Did you recently get a body lift surgery? If you did, chances are you enjoying the new contours, tightened skin and a youthful appearance. Body lift surgeries can do wonders for those who have excess skin or fat (especially around the abdomen and thighs), along with those who experience signs of aging and thus have sagging skin.

This procedure is one of many plastic surgeries performed with high success rates across the world. If you have recently given birth and your skin has loosened to the effect that it makes you look worn off, then Atlanta body lift is a reliable and renowned solution for your worries.

An improved body shape with a youthful figure is what the body lift Atlanta’s surgical procedure essentially targets. Sometimes after significant weight loss you may still not feel in shape, and need to get rid of excess fat and tissues that bunch up against the skin and make the body look shapeless.  Body contouring Atlanta is thus designed to cover all parts of the body that may be looking slack, and tighten up your skin so you could feel better again!

What to expect

Once you have gone through with your body lift surgery, it is essential to know what to expect post-procedure. To completely overcome the aftereffects, you may need to wait a few months before you are back to normal. However, within the first month and a half, you will feel that any swelling and bruising that you experienced right after the surgery will start to wane.

In order to recover smoothly from the surgery, it is important that you follow post-surgery protocol and take long periods of rest. This will ensure that signs of tiredness and fatigue are minimized during the recovery process, as the body takes time to repair itself. At Crispin Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, we pay special attention to patients’ recovery and assist them in the weeks following surgery.

Complete recovery will depend entirely on your situation, and on how your body feels. But following a few tips may come in handy:

Your diet will make all the difference

Ensure that you are not only looking after your body from the outside but also from the inside. Your body is fighting to adjust to a new shape and scars/sutures take their time to heal. So, it is highly likely that your body is looking for extra sources of energy. A healthy diet, with high proportion of fruits and vegetables, will keep you from being dehydrated and thus tired. Drink lots of water, and opt for a low-sodium diet as this will prevent swelling and water retention.

Do not sleep in a flat position

After the surgery, try and sleep in a reclined position to guarantee healthy blood circulation to your body. And since this may be difficult to do, a recliner may come in handy for the purpose.  In addition, keeping a wedge pillow under your knees while you sleep will also look after your surgical areas and prevent any kind of discomfort.

Prepare for welled up sites

After the surgery, it is common to experience swelling in the areas that have been operated. To reduce this, cold compresses can be used for about 15 to 20 minutes, and this will rid you of pain and any extra swelling that’s giving you discomfort.

Be wary of exposing stitches

Your incisions and stitches will be highly sensitive in the first few days after surgery and so it will help to talk to your doctor before you take hot showers and exposing your stitches to too much dampness, as this may lead to swelling.

Take some times off

Especially true for those who get a lower body lift, at Atlanta plastic surgery, we advise patients to prepare for a good healing process and give your body enough time to recover. In cases where drains are placed, movement is restricted and sometimes painful, and any amount of physical exertion can slow down your recovery. Drains are usually removed after 2 weeks of surgery (sometimes 4) and likewise, incisions take their time to heal.

Therefore, in order to lessen complications, it is suggested that work be set aside for a few weeks till your body is up and about in its new youthful form!

There are three commonly acknowledged skin types: dry, oily and combination of the two. Depending on your skin type, there may be one skin care regimen that will work better for you. for instance, it wouldn't make sense to treat oily skin with products that might cause skin to become more oily or dry skin with products that might further dry it out.  

What is Your Skin Type?

Determining your skin care type will help you to implement the best skin care routine. Let's take a look at the characteristics of each type below:  

1. Dry Skin: Dry skin tends to be flaky, irritated, ashy and often itchy. Severe dry skin is classified as sensitive skin. Often times, dry skin experiences reactions to skin care products that contain allergens and toxins. Especially, if you have eczematous skin.  
2. Oily Skin: Oily skin involves feeling noticeable oil settling on your face around midday. Unlike dry skin, oily skin is less sensitive to common contact allergies and skin care products. However, oily skin does not mean you are exempt from reactions and you should be mindful of the products you utilize. Especially, on your face.  
3. Combination Skin: Combination skin, typically means that your T-zone (nose and brow area) are oily, but your cheeks and other facial areas are dry.  

Dry Skin Care Regimen: 

• Use a gentle cleanser. Mild cleansers are preferred for all skin types. However, they are imperative for dry skin care. Cleanse at night. It is alright to avoid cleansing in the morning.  
• Avoid excessive exfoliation. If you can manage without any exfoliation, that may be best. 
• Don't use toners. They tend to dry out your already dry skin. 
• Remove makeup prior to bed.  
• Avoid harmful toxins and allergens in skin care products and cosmetics. Some common skin care ingredients that are contact allergens, include: PEGs, sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasing preservatives, beeswax, fragrances, dyes, oatmeal/gluten and acrylates. 
• Moisturize at least twice daily. I recommend up to four times per day for more moderate to severe cases. Dry skin lacks moisture. Use products that contain long chain fatty acids, cholesterol esters and ceramides. These will help optimize the skin's barrier and help skin to heal itself.  

Oily Skin Care Regimen: 

• Use a mild cleanser. Wash once in the morning and again at night. Using your fingertips to rub the cleanser in for 30 seconds prior to rinsing.  
• Always remove makeup before bed.  
• Use alcohol free salicylic acid cleansers or wipes on the oily parts of your skin at least twice per week. Three times maximum. 
• Moisturize. The same type of moisturizing products are applicable for oily skin care. Skin barrier optimization (SBO), should be the primary factor concerning moisturizing products.  

Combination Skin Care Regimen: 

• Use only mid cleansers. Avoid medicated cleansers of any kind. 
• Use alcohol free salicylic acid wipes and blot away only the oily spots.  
• Moisturize at least twice per day, with the moisturizing recommendations outlined for both skin types above.  

If you are unsure of what skin type you have, speak with a dermatologist before adhering to one of these regimens.