Many people interested in body contouring surgery want to know how much weight they can expect to lose after their procedure. It’s important to understand that surgeries such as a body lift, arm reductions, upper body lifts, or thigh reductions should not be viewed as weight loss procedures, as they are intended to shape the body contours and are not associated with significant weight loss. This blog discusses how body lift surgery works and why it is not categorized as a weight loss surgery.
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Seeking Plastic Surgery as a Weight Loss Method
Many people set goals to lose weight. While various weight loss methods are available—including diets, exercises, and medications like Ozempic®—most still find losing weight challenging. Some people may turn to body contouring plastic surgery procedures in the hope that they can help them shed excess weight. Yet it is crucial to understand the difference between weight loss surgery and body contouring; weight loss surgery usually involves altering the stomach and the digestive system, while body contouring removes fat and excess skin that persists after massive weight loss is complete to improve the body’s shape.
A body lift (or belt lipectomy) is a type of body contouring surgery, not a weight loss procedure. It addresses the abdomen, flanks, and buttocks by removing stubborn fat and droopy skin. Those interested in undergoing a body lift must understand the goals of this body contouring procedure and not expect to lose a significant amount of weight.
Do You Lose Weight With a Body Lift?
While body lift surgery is not designed to produce significant weight loss results, many patients experience minor weight loss due to the fat and skin removed during the procedure. The exact amount of weight you may lose with a body lift will vary depending on your body, goals, and how much excess skin and fat is being removed. On average, patients may experience 5 to 10 pounds lost after their body lift surgery.
Typically, the best body lift results are achieved when a patient is close to or at their goal weight before surgery. This is because the removal of excess skin and fat will be more noticeable and will allow for your own best body contours to be sculpted.
What Does a Body Lift Do?
During body lift surgery/belt lipectomy, the tummy and lower body are treated by eliminating stubborn pockets of fat and trimming excess skin to eliminate sagging. The tummy region is treated with a 360-degree approach, which creates a significantly flatter abdomen, a lifted pubic area, smoother flanks (sides of the body), and a lifted buttocks. Loose or weakened abdominal muscles are tightened, resulting in a flatter stomach. The remaining skin will be tightened, leaving patients with smoother, firmer body contours.
Have More Questions About Body Lift Surgery in Dallas, TX?
If you’re interested in getting a body lift/belt lipectomy, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Aly can kickstart your journey to getting your ideal body contours. To learn more about body lift surgery and if you’re a good candidate, call Dr. Aly’s office at (214) 645-3565 or fill out our online contact form.