Body Lift

in Pensacola, FL

What is a Body Lift?

A body lift is a procedure to surgically raise and reshape unsightly, sagging body contours. It can sometimes refer to a lower body lift, which is a comprehensive surgical procedure that provides an overall improvement of the abdomen, lower back, outer thighs, and buttocks. During the aging process, skin loses some elasticity, causing the midsection to lose its natural shape and firmness. This procedure is designed to remove loose skin and associated fatty deposits to provide a more youthful and shapely appearance. Liposuction may also be completed in conjunction with a body lift.

The most common reasons for undergoing a body lift procedure are:

  • Reshape the contours of the body
  • Correct sagging skin and fat due to aging, pregnancies, and weight fluctuations
  • Remove stretched skin

Dr. Shaddix is AMAZING. He has the best bedside manner ever. I had a tummy tuck yesterday and he has answered all my questions. The surgical team was amazing. If I was to have anything else done I would 200% go back to him and I have recommended him already to people”

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Your Customized Body Lift Consultation

During your consultation with Dr. Kyle Shaddix, you’ll be encouraged to ask any questions you may have about your procedure and recovery. Dr. Shaddix will make sure you understand what your unique procedure will look like and provide detailed care steps to follow during your recovery. It’s important to be able to describe what you want to change about your body and how you expect your results to look so that Dr. Shaddix can determine the best course of action. He will also discuss your options for incisions and what techniques will work best in achieving your results.

The Procedure

A body lift procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and typically requires an overnight stay in the hospital. The precise procedure varies with each patient, depending on the body type and desired surgical outcome. The incisions are generally placed so that it may be easily concealed in clothing or the natural contour of the body. Once the incision is made, the underlying muscles are tightened, and the skin is lifted into a tighter, more upright position. Occasionally, Dr. Shaddix is able to use some of your own tissue to augment the buttocks during the procedure to provide further refinement to your figure (which can be discussed at length during your consultation). Once all of the excess skin and fat is removed, the tissues are redraped and the incision is closed with absorbable sutures that do not need to be removed. Drains are placed to collect any excess fluid, and they are typically removed within a week of surgery.

Recovery After a Body Lift

A restful week is advised after undergoing a lower body lift. Compression garments are applied after surgery, and it’s advised that they are worn under your clothing for one month, removing them only to shower. You will most likely have some discomfort, but this is typically controlled with medication prescribed by Dr. Shaddix. Scars resulting from the incisions are permanent but are carefully placed so as to minimize visibility. As with all surgery at Shaddix Plastic Surgery, you will be given detailed before-and-after surgery instructions, and Dr. Shaddix will be available to answer questions and guide you along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long will the swelling last for a lower body lift?

Generally, the significant, visible swelling has calmed down by the time you are three weeks out from your body lift.  However, there will still be some residual swelling that feels firm until three months postoperatively. Dr. Shaddix provides compression garments to help manage the early swelling that is present in the first several weeks.

2. How should I prepare for a body lift?

Maintaining your body weight with a normal, balanced diet is best.  No special supplements are needed. Some patients with underlying health conditions need to get clearance from their primary care provider.  Preparing your home so that you can reach the things you need during your recovery is generally a good idea. Also, making arrangements for someone to help take care of you during the first week of recovery is recommended.

3. What does a lower body lift entail?

A lower body lift involves removing skin and fat from the lower torso all the way around the body.  It is sometimes called a 360 lift or a circumferential lift. It addresses your abdomen as well as your back.  Dr. Shaddix also uses liposuction extensively with his lower body lifts to create the best contour possible.

4. What does an upper body lift entail?

An upper body lift is used to remove skin and fat from the upper back and chest.  This typically involves an incision that rests under your bra.

5. Is a body lift permanent?

The skin and fat removed during a body lift will be gone forever.  However, with future weight gain and other events such as pregnancy, the skin can stretch again and the fat remaining in your body can expand.  This could lead to recurrence of some of the issues for which you sought surgery in the first place. Therefore, it makes sense to be finished having children before having a body lift.  It is also best to maintain a healthy body weight after any body contouring procedure.

At Shaddix Plastic Surgery it's a very laid back, low pressure environment where my goal is to educate, and not to sell.”

Meet dr. shaddix

To find out more information about what you can expect and determine if you are a candidate for surgery, call Shaddix Plastic Surgery today. We proudly serve Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Destin, Fort Walton, and all of Northwest Florida and the Gulf Coast. To schedule your consultation, call our office or fill out our consultation form below!