Body Lift in Draper, UT

Utilizing innovative body-shaping techniques, expert plastic surgeon Dr. Jerry Chidester, or Dr. Chiddy, completes body lift treatments for patients in the Greater Salt Lake City area. A body lift combines multiple body-shaping treatments to enhance and rejuvenate the look of the abdominal area, including the love handles, the glutes, and the thighs. A body lift removes excess skin, eliminates stubborn pockets of fat, and tightens the skin. Generally, the best patients for a body lift have loose skin on the tummy, buttocks, or thighs after a large amount of weight loss. We encourage you to learn more and schedule an appointment with Dr. Chiddy at his practice in Draper, UT.

Several factors may impact the skin's elasticity and cause excessive sagging, including aging, UV damage, pregnancy, and significant weight gain or fluctuations. To help maintain your results after the surgery, a body lift works best for patients who have attained their overall weight loss goals. Otherwise, you may run the risk of not having long-lasting results. This procedure does not work well for patients trying to remove large amounts of fat. It can help you lose some fat but is primarily used to treat sagging skin and tighten the figure.

Using general anesthesia to help you stay comfortable throughout the procedure, Dr. Chiddy performs your body lift at his accredited AAAASF surgical center as an outpatient procedure. Depending on your needs, we can combine a body lift with other treatments, like a breast or arm lift. However, Dr. Chiddy can only perform a certain amount of procedures to ensure your safety. Dr. Chiddy makes an incision around the lower part of the body to eliminate a large amount of excess skin from the tummy, thighs, and love handles. To easily conceal your scar within the panty line, the incision is placed as low as it can go on the front part of the abdomen and near the hip bone to minimize the appearance. Additionally, Dr. Chiddy creates a new hole in the tightened skin for your navel and he closes your sutures.

Large folds of skin cause many functional and cosmetic problems that significantly impact your quality of life. Here's why our patients often choose a body lift:

• Improved body contour and shape: A body lift removes excess skin for smoother, more toned curves.
• Reduced signs of aging: Loose skin around your midsection can add years to your appearance. Removing excess sagging tissue can make you seem younger and more energetic.
• Better-fitting clothes: Many people report that their clothes fit better after a body lift. You’ll be able to enjoy your favorite form-fitting outfits again!
• Improved health and hygiene: Fold of skin cause rashes and hygiene issues, which can lead to infections. Skin removal eliminates these problems altogether.
• Refined features: A body lift can reduce the appearance of stretch marks and other imperfections that leave you feeling self-conscious.

To promote healing, we use a compression garment and abdominal binder to provide support, encourage blood flow, and reduce swelling. Additionally, Dr. Chiddy inserts a tube near the incisions to decrease fluid retention. As part of your recovery, you will need to walk around several times a day. This prevents the development of blood clots in the legs. Usually, patients can start going back to work after about 2 – 4 weeks, and Dr. Chiddy will require follow-up appointments to ensure you heal properly. For two months, you should take it easy and avoid strenuous activities; otherwise, you may experience problems when it comes to your healing. You will also have swelling for several months, and over time, your scars will start to fade with proper aftercare.

Is a body lift painful?
The body lift surgery itself is not painful because Dr. Chidester uses general anesthesia to keep you comfortable. However, patients may feel some pain during recovery. Our office provides a detailed list of guidelines to minimize discomfort so our patients can rest and recover fully from surgery. We can also prescribe medications when necessary.

How bad is scarring from a body lift?
Incisions are closed with sutures immediately after surgery. While the appearance of scarring is different for every patient, Dr. Chidester has developed multiple techniques to minimize their appearance and presence. These include making incisions in areas that are easily hidden. Most patients feel that their slim results are far more important than the scarring involved.

Will insurance pay for a body lift?
Health insurance may cover a portion of the body lift if it is deemed medically necessary. Of course, you should expect some out-of-pocket costs for surgery and recovery. Our cosmetic clinic in Draper, UT, is always transparent about pricing and can review costs in detail during your consultation. We also offer easy financing options.

What can I do to maintain the results of my body lift surgery?
Maintaining a stable weight is one of the most critical factors in preserving the results of body lift surgery. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can also contribute to maintaining your improved body contour. Additionally, proper skin care and sun protection can help preserve the quality and elasticity of your skin. Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Chidester can also help ensure that you maintain your results over the long term.

How long do the results of body lift surgery last?
The results from a body lift are long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. As the body ages, it is natural for some firmness to be lost. However, most of the initial improvement should be permanent.

What should I avoid before and after a body lift?
Before surgery, avoid smoking and medications that can increase bleeding. After surgery, avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and exposing the incisions to excessive pressure or motion until fully healed.

A body lift is a great procedure option for patients who have excess skin on the thighs, buttocks, or abdominal area. If you have lost a large amount of weight, this procedure can help you enhance your results by removing excess skin. Dr. Chiddy is proud to offer this innovative procedure to his Greater Salt Lake City community. Our group strives to help you look and feel your best. During your consultation, you will receive a detailed treatment plan and our team can provide information about the cost or financing with Prosper and Mountain America Credit Union. We encourage you to call our Draper, UT office and learn more.