Risks Involved in Body Lifts and Surgeries
The modern world is obsessed with the idea that beauty is having a slim, aesthetic body shape. We even seek to alter our own bodies to conform to the standards set by society. Therefore, more and more people are putting themselves under the knife to alter their appearance, resulting in the popularity of body lift surgery. The ongoing technological advancements in this field further elevate and encourage the trend. Body lifts and bariatric surgeries are procedures people opt for to get rid of excess skin, fat cells, and weight. During the surgery, excess loose skin is removed from the body due to extreme weight loss, aging, sun damage, or in many cases, pregnancies. The procedure also firms and tightens the skin around the buttocks and thighs to give the body a more youthful appearance.Â
However, these surgical procedures are not without their own risks. Choosing to have body contouring procedures is an immensely personal decision that may permanently alter your body. Thus, it is important to proceed with caution. You should take precautions when getting body modifications, such as breast or buttock implants since they can leak over time. In many reported cases, the silicone implant leaked over time, causing discomfort to the victim. To avoid such complications, aestheticians generally recommend getting biopolymer removal, a procedure by which polymer implants are removed from the body. Here are the risks that you should know before you decide to get a body lift.
Risks Involved in Going for Body Lift Surgeries
Go through the risks of such procedures before you commit:
Scarring
Every surgery tends to leave scars at the site of the incisions. The time period for healing is unpredictable. Depending on the surgery, the scars may be thicker than usual.Â
There is no chance of a scar fading completely; a mark always remains.
They may appear to be unappealing, asymmetrical, and often in a lighter coloring than the skin around them. If the scarring turns out to be abnormal, it may require additional surgeries to treat.
Hematoma
Bleeding may occur in the sutured areas if the healing process does not proceed as planned. Sometimes it may be due to coagulation, especially in body lift surgeries.
In case of bleeding from surgical cuts, contact your doctor immediately. The intake of aspirin, as well as anti-inflammatory pills, is ill-advised given that it raises the risk of hematoma (blood collection).
If bleeding occurs, it causes the blood to gather beneath the skin and create tender bulges. The blood collection is referred to as a hematoma. Surgery becomes necessary in this case.
Infection
Minor wound infections are common after surgery, which even split suture tags in some cases. A good set of antibiotics and clean dressing usually should do the trick.
In rare cases, cellulitis (occurrence of large amounts of red skin) and fever may occur. In this case, surgery for the removal of dead tissue and intake of intravenous antibiotics may be necessary.
Smokers, diabetics, and malnourished patients run a higher risk of infections after surgery.
Seroma
It refers to the collection of serum (body fluids) under the skin after the removal of drains. The drains are along the surgical cuts for the purpose of draining the fluid.
Seroma usually occurs 3 to 5 days after the removal of the drains. Usually, antibiotics can help cure seroma. If antibiotics fail, then surgery for fitting new drainage pipes becomes mandatory.
Wound Healing
Scars usually take a long time to heal. However, that process can be stunted if you smoke or simply have a lower-than-average healing time.
Your wounds can reopen and, in turn, cause infection. It is advised to stay away from smoking for at least 2 to 3 weeks so that your body can fully heal.
Although the above-mentioned risks rarely occur, in order to be safe, it’s always good to discuss with your doctor whether the procedure you’re going to get is suitable for you or not.
Who’s Suitable for Body Lifts?
A body lift usually involves removing a large amount of loose, hanging skin around the abdomen and legs. After extreme weight loss or aging, this procedure restores elasticity to the skin.
A body lift can benefit many patients, but it is not right for everyone. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons defines what makes patients a good candidate for a body lift and explains why other patients should not be considered.
It is impossible for a body lift to remove significant amounts of fat. Before considering a body lift, you should stabilize your weight at or near your ideal weight. Surgical procedures such as liposuction and body lifts may be recommended when local fat deposits are small, but skin elasticity is poor.
Nonsmokers in good health who adhere to a healthy diet and lifestyle are the best candidates for a body lift.
Similarly, keeping a positive outlook and setting realistic expectations is also important for patients.
The results of a body lift may be significantly compromised in the abdominal area if a woman is considering pregnancy. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid it until after delivery.
Final Words
After learning about some of the major risks associated with body lift surgery, you should carefully weigh your options. Think about whether the goal you desire for having an aesthetic body is a goal you want or would you like to reach your goal in a more natural way, i.e., by following a healthy diet and exercising.Â
