule a Body Lift Consultation
If you have taken off a significant amount of weight and now want to complete your body by removing the loose skin around your abdomen, hips and back, then you may be a great candidate for body lift. Removing and repositioning lax skin can better reveal the body you have worked hard to achieve. To discuss this surgery with an elite plastic surgeon, please arrange a consultation with Dr. Rodriguez.
