Everything from age, childbirth and weight loss can impact the appearance of the skin. All or some of these factors may lead to loose, excess skin on the majority of the body. After all the hard work, diet, exercise, and mental fortitude to achieve a healthier body, the resulting excess skin can leave a patient feeling dejected after massive weight loss. Dr. Judge understands that sagging skin can lead to a defeated mental state that causes self-consciousness.
Her collaborative approach to surgery ensures that all of her patients feel heard and empowered to discuss what they want. Her approach to surgery combines the skills of a surgeon with the eye of an artist. Her goal is always to help her patients reach peak confidence. A body lift has the ability to change a patient’s life and shift their entire appearance— making sure that their vision comes to life requires a surgeon with a genuine understanding of how significantly a body lift transforms both the physicality and the mentality of the patient undergoing surgery.
Every patient is different making each body lift surgery completely unique to the individual. During a body lift the patient’s excess and loose skin is removed from the abdomen and torso to reveal a tighter, more youthful appearance.
Prior to undergoing the surgery, Dr. Judge will discuss your aesthetic goals, and ensure that you are both aligned and proper expectations are set. Dr. Judge believes that an educated patient is the best patient and pointedly spends significant one-on-one time with all of her patients to ensure that they understand the procedure at hand. The end goal is to leave you feeling empowered, confident, and ready for surgery.
Performed under general anesthesia with a licensed anesthetist overseeing the procedure, a Belt Lipectomy (lifting and reshaping the entire lower body) can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. Dr. Judge’s body lift surgeries are performed at an outpatient surgery center or hospital if a patient requires admission to the hospital after surgery. In many cases, the patient is required to spend the night after surgery at an after care facility with around the clock nursing help or in the hospital.
During the operation, Dr. Judge will remove excess fat and skin from the abdomen and torso, and liposuction may be recommended for further body contouring. For some patients, Dr. Judge can create a buttock from the excess skin of the lower back. This is called an auto-augmentation buttock lift.
A body lift is often times done in tandem with other “lift” procedures such as breast lift or arm lift. Dr. Judge will discuss the best way to achieve your desired aesthetic during your consultation.
There will be postoperative discomfort, but this is typically managed with oral pain killers and will subside after a few days.* Drainage tubes will be left in for 10 to 14 days post-op to collect extraneous blood and fluid.* A compression binder may also be worn to help promote proper healing.
Patients can typically return to work within 2 weeks, and swelling will typically subside within a few weeks.* Strenuous activity should be avoided for 4-6 weeks. Scars from the procedure will naturally fade within a few months following the procedure.*
*Individual results may vary. Not a guarantee.
To book your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Judge, click the BOOK button below to book an appointment or call us at (415) 409-9760.
