Body Lift in Buffalo, NY

The body lift or Belt Lipectomy is a procedure that can help to tighten skin around the torso which may have become lax following pregnancy or massive weight loss after bariatric surgery. Excess sagging fat and skin are removed to treat conditions caused in part by poor tissue elasticity.

Body Lift in Buffalo, NYA body lift generally includes removal of excess skin in the abdominal area in front as well as around the lower back and buttock. It is often combined with liposuction to achieve the best contours.

In Buffalo the body lift is a procedure performed by Dr. Shatkin that can improve the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports fat and skin. Excess sagging fat and skin are removed to treat conditions caused in part by poor tissue elasticity. In addition, the procedure(s) can improve a dimpled, irregular skin surface, commonly known as cellulite. A body lift may include these areas:

  • Abdominal area, locally or extending around the sides and into the lower back area.
  • Buttocks, that may be low, flat or shaped unevenly.

Body lifts are not intended strictly for the removal of excess skin and fat. Liposuction, alone, can remove excess fat deposits where skin has good elasticity and is able to naturally conform to new body contours. In cases where skin elasticity is poor, a combination of liposuction and body lift techniques may be recommended.

What You Should Know About A Body Lift

Body Lift Considerations

All lower body lift techniques tighten the buttocks and abdomen.  Loose sagging skin below the incision is removed. This requires positioning the patient on their tummy and back during the procedure. Incision closure is performed in multiple layers over drains, to control stretching and swelling.

Combining the abdominoplasty with a back lift will allow more skin removal from the front and better tightening, as well as lifting the buttock area, and the pubic area (mons). The following conditions could indicate that body lift is right for you:

  • Have experienced a massive weight loss due to dieting or bariatric surgery
  • Pregnancy and/or aging have left you with loose or sagging skin in the hip, thigh, abdomen and/or buttock areas
  • Relatively thin layers of fat below the skin of these areas
  • Overhanging skin in your lower body restricts your mobility and/or causes painful chafing, rashes or infection

What To Expect

The day after surgery you will be very sore, however this is expected and typically is controlled with pain medications. Your need for medication reduce as the discomfort will dissipate 1-2 weeks after the surgery. Also, expect to take at least two weeks off of work to recovery from the body lift surgery.

Activity is generally determined by the progress of the healing of the incision. You may start to walk immediately after the procedure and increase this as tolerated. Heavy lifting and activities that require extensive use of the lower body should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.

Surgical drains will be placed to remove fluid which accumulates within the incisions. The incision used for a lower body lift produces a permanent, noticeable scar around the entire lower trunk. The scar placement is determined by where you wear your clothing, and it can be easily hidden by clothing or a bathing suit.

Recovery

Following a belt lipectomy the patient will often be required to remain in the hospital overnight. Patients typically will be discharged the next day by Dr. Shatkin.

The patient will be required to remain at rest comfortably at home for several days. The patient will have drains which will be placed under the skin to allow the removal of any fluid that may collect after the surgery.

The patients typically will experience mild to moderate pain which can be easily managed by oral pain medications at home. In most cases the patients can return to their normal light activity after 2 weeks.

Dr. Shatkin will inform the patient when they can return to physical activity and exercise but typically this will occur after four to six weeks.

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Meet Dr. Samuel Shatkin Jr. MD, FACS

Samuel Shatkin Jr., MD is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and performs all aspects of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He specializes in creating a customized approach to looking your best, which may include using multiple modalities which Dr. Shatkin refers to as ‘Combination Rejuvenation’. He has been in private practice in this field since completing his Plastic Surgery Training in 1989.

His major concentration is in the areas of Aesthetic Cosmetic Surgery including Eyelift and Facelift, Facial Rejuvenation, Nasal Surgery, Body contouring and Mommy Makeover tummy and Cosmetic Breast Surgery, Laser Skin Resurfacing and Injectables.

He is the only Plastic Surgeon in the world to have received the coveted 5-Star Diamond Award from the American Association of Hospitality Sciences and to date, the only Medical Doctor to have received the coveted Buffalo-Niagara Business Ethics Award which he and his team received in 2017.

Learn More

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