Sagging Correction: The Different Types Of Surgical Lift Procedures
One of the most challenging common issues to correct is the sagging of the skin and underlying tissues that occur with aging. Millions of Americans will experience some degree of unwanted drooping of the body or face as a result of natural aging and/or fluctuations in weight gain or loss.
There are various lifting surgeries that can correct gravity-induced cosmetic issues. While performed to specifically address targeted areas, lift-focused cosmetic surgeries share common themes: strategically placed incisions allow plastic surgeons to remove excess fat and tissue while tightening underlying muscles; and creating a smooth, toned, and youthful appearing final result.
Here’s a brief overview of some of the most popular lifting procedures:
Breast Lift
Breast lift surgery (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure that addresses sagging breasts that often result from natural weight fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, or heredity. A breast lift raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. Sometimes the areola becomes enlarged over time, and a breast lift can reduce this as well. The results of a breast lift include firmer, perkier, and more youthful appearing breasts.
Butt Lift
Butt lift surgery (gluteoplasty) lifts and enhances the shape of the buttocks by removing excess skin and fat along the gluteal area. Butt lift procedures are typically performed by adding volume depending upon the needs and desired outcome of the individual patient. Skin is rarely removed in these cases. For patients whose overall gluteal shape could benefit from adding volume, a Brazilian Butt Lift (fat transfer to buttocks) procedure or implants are options. Either technique can be combined with liposuction to further contour upper back and thigh areas to achieve a balanced, more harmonious shape.
Learn more about butt lift procedures
Face Lift
A facelift is a surgical procedure that makes the face more youthful by lifting up the facial skin and tissues and/or the underlying muscle. Facelift surgery is the most effective way to address severe forms of facial aging including deep wrinkles and sagging jowls.
There are many different types of facelift techniques, each addressing different facial areas and degrees of aging.
Learn more about Facelift procedures
Neck Lift
Loose, sagging skin on the neck and lower face is a common and obvious sign of aging that is difficult to hide or disguise. Neck lift surgery can dramatically rejuvenate the neck, instantly knocking years off a patient’s appearance.
A neck lift procedure involves removing fat deposits (from the jowls, chin, and neck), tightening neck muscles, and removing any excess skin to achieve a sharper and more aesthetically pleasing angle between the jawline and the neck.
Learn more about neck lift surgery
Arm Lift
Brachioplasty, also known as an Arm Lift, creates tight and tone arms by removing excess skin and fat between the underarm and elbow, and removing isolated fat pockets in the upper arm region. This procedure allows the arms to be sculpted and contoured to an improved shape.
The type of arm lift technique performed depends upon the amount and location of the excess skin. If excess hanging skin is located within two inches from the armpit, the surgeon can potentially pull up and tuck this excess skin into the armpit with a short scar brachioplasty (‘mini’ arm lift). If the excess skin extends towards the elbow, the best option usually a full brachioplasty or arm lift.
Thigh Lift
Thigh lift surgery, also known as thighplasty, reduces excess skin and fat in the thigh and upper knee area to reduce the dimpling and give a redefined, slim look to the upper leg. Thigh lift techniques differ based on the area of the thigh addressed, the extent of sagging needed to be corrected, and the size and shape of the incision needed to provide the surgeon with access to underlying tissue. These techniques include the cresent inner thigh lift (targets the upper third of the inner thigh), extended inner thigh lift, and the outer thigh lift.
Learn more about thigh lift surgery
A united group of skin care specialists from Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Austin's leader in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. Articles posted under WD staff are authored through combined contributions from our entire team, including Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Aestheticians, Physician Assistants, Aesthetic Nurses, and Patient Coordinators.