Complications & Expected Side Effects

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About Dr. Daniel A. Sterling
Candidates for a Body Lift
Complications & Expected Side Effects
Testimonial Body Lift Patient One
Testimonial Body Lift Patient Three

by Peter T. Pacik, MD, FACS

As with any surgery, complications following a body lift (belt lipectomy) can occur. A body lift is an extensive operative procedure that can have a dramatic effect on a person’s body. Along with tightening of the abdominal wall muscles, lifting of the pubic mound (mons pubis), excess skin is removed from the abdomen, thighs and buttocks. Some patients also require associated liposuction to achieve proper balance.

A long circumferential scar results. This usually heals well and is a permanent scar. Initially, most scars are red and fade over three to four months, then becoming white. At times, a scar may become thickened and itchy. Treatments are available for this. Despite the scar, patients find a body lift to be very gratifying because of improved body contour and skin tone.

The medical history and physical examination are important components of the consultation. Medical conditions such as bleeding disorders, disturbed nutritional status, anemia, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, asthma, hernias, and a history of smoking or excessive consumption of alcohol are of concern and need to be evaluated and managed. Often medical clearance is requested. This is valuable because your own doctor knows your medical conditions best. We can, therefore, work with your doctor so that known medical problems can be properly managed.

It is important that you give us a list of all medications taken, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal medications. This will enable you to discontinue medications that could lead to bleeding during the surgery.

If you have had any difficulty with general anesthesia including nausea and vomiting, or any complications, please record this in your patient information sheet. Let us know if you are on birth control pills, if you have ever had blood clots (emboli), and any complications from previous surgery.

Usually body lift incisions heal well. At times, there could be vascular (blood supply) compromise resulting in breakdown of the wound closure. This may be due to the presence of prior incisions. Extensive liposuction may also interfere with the blood supply to the wound edges. If liposuction is needed at the time of the body lift, you will be evaluated to determine the amount of liposuction needed and if it will be safe for you.

Smoking is a hazard to your operation. Apart from the well-known problems of heart and lung disease as well as interference with general anesthesia, a less well-known aspect of smoking is blood vessel constriction leading to would healing problems after surgery. For this reason, nicotine patches are not an alternative because these too cause vasoconstriction.

It is well known that alcoholic consumption can cause bleeding problems. Please be honest with us so that we can council you regarding this.

After surgery, a seroma may form. This is a straw-colored collection of fluid under the flaps of skin. We leave suction drains in place for 2 to 3 weeks in an effort to help prevent seroma formation.

Complications are uncommon after a body lift. By working together, we can identify potential problems in an effort to make your surgery as safe as possible and to give you the best results.

Contact Us for More Information

For confidential personalized information and advice, please complete our information request form or call us at 1-800-640-0290 during business hours: Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. EST. LATE AFTERNOON & EVENING HOURS NOW AVAILABLE .

The Plastic Surgery Center of Manchester, New Hampshire specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery, including body lifts, breast enlargements, breast lifts, breast reductions, eyelid surgery, ear surgery, facelifts, fat grafting, liposuction, neck and chin surgery, rhinoplasty (nose surgery), surgery after massive weight loss, and tummy tucks. We also offer facial rejuvenation (chemical peels, dermabrasion, Obagi Blue Peels, Glycolic Peels, Microdermabrasion), injectables and facial fillers (BOTOX® Cosmetic, Radiesse®, Juvederm®, Perlane® and Restylane®) and advanced skin care to patients from all over New England (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts). While no responsible practitioner gives guarantees for the work they do on the human body, we can at least reassure you that you will receive the expertise and dedication of over 30 years in practice. Our patients become an important part of our family and we try to get to know each patient individually and customize their treatment to meet their desires.