San Diego Body Lift doctors
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Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
8851 Center Drive Suite 300, San Diego |
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90 answers |
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Lori H. Saltz, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre 9850 Genesee Ave, Suite 130 Ximed Building |
3 answers | |
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Jason R. Hess, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
4060 4th ave Suite 120, San Diego |
2 answers | |
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Vincent P. Marin, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
1431 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar |
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1 answer |
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H. Michael Roark, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
9850 Genesee Avenue, Suite 130 Ximed Building, La Jolla |
1 answer |
Recent Answers
I am 50 years old, lost 80 pounds over several years through low-carb, and have been 15 pounds shy of "normal" BMI for over 6 months now (155 pounds at 5'3"). Looking at my pics, though, I sure don't feel like I'm anywhere close to normal and wonder if this is "close enough" for good results. I'm looking for less abdomen, less saggy inner thighs, and "shorter" breasts (not bigger, no implants). Is my wish list of procedures appropriate for me at this time or is more weight loss necessary?
Thank you for the question and pictures. Congratulations on your significant weight loss; you should be very proud of this accomplishment.
Although I think you may be an ideal candidate for the planned procedures, only you will know if 155 pounds is where you would like to be long-term. If you are planning on losing additional weight it is best to do so prior to surgery.
Again, I think your “wish list” is very appropriate; I would suggest that you plan on having these procedures done in two separate stages.
Also, it would be helpful for you to be evaluated by your family practitioner/internist (with a full history, physical examination, EKG and laboratory workup) prior to surgery.
I hope this helps.
I lost 70 pounds thru bariatric surgery and am scheduled for lbl in 2 weeks am i too old or should i just live with excess tissue.
Congratulations on your significant weight loss; you should be proud of this accomplishment.
No, chronological age is not a contraindication to the planned procedure. Prior to surgery however I would suggest a evaluation by your primary care/internist. I'm sure your plastic surgeon would appreciate “medical clearance”.
Assuming you are in good health and that you are working with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist in a fully accredited surgery center/hospital you should do well.
The tummy tuck portion of the operation is a portion that requires the most “recovery”. I would suggest that you have a lot of help for the first 2 weeks at least. Return to more strenuous activity may require 4 to 6 weeks.
A few additional words of advice may be helpful:
1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself) and that you have realistic expectations. Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life situation. You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.
2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.
3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.
4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.
5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina of your caretakers.
6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.
7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.
8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).
9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the emotional swings that you may experience.
10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.
11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery.
I hope this helps.
Through diet and exercise, I have gone from 48% body fat to 15% body fat. I am planning on a body lift over the summer, and had the goal of getting to 8% first (I'm a 34yo man, 6'0", muscular). Here's my question, I've been given estimates of a total weight loss of 20-30lbs during the surgery. How much of that is actual body fat, and how much is skin, connective tissue, etc.?
Thank you for the question.
During body lifting, skin, subcutaneous tissue and adipose tissue are excised. None of these tissues should be considered “lean body mass”. I hope this helps.
