The procedure | Bodylift | Armlift | Thighlift

In case of massive weight loss the skin fails to retract enough to adjust to the new contour. A bodylift is therefore designed to correct skin excess at multiple locations during one procedure. A body lift often combines corrections of tummy, backside, flanks, arms and legs. Such an operation is only performed after careful examination and a hospital stay several days has to be anticipated. Sometimes multiple stages are necessary to achieve the desired effect.

Where will I be operated?

The operation will be performed in one of the private hospitals in Vienna. If you have a preference we will of course try to take this into consideration. Be prepared to spend several days in hospital.

What can I expect of the operation?

Your surgeon will always see you before the operation and will talk you through the steps. Markings will be made on the regions concerned and pictures will be taken for documentation. The operation will be performed under general anaesthetic. Incisions will be made in inconspicuous areas and will be closed by resolvable sutures. Drains will be left to aid in wound healing in the first period after surgery.

What are the risks?

A bodylift is a substantial procedure that should not be taken lightly. Most common complications are the risk of infection and woundhealing problems. They can be dealt with effectively and at limited physical cost by antibiotics if noted at an early stage. Please contact your surgeon if you have any doubt. You will be given medication to reduce the risk for serious complications like Deep Vein Thrombosis or Pulmonary Embolism (blood cloths in vessels of the legs or lungs), which are luckily uncommon. In the long term irregularities or asymmetry can occur (although nobody is completely symmetrical).

What can I expect after the operation?

When the anaesthetic wears off you may experience a tightness of the areas involved in surgery, and (variably) some bruising. Most people describe a feeling of soreness and muscle ache like after a long run during this period. Initially some asymmetry may be present, but this will disappear as swelling subsides and healing occurs. You will be required to wear a compression garment for 6 weeks day and night.

What will the scars be like?

The scars of the surgery will be positioned in natural body creases. These scars may be thick and discoloured for 6-12 months, but should be easily covered by clothing.

How long before I can resume my normal life?

Most manage to return to light activities in the first few days after surgery, but walking up straight might take a little longer. On average it takes two weeks to be able to return to work (depending on physical requirements). Sports activities can on average be resumed after 6 weeks. Please listen to your body though; pain is a protective mechanism so if certain movements are painful please refrain from doing them.

What is good to know about the long term? 

Skin and fat that is removed will not return. If you would gain weight again though, it will also show in the areas where the surgery was performed.
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