Body lift surgery is a comprehensive body contouring solution designed to remove excess skin and fat while improving the tone and shape of the underlying tissue. It is often performed after significant weight loss or aging has caused the skin to lose elasticity. There are two main types: lower body lift and upper body lift. A lower body lift targets the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and flanks, often combining a tummy tuck with thigh and buttock lifts. An upper body lift addresses sagging in the upper back, breasts, and arms, and may involve a breast lift or bra-line back lift. These procedures help restore a more youthful, firm, and proportionate body contour. Body lift surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia and may require a recovery period of several weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Body contouring procedures, such as a body lift, are often recommended when generalised laxity of the abdominal tissues develops after significant weight loss. This condition has become more common, particularly in people who have undergone bariatric surgery.
Body contouring after weight loss can offer a range of physical, emotional, and health-related benefits, particularly for those who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with excess or sagging skin. Here are the key benefits:
Body contouring is a collection of surgical procedures designed to reshape and improve the appearance of the body, often after major weight loss or to address stubborn fat and skin laxity. The specific procedures involved can vary depending on the patient’s goals:
A body lift, or belt lipectomy, can address multiple areas including the abdomen, back, flanks and thighs. The surgery involves the circumferential removal of excess skin and subcutaneous tissue, with the abdominal wall muscles tightened as done in a standard abdominoplasty. On the day of surgery, your surgeon will mark your abdomen and back to indicate where incisions will be made, and photos will be taken for your medical records. During the procedure, your position will be adjusted to allow the surgeon to complete the full body contouring process.
At your first consultation, your surgeon will discuss your desires and concerns. Your past medical history and medications are also recorded, and it is important to bring this information to the consult. Your surgeon will record your body mass index and perform an examination. Photos may be taken for your medical records. We recommend that you have a second appointment before the surgery so that you have another opportunity to discuss any concerns with your surgeon.
Following the surgery you will be required to stay in hospital for a few days. You will have surgical drains in place and wear a compression garment. It is important to avoid any unnecessary activity for the first 2 weeks. Over this period, it is okay to dress yourself, make a cup of tea and go to the toilet for example. It is not okay to drive. Gradually, from 2 to 4 weeks, you will regain your independence and increase your level of activity. By 6 weeks, most people can resume more strenuous activity.
If you have an infection or problems with the wound healing, the amount of time spent convalescing is significantly increased. Allowances with work and other commitments should be considered.
When body lift surgery is undertaken and meets the suitability requirements according to Medicare listed above, the majority of the cost is rebatable through Medicare and standard private health insurance. This does require a referral from your family doctor.
After your consultation, a detailed quote will be provided to you including the surgeon fee, anaesthetic fee, hospital fee and support garments for your initial recovery.
The results of a body lift procedure is durable but the scars and contour will change subtly over time. If you gain or lose weight this will affect the contours.
The risks and complications of a body lift are not insignificant. General complications including bleeding (requiring a blood transfusion), infection (requiring hospital admission) and further surgery to address a complication can cause significant delays in your recovery and increased morbidity. At the time of your consultation your surgeon will discuss these complications with you.
While body lift surgery and body contouring are related, they are not exactly the same thing—though the terms can overlap depending on context.
Body contouring refers to a range of surgical and non-surgical procedures that reshape or refine areas of the body. It’s used by different types of people for different goals:
The time it takes to see body contouring results depends on the type of procedure, your body’s response, and how closely you follow aftercare guidelines. Here’s a general breakdown:
This comprehensive procedure is sometimes referred to as a circumferential body lift or belt lipectomy, as it typically involves a 360-degree incision around the lower torso.
Body lift surgery typically takes 3 to 6 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure and the areas being treated. Factors like the surgeon’s technique, whether it’s combined with other surgeries, and the patient’s individual anatomy can also affect the duration.
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Please be aware that all surgical procedures require a consultation with our plastic surgeons to allow a thorough assessment and discussion of your specific needs.
Plastic Surgery Central
235 Greenhill Rd
Dulwich SA 5065
