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BODY LIFT

Considering body lift surgery?

After a significant amount of weight loss or sometimes just with aging skin, our bodies can be left with a lot of excess loose skin. Sometimes the excess skin can extend all the way around the body and lead to difficulty with fitting clothes and overlapping skin that can get moist and irritated. The only way to remove the excess and/or significantly retighten the skin around both the belly and back is through a surgical procedure called a body lift. This differs from an abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” in that addresses the excess skin in the back at same time, compared to the tummy tuck which only focuses on the stomach.

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Am I a good candidate for a body lift?

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If you are experiencing any of the following, you may be an ideal candidate for body lift surgery:

  • Loose, sagging skin around your torso
  • Diet-resistant excess fat around your torso
  • Both excess skin and excess fat around your midsection

Natural looking body lift results

Dr. Roostaeian specializes in creating the most stunningly natural plastic surgery, which means that when you choose him as your body lift surgeon, you will experience a result that looks as though you may have been born with it. Dr. Jason carefully considers your aesthetic goals and vision in order to provide you with the best most natural looking result possible.

UCLA body lift consultation

Coming in for a consultation with Dr. Roostaeian is the best way to determine whether body lift surgery is right for you.

During your meeting, you’ll have the chance to explain your concerns and ask as many questions as you need, without being rushed or feeling obligated to book a procedure. Dr. Roostaeian prefers to listen and get to know patients first, which helps him guide you to a solution that works best for you. Together, you’ll discuss the look you’re trying to achieve, and you’ll be able to view standardized before and after photos of Dr. Jason’s previous results that are similar to your aesthetic goals.

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All consultation fees may be credited to any subsequent service performed by Dr. Jason. To book a consultation, please complete the form and we will contact you within two business days.

Alternatively, you may call 310.825.8827 to speak with Lili to make an appointment.

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Dr. Jason and our staff at the UCLA Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Suite are ready to get you started on your journey. Whether to answer questions, schedule a consultation, or simply to listen, we're ready when you are.

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      Everything you need to know about body lift surgery

       

      Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

      PREPARING FOR BODY LIFT SURGERY

      During your consultation, Dr. Roostaeian will listen to your goals, answer any questions, and help you determine the best treatment plan for you. If you decide to reserve a date for your body lift, Dr. Jason’s surgery coordinator, Lili, will also schedule you a pre-op appointment to take place about a week or two prior to your surgery.

      As with any surgical procedure, you must be physically and mentally fit for body lift surgery. To ensure patient safety, Dr. Jason only operates on patients who do not smoke, who have achieved a healthy weight range, and who have received anesthesia clearance by their primary physician.

      Am I a good candidate for a body lift?

      If you are experiencing any of the following, you may be an ideal candidate for body lift surgery:

      • Loose, sagging skin around your torso
      • Diet-resistant excess fat around your torso
      • Both excess skin and excess fat around your midsection

      In addition, Dr. Jason will only perform a rhinoplasty on patients who meet the following criteria:

      • Are in good health
      • Do not smoke
      • Are able to avoid any blood-thinning medications for several weeks
      • Have been cleared for surgery by a primary care physician
      • Have reasonable expectations and aesthetic goals
      How do I find the best body lift surgeon?

      When searching for the best body lift surgeon to perform your body surgery, Dr. Roostaeian advises you to consider several key factors:

      1. Credentials and Certifications: Research your prospective body lift surgeon online – not just on their website, but on industry credentialing sites such as www.surgery.org, which lists board certified plastic surgeons. Do not choose a cosmetic surgeon who is a member of the ABCS – they do not receive the extensive training and oversight that plastic surgeons do. Look for plastic/cosmetic surgeons like Dr. Roostaeian, who are ABPS and ASAPS members.
      2. Before and After Photos: The doctor you choose to perform your body lift should be happy to show you an extensive array of standardized before and after photographs. Scrutinize them carefully, making sure the lighting is consistent and the various views are shown with detail. View enough body lift surgery pictures to determine whether or not the work is of high quality, with an aesthetic that matches your personal goals. Dr. Jason strives to provide patients with the highest quality of standardized body lift photographs so you can feel confident in your choice. Click here to view Dr. Jason’s gallery of before and after body lift photos. [LINK]
      3. Office and Surgery Facility: Before choosing an aesthetic surgeon to perform your body lift surgery, closely evaluate the office staff, as well as the surgery facility. All of the staff should be helpful and friendly, and pleased to provide you with detailed information about their operating rooms and equipment. Dr. Jason and his staff are proud to be affiliated with UCLA, world renowned for state-of-the-art surgical facilities and patient care. Click to learn more about our top-ranked hospital.[LINK]
      4. Personal Connection: Seeing eye to eye with your body lift surgeon is just as important as assessing their operating skills. Plastic surgery is a very personal endeavor, and Dr. Jason strongly believes in creating a connection with all of his patients prior to heading into the OR. 

       

      Click to read Dr. Jason’s blog post How to Find the Best Plastic Surgeon.

      How much does a body lift cost?

      Body lift costs vary considerably from patient to patient. The exact cost of rhinoplasty surgery will depend on the complexity of your procedure, and whether or not you plan to combine your lift with other procedures. You will receive a written quote following your consultation.

      Can I combine a body lift with other procedures?

      Yes, a body lift can be combined with other procedures of the breast or body, however the total length of anesthesia should generally not exceed 6-8 hours for elective procedures. Liposuction of the flanks or a breast lift with or without augmentation as part of a “mommy makeover” can at times be performed at the same time.  Dr. Jason was the lead author on a study, Comparison of Limited-Undermining Lipoabdominoplasty and Traditional Abdominoplasty Using Laser Fluorescence Imaging, published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal that objectively evaluated the safety of performing liposuction of belly fat at the same time as the tummy tuck portion of a body lift. This breakthrough procedure is able to achieve more dramatic results in a single procedure.

      Should I lose weight before a body lift?

      Dr. Jason advises that in order to achieve the best possible result in body contouring it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This should be started before surgery so that you can keep it going after surgery. Although you will have to take a break from exercise for a few weeks during your recovery, it important to maintain a well-balanced diet. Many of Dr. Jason’s patients are more motivated by their new body shape following surgery and want to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

      How do I prepare for body lift surgery?

      When preparing for a body lift procedure, follow all instructions issued by Dr. Roostaeian, his office, and the staff at the UCLA Surgery Center. These guidelines include, but are not limited to:

      • No food or drink prior to surgery
      • Shower/cleanse the area prior to coming in for surgery
      • Avoid certain drugs and supplements before and after surgery
      • Arrange transportation
      • Ensure you will have help around the house for the first few days
      • Obtain prescription and non-prescription medications ahead of time, including pain meds
      • Choose to wear loose, comfortable clothing
      • Plan out sleeping and resting arrangements (Which side of the bed is easiest to navigate to/from? Do I have enough pillows to make sleep/rest comfortable?)
      • Have frequently used items handy – you won’t be able to lift or strain right away
      A woman with a laptop representing Dr. Jason Roostaeian's natural looking body lift surgery

      undergoing body lift surgery

      A photo of Dr. Jason Roostaeian's natural looking plastic surgery practice at 200 Medical Plaza Drive UCLA

      When you arrive for your body lift surgery, the UCLA Surgery Center nurses will prepare you for your operation. Dr. Roostaeian will stop in to answer any remaining questions you may have, and to make surgical markings for the OR.

      Once you have received the anesthesia and are comfortably sleeping, Dr. Jason will perform the body lift as discussed during your previous meetings.

      Dr. Jason will explain to you during your consultation that sometimes, a surgical plan may need to be slightly amended depending upon what is revealed in the operating room. He will make adjustments as needed in order to achieve the results that you’ve agreed upon. 

      Will I have local or general anesthesia during my body lift?

      Typically, Dr. Roostaeian performs rhinoplasty surgery using general anesthesia. During your pre-operative appointment, Dr. Jason will review your options and help you decide on an whether to use local vs general anesthesia to best suit your needs.

      What happens during body lift surgery?

      A body lift  procedure with Dr. Roostaeian typically lasts approximately four hours. Dr. Jason will typically create incisions below your bikini line  that extends all the way around the back while still staying below the bikini line. An incision around the navel (belly button) is also typically required to recontour the skin above it.

      The extent of the incision for a body lift can be either circumferential, running the full length of the stomach, hips and back, or near-circumferential, not reaching all the way around the back from either side. The incision will be made as inconspicuously as possible, however, its length will vary depending on what your particular body needs to achieve the best possible shape.

      Dr. Jason will employ liposuction in any of the areas you need to achieve the best result. Your abdominal muscles will be repaired and tightened as necessary. The extra skin from your belly is then removed and your incisions are closed using absorbable sutures so there is no need to later remove any stitches.

      Does my belly button get moved during a body lift?

      The simple answer is no. We leave the belly button alone and make a new opening for it. Dr. Jason utilizes special suturing techniques to achieve a natural looking result with hidden scars tucked deep inside the belly button.

      Is a body lift an outpatient procedure?

      Following a body lift with Dr. Jason Roostaeian, a single overnight stay is necessary. The Surgery Center at UCLA is the only place in Los Angeles that allows you to have your surgery followed by a monitored overnight stay with a registered nurse (R.N.) in the same facility. Not to mention, that UCLA’s world class hospital ranked “Best in the West” according to the U.S. News and World Report for the last 2 decades, is next door in the rare event of an emergency. This allows for a safer surgical experience which is one of the main reasons Dr. Jason is proud to be on faculty at UCLA.

      How long does body lift surgery take?

      Although each case is unique, body lift surgery takes about 4 – 6 hours. The duration of nose job surgery varies greatly depending on the complexity of your case. Prior to your surgery, Dr. Jason will let you know the approximate duration.

      Body lift recovery

      Prior to your body lift procedure, Dr. Roostaeian will go over what you can expect after your surgery and answer any questions you may have. Before being discharged from the UCLA Surgery Center, you will receive detailed post-op instructions from the staff, as well as information about your follow-up appointment with Dr. Jason. If at any time you have a question or concern after your surgery, our staff is available to assist you. Dr. Jason cares deeply about providing the highest standard of care for his patients, and will closely monitor your healing process.

      As with any surgical procedure, recovery from a body lift proceeds in stages. While everyone’s healing process is different, you may expect the immediate recovery period to take about one to two weeks, followed by an activity restriction. Full healing and results will be apparent around the 3-4 month mark, while your scar (if applicable) and swelling will continue to improve for 6 months to one year.

       

      When will I see my final body lift results?

      You’ll see the final results of your body lift after about six weeks, when all swelling has subsided. For a body lift scar to fully mature, however, it takes at least 6 months to a year. Over this time you will see your scars become barely visible, they will lighten in color and become softer to the touch.

      How long does it take to heal after a body lift?

      After a body lift procedure with Dr. Jason Roostaeian, the majority of the swelling will likely subside within a week while some mild swelling may persist for a few more weeks. Within one week after surgery you will visit Dr. Jason as a follow up so he can check on your healing and answer any questions.

      Your incisions will be healed and you can return to most activities by 6 weeks. Full activities such as strenuous workouts, running, etc. is best to wait until 3 months, when your scars have achieved full strength. For a body lift scar to fully mature, however, it takes at least 6 months to a year. Over this time you will see your scars become barely visible, they will lighten in color and become softer to the touch.

      When can I exercise or work out after a body lift?

      For the first 2 weeks following body lift surgery with Dr. Roostaeian, you want to avoid straining (lifting anything more than 5 lbs), or getting your heart rate/blood pressure up as this can lead to bleeding. After 2-3 weeks you should avoid mechanical forces that will stress or put tension on your healing incisions for 3 months. This means you should avoid high impact activities that lead to excessive movement of your body, such a running.  Listen to what your body is telling you at all times, for instance stop the workout if you experience any new discomfort. Remember, getting plenty of rest and reducing your overall activity will give you time to heal and speed up your recovery.

      What does a body lift scar look like?

      The scar from a body lift with Dr. Roostaeian is variable in length but typically below the bikini line and runs the full length of the stomach and hips (love handles) extending into the back. During your initial body lift consultation with Dr. Jason he will discuss what to expect based on your personal needs and surgery.

      Please visit Dr. Jason’s rhinoplasty gallery to view examples of body lift scars.

      What is body lift recovery like?

      Dr. Jason will perform your body lift procedure  at UCLA’s state of the art outpatient surgery center that provides an unparalleled level of safety. US News has ranked the UCLA Medical Center among the top 5 hospitals in the country for more than 20 years.  Following your procedure, you will be taken to the recovery suite where you will stay and be cared for and monitored  by UCLA’s excellent nurses overnight. You can take a shower after 2 days but baths, swimming, or soaking of your incisions should be avoided for 4 weeks.

      Most patients require prescription narcotics for at least a few days after surgery. You can drive if you’re not taking prescription narcotics and most feel up for it 1-2 weeks after surgery. You can return to work within 1-2 weeks as long as it doesn’t require any significant physical activity or lifting.

      When can I return to work after my body lift surgery?

      It really depends on what you do for work. If you have a desk job you can typically return to work after 2 weeks. If your profession is more physically demanding, Dr. Jason recommends waiting at least 3 weeks before returning to work. Remember, you do not want to strain or lift anything that weighs more than five pounds for the first 2 weeks after surgery.

      How long do the results of a body lift last?

      Patients who maintain a healthy lifestyle will enjoy the result of their body lift procedure for decades. Significant increases in weight, however, can stretch out the abdominal skin and muscles that were tightened.

      Can I get pregnant after a body lift?

      Yes, you are able to get pregnant with no consequences to your newborn. However, the pregnancy will re-stretch the skin and abdominal muscles that were tightened and may require a revisional procedure. Therefore, Dr. Jason advises patients to wait until you are done with pregnancies before considering a body lift.

      A photograph of a female model representing Dr. Jason Roostaeian's natural looking rhinoplasty patient

      Body Contouring Patient Testimonials

      Extremely happy – my scar is thin like a needle

      Dr. Roostaeian performed my breast augmentation and redid my abdominoplasty due to a big scar below my belly button which did not heal correctly from the original abdominoplasty 8 years ago. I am extremely happy with the result! My scar is thin like a size of a needle, unlike the size of a finger with my first abdominoplasty. He really listens to his patient and most important is, he cared. I stayed at the hospital for a day and he visited me 3 times to make sure I am doing well. He responded to my emails quickly with any questions and concerns. I highly recommend him if you’re looking for a plastic surgeon, you will be please with the quality of his work.

      -Anonymous Patient  

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