Proper diet and exercise can go a long way toward achieving a toned body, but sometimes these tactics aren't enough. Age, gravity and weight loss can lead to sagging skin and excess fat in unwanted areas of the body. Other factors such as pregnancy and genetic influences can also contribute to poor skin elasticity. In such cases, people sometimes opt for a cosmetic surgery procedure known as a body lift.

Body lifts can be performed on many different parts of the body, including the arms, abdomen and lower body. This procedure works by minimizing and lifting excess skin and fat in order to achieve a shapelier and more sculpted appearance.

Types of Body Lift Procedures

In order to obtain the best possible results, you first need to determine what type of body lift procedure is right for your needs and goals. These different methods generally target different areas of the body, so you can achieve the results that you truly want. Consider the following types of body lift procedures to help find out which is right for you.

-Full Body Lift: For some people, there are places on multiple areas of the body that need to be lifted and tightened. Full body lifts can be especially beneficial to individuals who have experienced a dramatic weight loss and how have large areas of loose, sagging skin and fat on much of their body. In this procedure, the surgeon will focus on several major areas including the butt, thighs, abdomen and arms. While this technique often requires more recovery time, the results can be astonishing.

-Targeted Body Lift: Other people do not need large areas of skin and fat removed. Instead, a body lift procedure focused on a specific part of the body is much more effective and desirable. Breast lifts, arms lifts, butt lifts and thigh lifts are among the most popular options.

Body Lift Basics

How exactly does a body lift procedure work? While the specific course of your surgery will depend on the type of body lift you are having, there are similarities between each procedure. The surgery is usually performed while the patient is under general anesthesia, but local anesthesia can be used in some cases. The surgeon will often use a combination of different technique to achieve the desired result. Excess skin is often removed and the remaining skin repositioned to obtain a tighter, firmer appearance. Liposuction is often utilized as well to remove deposits of stubborn, unwanted fat.

Once the procedure is complete, the patient is generally allowed to return home shortly. The affected areas will be bandaged, often with elastic bandages to reduce swelling and improve the end results of the surgery. Your doctor will provide specific instructions on how to care for the surgical sites as well as directions to follow during your healing. This time period is important, so always follow your doctor's order to obtain the best possible results.