Body Lift Surgery Sydney

A body lift is a surgical procedure that removes large skin folds and fat from the abdomen (tummy), hips, outer upper thighs and buttocks, as well as improving the shape and tone of the underlying tissue. Factors such as ageing, sun damage, pregnancy, genetic factors and especially extreme weight loss can contribute to sagging and excess skin. This form of body contouring plastic surgery aims to improve the lower body’s appearance in proportion to the body’s changed size.

Body lift techniques have developed over time, but it remains major surgery that requires large incisions (cuts). Their length and pattern vary depending on the amount and location of excess skin and fat that needs to be removed, the patient’s anatomy and individual desires. These incisions are placed strategically, where they can be hidden by most types of clothing and swimsuits.

Common types of body lift procedures include:

Lower/Circumferential Body Lift: removes a belt of skin and fat across the lower abdomen, around the sides, and into the lower back, which results in lifted buttocks and a smoother body contour. The buttock could be enhanced during the body lift using a dermal fat flap which provides additional projection. The custom-designed flap has reliable circulation, though it requires some additional operating time.

Fleur-de-lis Abdominoplasty: involves removing excess skin in a vertical as well as a horizontal direction. This added incision allows the surgeon to tighten the skin from the sides as well as up and down, which can change the contour of the abdomen in both directions. However, this procedure will leave patients with a midline scar.

Corset Abdominoplasty: often combined with breast reduction, therefore, includes an incision along the breast fold, a midline vertical incision, and a lower abdomen incision to enhance the entire waistline contour.

Body lift procedure could be performed in conjunction with liposuction, breast lift, arm lift, thigh lift or face and neck lift surgeries to complement the patient’s overall appearance.

Want to see before and after images for body surgeries? Find this content here.

Further reading

• Back lift: how to approach before and after surgery
• Back lift with buttock autoaugmentation: techniques

Body Lift surgery is suited for patients who are at or near their goal weight and are in good physical shape. Heavy excess skin can be very uncomfortable, and this procedure could benefit patients for cosmetic and functional reasons, including:

• Change the contour of the abdomen and lower body
• May reduce discomfort caused by heavy skin folds
• May make walking, exercise and clothing fit more comfortable
• May reduce rashes, chafing and skin infections caused by moisture trapped under skin folds

A body lift, also called a belt lipectomy or circumferential body lift, is not a weight-loss operation. It may be discussed when you have reached a stable weight and have persistent loose skin in situations such as:

• After major weight loss, including after bariatric surgery, with redundant skin around the abdomen, flanks and lower back that does not respond to diet and exercise.
• After pregnancy, where stretched tissues and skin folds of the lower trunk are unlikely to improve with exercise alone.
• With ageing, where loss of skin elasticity leads to sagging of the lower abdomen, hips and buttocks.
• For functional concerns, such as rashes, chafing, hygiene difficulty or clothing fit.

Suitable candidates are generally adults who have been at or near their goal weight for at least six months, are in good general health, do not smoke or are willing to stop, and have realistic expectations about scars and recovery. A consultation, including medical and psychological assessment, is required.

A body lift is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital. It is more extensive than an abdominoplasty and usually takes several hours, depending on your anatomy and surgical plan.

• Planning: markings are made while you are standing, to plan the skin removal and scar position.
• Circumferential incision: an incision is made around the lower torso, placed where possible to sit within underwear or swimwear.
• Removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen, flanks, lower back and upper buttock area.
• Muscle tightening, where needed, similar to an abdominoplasty.
• Redraping and closure: the remaining skin is repositioned and sutured, and drains may be used.

Your surgeon will explain whether a single operation or staged surgery is safer for you.

See abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Your surgeon will advise which procedure, if any, suits your concerns.

Recovery is longer than after smaller procedures and varies between individuals. As a general guide:

• Hospital stay: a short stay is usually recommended for monitoring, pain relief and early walking.
• First two to three weeks: swelling, bruising, discomfort and limited mobility are common.
• Return to work: often three to six weeks or more, depending on your work.
• Exercise and lifting: restricted for several weeks, as advised by your surgeon.
• Compression garment: usually worn around the lower torso for a set period.
• Scars: often red or firm for some months, gradually fading over 12–18 months, but permanent.

All surgery carries risks. Risks of a body lift include, but are not limited to:

• Bleeding or haematoma
• Infection or wound breakdown
• Delayed wound healing, particularly where scars meet
• Seroma (fluid collection under the skin)
• Thick, widened or discoloured scars
• Numbness or altered sensation around the abdomen, back or thighs
• Asymmetry or contour irregularities
• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) and other anaesthetic or medical complications
• The need for further surgery

Your individual risks, non-surgical alternatives and the option of not having surgery will be discussed at your consultations.

A body lift leaves a long circumferential scar, positioned low on the torso where practical. Scars usually flatten and fade over time, but in some people they remain prominent or widen. Genetics, sun exposure and smoking affect scarring, and your surgeon will discuss scar care before surgery.

The cost of a body lift usually includes the surgeon’s, anaesthetist’s and hospital fees, garments and follow-up care. It varies with the complexity of surgery, the length of hospital stay and whether other procedures are performed at the same time. Where skin reduction is medically indicated, for example after significant weight loss, Medicare item numbers may apply. You will receive an itemised quote after assessment, including any eligible rebates and likely out-of-pocket costs.

How long do body lift results last?

A body lift can provide long-term changes to contour, but it does not stop ageing. Future weight change, pregnancy and lifestyle can alter results, and maintaining a stable weight may help.

Can a body lift be combined with other procedures?

In some cases a body lift may be combined or staged with procedures such as a thigh lift, arm lift or breast surgery. Safety, operating time and recovery are assessed before any decision is made.

How much time off work will I need?

Many patients need several weeks away from work, particularly if their job involves standing, lifting or physical labour. Those in desk-based roles may return sooner, as advised by their surgeon.

Is a body lift covered by Medicare?

Where skin reduction is medically indicated, for example after significant weight loss, Medicare item numbers may apply. Eligibility is assessed at consultation; surgery for cosmetic reasons alone is generally not covered.