How does a body lift differ from a tummy tuck? most of my sagging skin is around my belly area. do i need a body lift or a tummy tuck, and how do they differ?

A : A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and allows for tightening the abdominal muscles. A body lift is a tummy tuck that is extended all the way around the body to help lift the lateral thigh and buttocks, and remove rolls from the lower back. Body lifts are most commonly performed after massive weight loss, but tummy tucks (witch hazel) are much more common. The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck, or any cosmetic plastic surgery procedure, is to see a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation. More information about tummy tucks (witch hazel) (http://www.Drmele.Com/abdominoplasty.Html) and body lifts (http://www.Drmele.Com/post-bariatrics.Html) can be found on my web site.

Body lift is bigger: A tummy tuck concentrates on the excess skin and muscle laxity in the abdomen. A body lift is a tummy tuck that extends all the way around your waist and back. A body lift will improve the abdomen, hips and lateral thighs, and buttocks.

Back is included: With a body lift, or circumferential body lift, the skin and fat are removed from the front and back of the trunk. The abdominoplasty is literally extended all the way around the back. This lifts the buttocks and lateral thighs.

Differences: If your major concern is around the “belly area”, then tummy tuck surgery will likely suffice. However, if you also have loose skin/adipose tissue of the “flanks”, back, or upper thigh areas you may benefit from body lifting surgery. This latter procedure involves circumferential removal of “excess” skin and adipose tissue, most commonly performed for patients who have had significant weight loss.

body lift: A body lift is generally used for patients who have had massive weight loss such as patients who have had gastric bypass surgery. These patients have sagging skin all the way around the trunk including buttocks, thighs, abdomen and back. Abdominoplasty only treats the abdomen.

Different surgeries: These are two completely different surgeries. A tummy tuck typically uses a "smiling" incision that goes from hip bone to hip bone and treats loose skin/muscles of the from of your belly a body lift (aka circumferential lift) is also a known as a belt lipectomy becuasenofmthe belt like scar that goes all around your midsection treating your belly, outer hips/thighs and buttocks +/- inner thighs.