Body lift
A body lift is any procedure that addresses loose and hanging skin over the lower trunk area. This arises most commonly following massive weight loss. However, age also causes these changes to occur in most people to a varying degree, and depending on their severity will determine if a body lift is suitable or not
What is a Lower Body Lift?
A lower body lift or belt lipectomy is a surgical procedure, and some people mix it with abdominoplasty. It is especially designed to remove excess tissue on the lower abdomen, flanks, and back.
The procedure can also address low hanging buttocks and in certain cases utilize tissue to give them projection.
The procedure is performed as a general anesthetic. Preoperatively the incision is marked in order for it to be concealed in the pant line. The procedure will take between 3 to 5 hours and involves an overnight stay in the hospital.
Who Should Undergo this Procedure?
The main group of patients who elect to have this procedure is those who have undergone massive weight loss. This could have been performed via surgery or through old fashioned diet and exercise.
The loose hanging skin causes a number of issues
- Aesthetically it appears very unattractive
- Patients have difficulty finding clothes that accommodate the excess tissue
- The excess skin can rub against each other, causing irritation and skin to open
Am I a Suitable Candidate?
In order to achieve the most optimum results the following requirement need to be met
- Stable weight for 6 months
- BMI< 30
- Non-smoker
- No abnormalities in baseline blood results
- No long term medical problems such as diabetes
How to Prepare for a Body Lift?
- Try to avoid heavy exercise 1 week prior to the procedure
- Avoid blood-thinning medications such as aspirin and warfarin 1 week prior to the operation
- Avoid alcohol the day before the surgery
- The procedure does not restrict you from self-caring for the first few days after the procedure, but ther will be limitations to what you can do. It may be advisable to arrange support from friends or family during this period
What is the Post-operative period?
Immediately after the procedure, you will awaken with dressings encasing your abdomen, and there may or may not be drainage tubes. A compression garment will be in place to minimize swelling. The pain will be well controlled due to intraoperative anesthetic injections and pain killers that will be prescribed.
The patient will be allowed to rest that evening, but the following morning nursing staff will remove the catheter and encourage movement out of the bed and into the chair. During the course of the morning and afternoon assistance will be given in mobilizing the patient around the corridor, in readiness for discharge that evening.
The patient will be discharged with pain medications and antibiotics
The pain will be worst for the first couple of days, but this is well controlled with the pain killers. Every day this diminishes, and the feeling of being ones self returns
The first post-operative visit is 48 hours following hospital discharge. If a drain had been placed, it will be removed
The second check is performed at 1 week
There is a third check at 2 weeks, to give the all-clear for work, and to remove any sutures
Further checks are made at 4 and 8 weeks
Patient Reviews
We'd love to hear from you
Send us a message and we’ll respond to you as soon as possible
Or reach out to us directly
