Lift procedures

• Arm lift

  Arm lift recontours the arms and eliminates extra, flabby skin.

  What to expect

  Your surgeon isn’t only there for you during treatment. He or she is with you every step of the way – before, during and after.

  During your treatment

  Your surgeon will remove excess skin through an incision that’s made from the armpit to the elbow. The remaining skin will then be tightened, producing a more toned and taut appearance. Arm lift surgery typically lasts one to three hours under a general anesthetic and is done on an outpatient basis.

  After your treatment

  Some bruising and swelling can be expected in the days following an arm lift. Many patients resume normal daily activities within two weeks. Strenuous activity should be avoided for at least one month.

  
  

• Buttock lift

  A buttock lift can give the buttocks a more athletic and smoother appearance after weight loss.

  What to expect

  Your surgeon isn’t only there for you during treatment. He or she is with you every step of the way – before, during and after.

  During your treatment

  Your surgeon will remove excess fat and skin through small incisions made at the top of the buttocks or, in some cases, in the hips or groin region. Remaining skin is then lifted and tightened, giving the buttocks a more taut, youthful look. Buttock lift surgery usually takes about three to six hours under a general anesthetic and sometimes is performed on an outpatient basis.

  After your treatment

  Swelling and bruising are common after a buttock lift. A compression garment will need to be worn to speed healing. Healing continues over several months, but most people are able to resume normal daily activities after three weeks.

  
  

• Lower body lift

  Lower body lift, also known as a circumferential tummy tuck, removes extra skin and fat from the midsection, tightening and recontouring areas including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, love handles (flanks) and thighs.

  What to expect

  Your surgeon isn’t only there for you during treatment. He or she is with you every step of the way – before, during and after.

  During your treatment

  Your surgeon will remove excess skin and fat through an incision that’s made around the beltline and down to the inner thighs. The remaining skin is then reshaped and pulled taut, giving your entire midsection a more fit appearance. Since this is a rather extensive procedure, a hospital stay is usually required. Lower body lift surgery typically takes several hours to complete under a general anesthetic. Your OSU Wexner Medical Center surgeon is highly trained to minimize residual scarring and will make every effort to do so.

  After your treatment

  While you’re recovering, it is normal to experience bruising and swelling, which will fade over the following few weeks. Medication will relieve discomfort. To speed up healing, a compression garment should be worn for a few weeks after surgery. Allow at least two to four weeks of rest.

  
  

• Thigh lift

  It’s common for extra skin and fat to accumulate in the thighs after weight loss. A thigh lift can effectively address this by improving the tone of the underlying tissue that supports fat and skin, making thighs look smoother and more fit.

  What to expect

  Your surgeon isn’t only there for you during treatment. He or she is with you every step of the way – before, during and after.

  During your treatment

  Your surgeon will remove excess skin and fat through incisions made from the bikini line down to the thighs. Then the remaining skin is reshaped for a more contoured look. Thigh lift surgery takes about two hours to complete under a general anesthetic and sometimes is performed on an outpatient basis.

  After your treatment

  Some bruising and swelling are common in the days following a thigh lift. Compression garments can be used to speed healing. Many patients resume normal daily activities after two to three weeks. Strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks.