Is a body lift procedure done on an inpatient or outpatient basis? i had a lap band procedure done a few years ago and after trying different exercises and creams, i cannot firm up the excess skin under my arms. i would like to have a body lift done, but

A : A body lift procedure is a major surgery that entails removing excess skin all the way around the lower abdomen. Since this procedure is extensive and lengthy, general anesthesia and an overnight hospital stay is requiried. This procedure produces massive results and improvement in body image. It does not come without risk. Risks such as infection, bleeding , allergic reaction the anesthesia, fluid collection, hematoma and fatality are possible. You may return to normal activities, typically, in about 2-4 weeks, but no strenous activity for 8 weeks. You will have a lot to think about in terms of self care and recovery if you have small children. Congratulations on your weight loss!

Ask your surgeon: Your surgeon and you will have the best answer for that. It will depend on the extent of your surgery, your surgeon's preferences, your job description, your wound healing and your pain tolerance. No one can predict this with any certaintly but with your have a desk job or perform strenous labor it is unlikely that you will be able to return for a minimum of 2 weeks and 4-6 weeks may be the upper.

Need overnight stay: I do many bodylifts and they always involve an overnight stay in the hospital or surgery center. I also would reccomend a Marcaine pain pump to help reduce post-operative pain. When you go home you will need an adult to to help you for at least three days. Good luck.

Outpatient, however: I perform lower body lifts at our AAAASF accredited surgical center under IV sedation as an outpatient. It’s an 8+/- hour procedure, but with IV sedation (instead of General Anesthesia) patients leave the same day and have less nausea and pain post-op. However, patients who live 1-2 hours away are required to stay in Baltimore overnight and patients who live farther away stay in town even longer.