What is the Best Preparation for a Successful Body Lift?

Thank you for the question.

The lower body lift is a major operation best  done  when you are close to a long-term stable weight and when you are in the best physical and emotional state you can be in. Most of the involved issues are common sensical  and include good nutrition, weight control, avoidance of nicotine products  etc. you will find that specific "dos  and don'ts" will  be reviewed with you during your preoperative visit with your plastic surgeon.

Some further words of advice may be helpful…

A few 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.

Thank you for your question about how to best prepare for a successful body lift and what can help or hinder your healing. Proper preparation and postoperative care can make a significant difference in your outcome, comfort, and long-term results.

First and foremost, one of the most critical factors is achieving and maintaining a stable weight before surgery. Ideally, patients should be at or near their goal weight for at least 3 to 6 months prior to their procedure. This helps ensure optimal skin removal and better long-term contour. Significant weight loss after a body lift could result in new skin laxity, while weight gain could compromise the results.

Regular exercise—especially strength training—before surgery improves circulation, tones underlying muscles, and can make recovery easier. However, you should stop strenuous activity several days before surgery to reduce your risk of injury or inflammation.

Regarding medications, it’s important to review all prescriptions, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs with your plastic surgeon. Some medications can interfere with healing, such as:

Blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen, or warfarin (can increase bleeding)

Steroids (can impair wound healing if used long-term)

Smoking and nicotine products (can dramatically impair blood flow to healing tissue)

If you're taking medications for diabetes, blood pressure, or thyroid, your surgeon may consult with your primary care provider to adjust dosages for optimal balance before and after surgery.

To enhance healing, many surgeons recommend starting a vitamin and supplement regimen that may include Vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, iron (if anemic), and a multivitamin. These support tissue repair and immune function. However, always confirm with your plastic surgeon before starting any supplements, as some can affect clotting.

After surgery, the most important things you can do to promote healing include:

Wearing your compression garment as directed

Avoiding smoking or alcohol

Maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration

Getting enough rest

Attending all post-op appointments

Following wound care instructions precisely

Considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy if your surgeon recommends it—this can increase oxygen delivery to healing tissues and reduce risk of complications in high-risk patients.

By focusing on healthy habits, optimizing your medical conditions, and working closely with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, you can maximize both the safety and success of your body lift.

If you have further questions about the body lift, extended lower body lift, or 360 circumferential lower body lift, please contact a surgeon who specializes in post-weight loss plastic surgery. Choose someone who has performed at least 100 body lifts and has the before and after pictures to prove it.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen
(President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

The lower body lift is one of the most extensive procedures performed in cosmetic surgery. For this reason, preparing for surgery in every possible way will not only improve your result, but the quality of the experience as well. It's important to prepare physically, medically, and mentally for this procedure.It's important to be in good physical condition before proceeding with this procedure. Ideally, results are best when patients are within ten percent of their ideal body weight. In  some cases, patients are unable to reach this goal. This group still benefits from the procedure. In addition, it's also important to maintain good nutrition, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy life style.It's also important to be medically ready for the lower body lift. Patients should be extensively evaluated to rule out other medical conditions. Areas of particular concern include cigarette smoking, blood pressure management and the patient's baseline hemoglobin.Mental preparation for the lower body lift is also extremely important and helps lower the anxiety levels before surgery. It's important that you have a comfort level with your anesthesiologist, surgeon and the surgical facility. It's essential that all your questions be answered so there are no surprises.Arrangements for post-operative care also need to be in order. It's important to have a care giver not only for yourself, but your children as well. Addressing as many of these issues as possible before surgery will significantly improve results and the quality of the experience.