What is a Body Lift Surgery?
Following significant weight loss from bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes, many individuals experience a dramatic transformation, typically shedding 60% of their excess weight within 1-2 years. However, this rapid weight reduction often leaves behind loose, sagging skin around the arms, chest, abdomen, back, thighs, and buttocks. Unfortunately, neither diet nor exercise can address this excess skin, which can lead to hygiene issues, physical discomfort, and a lingering sense of being “trapped” in an empty, oversized frame.
A body lift is a comprehensive body contouring procedure designed to address and remove excess skin and fat while tightening the remaining tissue. The procedure can significantly improve physical discomfort, enhancing mobility, and reducing issues like skin chafing and irritation.
Why Patients Seek Body Lift Surgery?
Patients generally seek body lift surgery to remove the excess, sagging skin that persists after massive weight loss. This excess skin can inhibit daily activities, cause discomfort, and detract from the individual’s body image and confidence. Medical concerns also often drive the need for a body lift, as loose skin folds can lead to chronic skin irritation, infections, and hygiene difficulties. Body lifts are highly customizable, with procedures designed to target specific areas for improved function, appearance, and comfort.
Suitable Candidates for Body Lift Surgery?
Suitable candidates for a body lift are individuals who have maintained a stable weight after significant weight loss, whether through bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes.
- Physical Health: Be in good overall health with no underlying medical conditions that could interfere with the wound healing process.
- Emotional Well-being: Have realistic expectations and a positive mindset regarding the outcomes of body lift surgery. As of 1st of July 2023, patients are required to have a psychological evaluation to ensure they are suitable to proceed with surgery.
- Stable Weight: It is recommended to be near your target weight before undergoing the procedure, as weight fluctuations can affect the cosmetic results.
- Non-smoker: Smoking or vaping dramatically interferes with the healing process and increases the risk of complications. Therefore, candidates are required to cease smoking for a minimum 6 weeks before and after the surgery
Types of Body Lift Procedures After Massive Weight Loss?
Each body lift procedure is tailored to target specific areas affected by significant weight loss. Dr. Turner will guide you in selecting the most appropriate procedure based on your needs and goals.
Lower Body Lift (Circumferential Body Lift or Belt Lipectomy)
The lower body lift is a comprehensive approach to sculpting the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and thighs. It addresses the residual skin and tissue laxity that often persists around the lower torso following massive weight loss. During this procedure, Dr. Turner removes redundant skin, tightens the underlying tissue, and contours the area to create a smoother, more balanced silhouette. A lower body lift may also involve tightening the abdominal muscles to enhance the waistline.
Upper Body Lift
The upper body lift focuses on the upper torso, including areas like the arms, back, and breasts. For women, this may involve a bra line lift or breast reduction to improve breast shape and remove excess tissue along the back and underarms. For men, the procedure can be modified to achieve a flatter chest while addressing the back and arms.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is designed to eliminate sagging skin that often hangs from the upper arms after significant weight loss. This surgery removes excess skin, tightens the underlying tissue, and enhances arm shape. The incision for this procedure is typically placed along the inner arm to minimize visibility, and liposuction may be added for further contouring.
Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)
A thigh lift contours the inner and/or outer thighs by removing excess skin and reshaping the tissue to align better with the patient’s new body proportions. Following significant weight loss, sagging skin on the thighs can cause chafing and discomfort. This procedure tightens and smooths the thigh area. Incisions are usually placed along the groin or inner thigh to remain discreet.
Body Lift Surgery: What to Expect?
Body lift surgery is a complex procedure performed under general anaesthesia at a fully accredited hospital, with a certified anaesthetist present to ensure patient safety. Given the extensive nature of the surgery, it typically lasts between 4 to 6 hours. Afterward, most patients stay in the hospital for 3 to 4 days to rest, recover, and receive initial post-operative care.
Lower Body Lift
A lower body lift focuses on removing excess skin and tightening tissues in the lower body, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, outer thighs, and flanks. This procedure is ideal for patients who seek a smoother, firmer contour around the lower torso and lower body.
Key elements of the procedure include:
- Muscle Tightening: For some patients, abdominal wall muscles are tightened to enhance core stability and create a narrower waistline.
- Liposuction: Liposuction may be added to improve contouring by removing localized fat deposits.
- Umbilicus (Navel) Adjustment: Similar to an abdominoplasty, the umbilicus is repositioned through a new incision after excess skin is removed from the abdomen.
- Drain Tubes: Drains are placed under the skin to reduce fluid buildup and promote healing.
The incision is typically positioned low on the abdomen, extending around the sides to the lower back. Dr. Turner takes care to place incisions in locations that can be hidden by undergarments or swimwear.
Upper Body Lift
The upper body lift addresses loose, sagging skin on the upper torso, particularly on the chest, back, and arms. This procedure can significantly improve the comfort and appearance of the upper body, especially for patients with a lot of excess skin in these areas.
The specifics vary based on the patient’s anatomy and goals:
- For Women: The procedure may include a bra line lift or breast reduction to enhance the shape and position of the breasts. Excess skin is removed from areas along the back and underarms.
- For Men: Male patients often have the procedure modified to create a flatter chest by removing excess skin and contouring the upper torso.
Arm Lift
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, targets excess skin and fat in the upper arms. Key steps in the arm lift procedure include:
- Incisions: Typically made along the inner arm, starting at the armpit. The length of the incision depends on the amount of excess skin and tissue.
- Liposuction: Often used to further shape and balance the upper arms by removing additional fat deposits.
- Drain Tubes and Compression Garment: Drains may be placed in each arm to manage fluid buildup. A compression garment is applied post-surgery to help minimize swelling and support the newly contoured arms.
Thigh Lift
The thigh lift reshapes the inner thighs by removing sagging skin and excess fat, especially for patients who have achieved major weight loss but are left with residual loose skin.
Dr. Turner customizes the thigh lift based on each patient’s specific needs:
- Incision Placement: Incisions are often placed along the groin crease, with extensions along the inner thigh if needed, to address areas closer to the knee.
- Liposuction: Used to eliminate excess fat and further refine the thigh contour.
- Compression Garment: Patients are fitted with a compression garment, worn for 2 to 4 weeks, to help reduce swelling and support healing.
It’s important to note that a medial thigh lift (inner thigh lift) and a lower body lift are generally not performed at the same time, as this combination can hinder wound healing and blood supply to the area. If both procedures are desired, they are usually staged with a recovery period of 6-12 months between them.
Preparing for Body Lift Surgery with Dr Turner?
Preparing for body lift surgery is an important process that begins well before the day of your procedure. Dr Turner will guide you through each step to ensure that you’re in optimal health and fully informed about what to expect.
Consultations and Medical Evaluations
During the pre-operative phase, you will have consultations with Dr. Turner to discuss your goals, assess your health, and plan the specific details of your body lift. Comprehensive medical evaluations, including lab tests and a review of your medical history, will be performed to confirm your suitability for the surgery and ensure your body is ready for the demands of a body lift.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Adjusting your lifestyle is key to a smooth surgical experience and optimal recovery. This may include:
- Diet and Exercise: Eating a well-balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise can support a healthy recovery and improve surgical outcomes. You may receive personalized guidance on dietary practices and exercise routines suited to your needs.
- Quitting Smoking: Smoking can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications. You’ll be required to stop smoking or vaping at least six weeks before and after surgery to support optimal recovery.
Nutrition
Adequate nutrition is essential to prepare your body for surgery and promote efficient wound healing afterward. Dr. Turner’s team will advise you on a diet that supports overall health, with an emphasis on protein, vitamins, and minerals that aid in recovery.
Optimizing Weight
For the best body lift results, it is recommended to be close to your target weight before surgery. Dr. Turner may suggest weight management strategies if further weight loss is desired to ensure your body is prepared for the procedure and that results will be as stable and long-lasting as possible.
Realistic Goals for Surgery
While a body lift can dramatically enhance your shape, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:
- Gradual Results: Body lift results will continue to improve over the first year as swelling subsides and your skin adjusts to the new contours.
- Multiple Procedures May Be Needed: Body lifts can be extensive, and depending on individual goals and areas treated, multiple procedures or stages may be necessary to reach the desired outcome.
- High Revision Rate: Due to the complexity of body contouring after significant weight loss, some patients may require revision surgery to achieve their results. This is common and helps ensure the best possible aesthetic outcome.
- Lifestyle and Weight Management: The results of a body lift can be compromised by weight fluctuations. Dr. Turner advises maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle, including regular exercise and a nutritious diet, to preserve your new contours.
- Skin Quality: The quality of your skin plays a significant role in how well it adapts to your new shape, especially after major weight loss. Skin that has been stretched for a long period may not retain its elasticity, and some sagging can recur over time. While a body lift can improve contour, the natural aging process and skin elasticity may still affect the results in the years following surgery.
Recovery After Body Lift Surgery?
Recovering from body lift surgery involves several stages and requires careful attention to the post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Turner to ensure optimal results.
Rest & Elevation
Rest is essential for a successful recovery. For the first two weeks after your procedure, it is important to keep your head and back elevated while sleeping. Using several pillows can help you maintain this position. Most patients find it comfortable to sleep on their sides after about three weeks.
Post-Operative Dressings
The incisions made during body lift surgery are typically closed with self-dissolving sutures, so there’s no need for suture removal. Specialized dressings will be applied to support the surgical sites during the first week. Dr. Turner will change these dressings during your follow-up appointment.
Cold Compresses
Bruising, swelling, and discomfort in the surgical areas are common after a body lift. To alleviate these symptoms, applying cold compresses to the affected areas during the first few days post-surgery can be a simple and effective healing measure.
Compression Garments
You will be provided with a surgical compression garment to wear full-time for the first month following surgery. This garment aids in reducing swelling and provides support to the surgical sites. After the first month, Dr. Turner recommends that you continue wearing a supportive garment at night for an additional six months to promote healing.
Incision Care
Scar management is a crucial part of your recovery. Scars from a body lift will mature over the next three years before they reach their optimal appearance. During this time, a dedicated scar management protocol, including silicone scar therapy and potential laser treatments, will be recommended by Dr. Turner to help minimize the appearance of scars.
Medications
Post-surgery, you will receive prescriptions for antibiotics and pain medication from the anaesthetist. It is important to follow the prescribed regimen for the first week to manage pain and prevent infection.
Normal Activities & Exercise
Most patients can gradually resume normal daily activities within the first two weeks after surgery. However, high-intensity exercise and activities that involve heavy lifting or straining should be avoided for at least six weeks. It is advisable to refrain from strong upper body or chest exercises for approximately three months to allow for adequate healing.
Follow-Up Appointments
Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Turner are essential during the recovery process. Dr. Turner recommends in-person visits at our Sydney clinic at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after your body lift surgery. These appointments will help monitor your healing progress and address any concerns you may have.
Risks and Complications of Body Lift Surgery?
As with any surgery, it is important to be fully informed of the potential risks associated with body lift surgery. While every precaution is taken to minimize these complications, they may still occur despite the highest standard of medical care.
Dr. Turner will discuss these risks in detail during your consultation to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of each one.
- Infection: Infections can occur at the incision sites. To minimize this risk, antibiotics are typically prescribed post-surgery, and careful wound care is essential.
- Wound Healing Issues: Due to the extensive nature of body lift incisions, some patients may experience delayed wound healing and dehiscence. This can sometimes require additional wound care and, in rare cases, further surgical intervention.
- Seroma: Seroma, or fluid buildup under the skin, can cause swelling and discomfort around the surgical area. In some cases, drainage or additional procedures may be necessary to address this issue.
- Haematoma: A collection of blood, known as a haematoma, can develop under the skin near the incision site. Additional drainage or minor surgery may be required to remove the haematoma.
- Changes in Sensation: Temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation around the surgical areas are possible, as nerves are affected by the procedure. Sensation may gradually return as healing progresses, but in some cases, altered sensation can persist.
- Scarring: All incisions from a body lift will leave scars, which will fade over time but are permanent. Dr. Turner places incisions in discreet locations whenever possible, and a recommended scar management program can help minimize scar visibility.
- Anaesthesia Risks: General anaesthesia, used during body lift surgery, has its own set of potential risks, including adverse reactions. Dr. Turner’s anaesthetist will review these with you and ensure your safety throughout the procedure.
- Asymmetry: While every effort is made to achieve a balanced, natural look, some patients may experience slight asymmetry after surgery. In cases where noticeable asymmetry occurs, additional surgery may be considered.
- Unsatisfactory Results: Despite careful planning, body lift surgery may not result in the exact outcome a patient envisions. Open and thorough communication during your consultation helps ensure that your goals and expectations are clearly understood to minimize any potential dissatisfaction.
Understanding these risks is an essential part of your surgical journey, and Dr. Turner will address all questions and concerns you may have during your consultation to help you make an informed decision about body lift surgery.
Cost of Body Lift Surgery in Sydney?
The costs associated with Body Lift Surgery in Sydney can vary depending on many factors, such as private health insurance coverage, complexity of the procedure and time required in the operating theatre. Your total cost will include surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist fee, hospital fees and surgical aftercare & support.
Dr Turner Body Lift Prices
Circumferential Body Lift
- Insured: $25,000
- Cosmetic: $35,000
Upper Body Lift + Breast Reduction
- One Stage: $21,000
- Two Stage: $32,000
Price is inclusive of plastic surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist fees, breast implant, garments, hospital fees and all postoperative follow up visits with Dr Turner for 1 year.
