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Your Ultimate Weight Loss Goal

Once you have successfully lost a large amount of weight, you may be left with lax skin that will not tighten on its own–no matter how many long hours you spend in the gym. You may want to consider a surgical solution to your loose skin with a body lift performed by William Vinyard, MD, FACS, our board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon in Port Saint Lucie, FL.

What Is a Lower Body Lift?

Also known as a 360º body lift or after weight loss skin surgery, the lower body lift involves an incision around your lower body to target the most significant amount of skin for excision and lift. In many cases, this surgery at the Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery (VIPS) allows patients to reach their weight loss goals and finalize their complete transformation with a taut figure that looks healthy and beautiful.

Following massive weight loss (due to a combination of diet and exercise or a bariatric weight loss surgery), many men and women are left with skin that does not retract or tighten on its own. Excess skin can frequently remain in the lower abdomen, hips, outer thighs, and buttocks. A lower body lift can transform these areas, offering a life-changing surgical intervention to help you achieve your dream body.

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What Is an Upper Back Lift?

If you have excessive skin and folds in the area of your mid to upper back, you may choose to seek out the help of a plastic surgeon. After losing a notable amount of weight (100 pounds or more), the skin on the upper back sometimes hangs or looks deflated. No matter how much you exercise, weight loss can leave behind unsightly "back rolls" and droopy folds of skin that hang above and below the bra line. You may also have residual back fat in these areas that just will not go away without an intervention. We also see patients with skin that has matured over the years and want to tighten up the skin of that specific area. Dr. Vinyard can perform liposuction in areas with unyielding pockets of fat to reshape and recontour the treatment area and tighten loose skin.

Dr. Vinyard and staff are just phenomenal from start to finish. It has taken me three years and five consultations with other doctors to finally take the step for my surgery. Dr. Vinyard cares about his patients and their final results. I am two weeks post-op, and my body looks phenomenal!! His office is pristine; his Nurse Practitioner is attentive and so sweet. The surgery center and staff were also very welcoming and comforting. I have to give this doctor so much praise as a registered nurse. I know what quality care is, and I would do my surgery all over again because of the wonderful experience I had. Thank you to him and his team for giving me joy when I look in the mirror. I can’t wait to see the final results.

J.R.

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Who Is a Candidate?

Ideal candidates for a body lift surgery are generally men or women who have lost at least 100 pounds or more and are now dealing with leftover flaccid skin. If you are considering a skin tightening surgery, your challenges may be loose, wrinkled skin on the buttocks, upper thighs, upper back, and lower abdomen, as well as old stretch marks throughout the middle section of the body.

If you are a candidate for this procedure, it is helpful to have realistic goals, which can be discussed with Dr. Vinyard during your consultation appointment. You must be at a stable weight when considering this surgery. You must also be healthy enough to withstand several hours under general anesthesia and a more extended recovery than most cosmetic plastic surgeries.

If you have medical conditions that impede the healing process for wound recovery, like diabetes or a bleeding disorder, you may not be a great candidate for this procedure. To ensure you qualify for a lower body lift, Dr. Vinyard will ask many questions about your health and medical history and examine your skin to provide you with genuine outcomes.

Your Consultation

During your consultation with Dr. Vinyard, he ensures you have his undivided attention for approximately 1-1.5 hours. This dedicated time allows you to openly express your thoughts and concerns while Dr. Vinyard evaluates your suitability for the procedure. You will engage in a comprehensive discussion about your body contouring goals and, together, design a customized plan that aligns with your vision.

Dr. Vinyard believes in transparency and will provide you with realistic expectations. It is important to note that scarring is a part of the journey due to the necessary incisions, and this procedure entails a longer recovery period than many other cosmetic surgeries. Planning ahead is essential, especially if you have work or childcare responsibilities.

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What Is the Lower Body Lift Technique?

A body lift involves much more area of the skin than a typical tummy tuck, butt lift, or outer thighplasty. It is an extended skin removal surgery performed under general anesthesia for many hours. We require an overnight stay at a hospital or an accredited overnight outpatient surgical center for your immediate recovery period. A lower body lift can last 6-8 hours in the operating room. It combines two very intensive surgeries (tummy tuck and butt lift) where the incision is commonly placed along where a belt would be worn, which is why it is sometimes known as a circumferential 360º lift or beltectomy. 

You will be positioned in two separate ways to complete each portion of the procedure. If the lower body lift is staged–separating the abdominoplasty and buttock lift into different procedure dates–each operation will take 3-4 hours. Once Dr. Vinyard has carefully made the incisions, surgical liposuction will treat areas of fat, and skin will be trimmed. Then, the leftover skin will be pulled tight and secured with sutures. Compression garments placed over the lower body help create a trimmer result and control post-operative bleeding, swelling, and bruising. Dr. Vinyard may suggest the following procedures.

Abdomen

The procedure's abdominoplasty portion can involve removing redundant lower abdominal skin and repairing the abdominal muscles, which have been stretched and separated from their original location.

Buttocks

The buttock lift can involve removing skin just above the buttock region, elevating the tissue, and affixing it to its higher position. The surplus skin in the hip region can also be eliminated to tighten the waist and lateral thighs.

Thighs

In a lower body lift, your outer thighs are targeted only to remove skin. If you are interested in an inner thigh lift, you must also discuss this at your consultation. The more incisions you have, the longer your recovery period will be.

Upper Back Lift Technique

Dr. Vinyard will make the upper back lift incision at the side of each breast (or pec for men) until just before reaching the spine. This will create surgical scars that your shirt, bra, or conservative bathing suit can hide. These incisions will open up the area so Dr. Vinyard can remove the excess skin, liposuction some fat, and tighten the muscles for a redefined silhouette. The incisions will be sutured shut. Dr. Vinyard may take 1-2 hours in the operating room for this procedure (more if it is combined with another procedure). You will also be required to wear a compression garment on the treatment area for 4-6 weeks after your surgery (or longer if suggested by Dr. Vinyard).

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What to Expect

A body lift is considered a major cosmetic procedure. It takes most patients at least two weeks to resume basic activities and sometimes up to six months before getting back into more active movements (like aerobic exercise). Dr. Vinyard or a team member will give you clear instructions and information on wound care to assist in the healing process. 

Lower Body Lift

Because a lower body lift involves two extensive cosmetic procedures at one time, the recovery takes some time. Dr. Vinyard recommends taking at least two weeks off from work. After two weeks, you may be able to return to sedentary work only while avoiding heavy lifting and repetitive motions for at least a month. Most patients return to their usual daily activities in 6-8 weeks. While the recovery can seem lengthy, the results are extraordinary, leaving you with a smoother, tighter body without the hanging skin that prevents you from enjoying your figure and hard work. 

Bruising can persist for up to three weeks following a lower body lift; however, your clothing can easily conceal this. You will wear a compression garment that will provide support and reduce swelling. Most of the swelling occurs during the first few weeks and resolves within six weeks. Scars will take up to two years to fade. Three months following your lower body lift, we take your first official "post-op" photos when you are close to your final results.

Upper Back Lift

If Dr. Vinyard performs an upper back lift, you will recover for 6-8 weeks but may be able to return to work before that point. Dr. Vinyard will assess your progress during your follow-up appointments. Patients will recover at their own pace, especially if another procedure accompanies the upper back lift. You may feel some discomfort and tightness in the back, but these symptoms will lessen after a few weeks. 

Taking care of your skin in the treatment area will be very important. This procedure does leave a visible scar. If you are a woman, you can conceal the scar with your bra or bathing suit to cover it. If you are a male patient, the scar will have to be covered by your shirt. Excellent scar care can help it heal flat and lighter with each passing day. You may also consider scar revision surgery in the future if it is that bothersome to you. If you have a question or concern about your skin, please call your patient coordinator or make an appointment to see Dr. Vinyard.

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FAQ

How much does a body lift cost?

Will I have to stay overnight in the hospital during my 360º body lift?

Will I have visible scarring?

When should I consider a lower body lift?

Can I combine an upper back lift with a breast lift?

Is there a non-surgical alternative to an upper back lift?

Can't I just have lipo on my upper back?

How much does a body lift cost?

Pricing out the cost of a body lift will be different for each patient requesting a quote because so many factors go into the procedure, like the amount of time spent in surgery, the extent of the removal of your skin (with or without liposuction), the repositioning of the navel, and the repair of your stretched abdominal muscles. You will be provided with a detailed quote at your consultation for review. The total cost of your lower body lift will include Dr. Vinyard's professional fee (for all pre and post-surgery office follow-up visits), facility fee, anesthesia fee, and surgical garments.

Will I have to stay overnight in the hospital during my 360º body lift?

Most likely, yes. A lower body lift is not a single procedure. It involves a large treatment area and surgical excision extending around your body. We recommended staying overnight in the hospital or an accredited facility following a lower body lift. Dr. Vinyard can closely monitor your progress, and post-operative nurses can manage your pain, track your vital signs, address your incisions to prevent infection, and help you recover with exceptional care and compassion.

Will I have visible scarring?

Several factors can contribute to the scarring you may experience after a lower body or upper back lift, including your age, genetics, and skin color. At our practice, Dr. Vinyard creates incisions in areas that can be well hidden under your clothes. VIPS will also provide instructions to care for your skin and help your incisions heal appropriately for minimal scarring.

When should I consider a lower body lift?

When contemplating a lower body lift, there are a few things to consider before calling our office at VIPS. You should be at or near your goal weight. You will not be a candidate if you anticipate losing significant weight after surgery. Dropping more weight after a lower body lift will only negatively impact your surgical results. Also, remember that you need to be in good physical health so your body is strong and stable enough for this type of surgery.

Can I combine an upper back lift with a breast lift?

During your consultation, ask Dr. Vinyard about other procedures you would consider combining with an upper back lift. Each patient's situation is different, and Dr. Vinyard can make that call once he sees you in a private consultation. If Dr. Vinyard believes combining these two procedures is unsafe, he will recommend alternative options, like staging your surgeries in a series. It is possible to have more than one plastic surgery. Your health and safety are the most critical factors in answering this question.

Is there a non-surgical alternative to an upper back lift?

We understand that some patients will inquire about non-surgical options for an upper back lift. While there are non-invasive ways to tighten the skin, the most dramatic results will be produced with a surgical excision of the skin that hangs in this area. Skin that has lost elasticity will not return to its former firmness because of the severity of damage to the skin. Non-surgical treatments will produce lackluster results. Let Dr. Vinyard know if you are interested in non-surgical services, and he will talk you through your options.

Can't I just have lipo on my upper back?

Liposuction alone will not solve the problem of hanging skin. Yes, liposuction is one of the best surgical methods for fat removal today. However, patients who are candidates for an upper back lift usually have loose skin in addition to unwanted excess fat. An upper back lift is the best way to achieve the desired results for a flat, toned back. Keep in mind that liposuction is a technique that is used during the surgery to remove small pockets of fat – it is not a means for weight loss.

Transform Your Figure

Skin damaged by fat loss can be tough to live with when you have put so much time, effort, and energy into losing weight. Dr. Vinyard has worked with many patients pleased with their skin-tightening results. For skin that is firmer and more contoured in appearance, we welcome you to learn more about our skin removal surgeries and the option of a lower body lift or upper back lift surgery. Our board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon, Dr. Vinyard, takes great pride and joy in helping our patients reach their aesthetic goals after significant weight loss. Call today for a consultation with Dr. Vinyard and allow him to review the dynamic options available to you at his private practice in Port Saint Lucie, FL, where the experience can be as great as the results. We proudly serve patients from Fort Pierce, Palm Beach, Vero Beach, and beyond.

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Why Choose William Vinyard, MD, FACS?

William Vinyard, MD, FACS, a skilled and compassionate plastic surgeon with over 12 years of experience, relocated to Port Saint Lucie, FL, to establish the Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery, your premier Makeover Destination. He has nurtured a patient-centered environment focused on personalized care, world-class expertise, and a welcoming, family-like atmosphere. Dr. Vinyard's unwavering dedication to safety, surgical artistry, groundbreaking technologies, and exceptional results ensures a top-tier experience. Known as the "country singing surgeon," he serenades patients with their favorite country songs, harnessing the soothing power of music. Trust Dr. Vinyard with your transformation and embark on a remarkable journey that not only enhances your appearance but also transforms your self-perception and worldview.

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