Body Lift in Queensland – Arm Lift and More at Our Bundaberg and Mackay-area Facilities
Over time, conditions such as pregnancy, age, and fluctuating body weight can stretch normally close-fitting skin, creating loose folds that are uncomfortable and unsightly. With surgery, James Gaffield, M.D. can remove inconvenient excess skin to improve the body's overall contour. Procedures like thigh lift, arm lift, and body lift give our Queensland-area patients from Gladstone, the Whitsunday Islands, and elsewhere a way to permanently eliminate unwanted skin folds during post-weight loss body contouring. To learn more about these impressive treatments, contact Pacific Plastic Surgery and Elite Cosmetic Centers today.
Body Lift
A body lift targets excess skin and residual fat deposits affecting the entire upper and lower body. This is one of the most complex and involved plastic surgery procedures available, requiring an extended recovery period. However, it is also the best way for patients with excess folds of skin on multiple areas of the body to achieve an aesthetically pleasing contour. In many cases, Dr. Gaffield also performs procedures like abdominoplasty or breast lift for body lift patients. This sort of comprehensive surgery is an excellent way for patients who have recently lost large amounts of weight, often through bariatric surgery, to complete the transformation to a slimmer, more attractive body shape.
Body Lift Procedure
Every person's body shape is unique, and each body lift procedure is totally customized to the needs of the patient. In general, however, the body lift procedure requires long incisions in areas where excess skin and fat can be removed as discreetly as possible. Dr. Gaffield works with each body lift patient at Pacific Plastic Surgery and Elite Cosmetic Clinic in Queensland to position incisions where they will be concealed by the patient's clothing.
Body Lift Recovery
Because a body lift is so complex and invasive, patients should be prepared for a longer recovery period than is required for many other procedures. Most of our body lift patients spend a few days recovering at the hospital in Queensland after surgery. Patients return home with drainage tubes placed to help drain fluid from the sites of their incisions in order to control swelling. Dr. Gaffield also provides a compression garment to be worn at all times during healing, which helps the skin adhere more closely to the body. It is important to avoid most physical activity with the exception of light walking for several weeks after a body lift. In general, patients are able to return to most normal activities after about six weeks, and to activities like exercise and heavy lifting after eight weeks.
Arm Lift
One common area for loose skin to accumulate is on the upper arms. This skin may hang uncomfortably, making it difficult to wear short-sleeved shirts and other specific articles of clothing. By performing an arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, Dr. Gaffield can remove these hanging flaps of skin to enhance both comfort and appearance.
Arm Lift Procedure
An arm lift can be performed with various techniques. The best one in any given case depends on the amount of skin being removed and its location. For patients with a great deal of excess skin to be removed, Dr. Gaffield may use an incision running all the way from armpit to elbow along the inner arm. Shorter arm lift incisions are possible for patients with less severe needs. In order to minimize scarring, he often uses a Z-shaped or curved incision that is easier to conceal. If excess fat remains in the arms, Dr. Gaffield may perform liposuction to remove it during the arm lift procedure.
Arm Lift Recovery
Arm lift is an outpatient procedure, meaning most patients at our Queensland surgical facilities return home the day of surgery. Most people rest for about a week after the procedure. Some swelling and numbness is common during this period, but it will fade with the help of a compression garment. It is crucial for arm lift patients to avoid lifting, pushing, exercise, and other activities that could strain the arms. Some light walking, however, is a good way to speed recovery and minimize the risk of complications. Most arm lift patients return to normal their normal routine in less than two weeks, though it is important to avoid strenuous exercise for a few weeks longer to avoid straining the arm lift incisions.
Thigh Lift
Like the arms, the thighs are commonly affected by excess skin folds. As they develop these folds can become extremely uncomfortable, rubbing together to irritate the skin. Dr. Gaffield performs thigh lift surgery to remove excess skin and residual fat from the thighs to produce, firmer, more comfortable legs.
Thigh Lift Procedure
There are a variety of approaches to thigh lift surgery targeting different parts of the leg and using different incision styles. Dr. Gaffield can tailor the procedure to target the inner thighs or the front and outer portion of the legs. At the incision sites, he removes skin and fatty tissue to reshape the upper legs for a slimmer, more toned appearance. Dr. Gaffield always conceals thigh lift incisions as inconspicuously as possible, and many patients are still able to wear revealing swimsuits without making their surgical scars readily visible.
Thigh Lift Recovery
Thigh lift, like arm lift, in an outpatient procedure. Most patients spend a week or two resting at home after treatment, at which point they are able to return to work and other normal activities. During this time patients wear a compression garment to control swelling and protect the incisions. As with other procedures, light walking can help minimize complications and speed the recovery process. Running and other strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least a month until the incisions have healed.
Contact Our Plastic Surgeon
Body lifting procedures, including thigh and arm lift, offer amazing benefits to the right patients. Schedule a body contouring consultation with Dr. James Gaffield to find out what a thigh, arm, or body lift can do to help you rid yourself of uncomfortable excess skin. Our Queensland-area practice is a superior destination for cosmetic plastic surgery.