Body Lift Seattle | Dr. Craig Jonov

Massive weight loss is an achievement that deserves to be enjoyed. Unfortunately, many patients are left with copious amounts of extra skin because it cannot retract enough to match the patient’s new body contours. This can disguise the true results of the weight loss which can be disheartening and cause patients to lose motivation. While no exercise or amount of dieting will address extra skin, there are possible solutions such as body lift surgery. Dr. Craig Jonov at Seattle Plastic Surgery performs the best body lift Seattle offers.

Understanding Seattle Body Lift Surgery

Body lift surgery—also called a belt lipectomy—is a plastic surgery procedure that removes excess skin from a circumferential area of the lower body. It is an extensive procedure often taking several hours to complete. The incision also wraps completely around the body which can be concerning for patients. However, for those suffering from large amounts of extra skin, a body lift can be life-changing.

The surgery is sometimes referred to as “post weight loss surgery” because these are the patients that most often seek a body lift. This does include patients who have undergone bariatric surgery.

Reasons Patients Seek A Body Lift

As mentioned, body lift patients have frequently undergone massive weight loss which left them with loose sagging skin. However, this is not the only reason patients may undergo a body lift. Some of the reasons patients may seek a body lift surgery include:

• Changes or damage done to the body after one or more pregnancies
• Aging patients who developed large amounts of extra skin
• Post-bariatric surgery and massive weight loss
• Genetic factors that may cause extra and/or loose skin on the body

Benefits

Good candidates for a body lift will likely see several benefits of the procedure. Some of the possible benefits include:

• Tighter, firmer body contours
• Remove excess skin
• True results of weight loss become visible
• Tighter skin
• May remove stretch marks and other scars in the treatment areas
• Can be combined with liposuction to further improve results and remove small, stubborn fat deposits
• Make it easier to exercise and live an active lifestyle
• Fit into smaller-sized clothing
• Help improve self-confidence
• Can help reduce skin irritation and rashes from overlapping skin
• Hidden incisions
• Possible to perform the procedure in one surgical session for most patients
• Performed by a top Seattle plastic surgeon with years of experience in body contouring surgery

Every body lift surgery and patient is slightly different. Dr. Jonov takes the time to get to know each patient, their goals, and their medical history to customize the procedure for them.

Procedures Often Included In A Body Lift

A body lift comes in a few different forms. However, the most commonly performed type is a lower body lift. In some cases, Dr. Jonov may also perform procedures such as a breast lift or brachioplasty at the same time. Below are the procedures usually performed during a lower body lift surgery.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck addresses extra skin on the abdomen. It is also frequently performed for weight loss patients and women wanting to correct bodily changes after pregnancy. The abdominoplasty incision makes up the first half of the body lift incision. Spanning roughly from hip to hip, Dr. Jonov uses the incision to remove extra skin and correct separated abdominal muscles, a condition known as diastasis recti.

Along with extra skin, Dr. Jonov may also remove wrinkled skin, C-section or other surgery scars, and stretch marks. Patients may also undergo liposuction of the waist or abdomen to further improve the contours of the body.

Buttock Lift

A buttock lift comprises the second half of the circumferential incision. The incision is located just above the Botox and meets the tummy tuck incision on the hips. This allows Dr. Jonov to remove extra skin from the buttocks, smooth their contour, and create a younger, perkier appearance to the buttocks. This will also usually address extra skin in the general area of the lower back.

Unlike a Brazilian butt lift, a traditional buttock lift does not add volume to the buttocks. However, it may be possible to undergo a BBL at the same time or as a later procedure. If this interests the patient, Dr. Jonov can discuss this during a consultation.

Thigh Lift

The buttock lift can sometimes provide some correction to the thigh area. However, some patients may require further correction and thus Dr. Jonov may perform a thigh lift. Generally, this only applies to the outer thighs, but he can likely address the inner thighs too.

A thigh lift helps remove and tighten skin on the thighs. With weight loss, rolls of skin can appear and cause a lumpy thigh contour. While not all body lift patients would benefit from a thigh lift, it is often a complementary procedure to the others included in a body lift surgery.

Mons Pubis Lift

Similar to the thighs, a tummy tuck may provide some benefit to the mons pubis area. However, Dr. Jonov can use the tummy tuck incision to remove extra skin from the pubic area as well. This is not always necessary but can help improve results if there is excess skin in the mons pubis area.

A mons pubis lift only address the small amount of skin between the abdomen and genitals. It does address the genitals themselves. The mons pubis area frequently collects extra skin along with the abdomen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Full Body Lifts Safe?

Yes, when body lift surgery is performed on an ideal candidate it is a perfectly safe procedure. Dr. Jonov screens patients prior to surgery to ensure their medical history, lifestyle, and other factors are all compatible with a generally low risk surgery. In some cases, small alterations are made to make it safer. If Dr. Jonov does not believe a body lift is safe for a patient, he will recommend another treatment option.

What Is The Average Cost Of A Body Lift?

A body lift at Seattle Plastic Surgery starts at $7,985. This price may fluctuate based on factors of individual surgeries. Patients can get a tentative price quote from our price list or Price Simulator.

Are The Results Of A Body Lift Permanent?

As long as a patient does not gain a significant amount of weight, then yes, for the most part, it is permanent. However, some age-related changes will occur over the years. With no major weight gain, patients can expect their body lift results to be long lasting.

What Is A Body Lift Recovery Like?

A body lift surgery recovery will require about two or three weeks of downtime. Side effects like swelling, bruising, pain, and redness are all normal and will gradually get better over the first couple of weeks. Patients will need to follow some post-operative instructions to promote a more comfortable recovery. Dr. Jonov may provide directions such as:

• Sleep with head and feet slightly elevated to avoid direct pressure or stress on the incisions
• Wear compression garments
• Do not shower until Dr. Jonov okays it
• Do not remove any bandages or similar coverings
• Refrain from strenuous activity or exercise
• Avoid heavy lifting
• Attend post-operative appointments

The Best Body Lift In Seattle At Seattle Plastic Surgery

Dr. Craig Jonov is a plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in body contouring surgeries including mommy makeovers and body lifts. Dr. Jonov is frequently sought out by patients from all around the world for his expertise. Dr. Craig Jonov offers the best body lift Seattle provides.

Seattle Plastic Surgery is a premier plastic surgery practice and medical spa in the heart of Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood. To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-324-1120. You can also reach out online via chat, contact us, and Price Simulator.