A belt lipectomy, often called a total body lift, is an operation usually considered for patients who have lost a large amount of weight and are left with skin excess around the lower abdomen, hips and lower back. Body lift is the only procedure that goes all the way around the body. This procedure removes a circumferential band of tissue to tighten the lower body. It may also lift the outer thighs and mons pubis region.
Some patients experience flattening of the buttock area after major weight loss. A body lift can accentuate this, so in some cases the operation is combined with buttock (gluteal) augmentation to restore projection.
The Procedure
A lower body lift usually takes 5–6 hours and is performed under general anaesthetic in an accredited hospital.
- The procedure begins with the patient positioned face down so excess skin and fat can be removed from the lower back and upper buttocks.
- In some patients, a purse-string gluteoplasty can be performed at this stage. This reshapes the buttock using local skin and fat flaps to improve contour.
- The patient is then carefully repositioned onto their back while still anaesthetised. A classic or Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty is then performed, which may involve removal of excess abdominal skin, repair of muscle separation, and repositioning of the belly button.
- All incisions are closed in multiple layers with dissolvable sutures.
Recovery from Lower Body lift surgery
Recovery reflects the duration and extent of the procedure:
- Most patients stay in hospital for 2–3 nights.
- An abdominal binder is worn to support the operated area and help reduce swelling.
- Drains (plastic tunes that suck away excess fluid) are commonly used and usually removed before discharge.
- Patients are generally able to resume driving after about 1–2 weeks and return to work after around 3 weeks, depending on the type of work they do.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Dr Amira Sanki, Dr Ania Smialkowski and Dr Ilias Kotronakis provide consultations for patients considering a body lift. A standard consultation lasts about 45 minutes and includes:
- A discussion of your medical history, body concerns, and treatment goals
- A physical examination and, if appropriate, clinical photographs
- Education about the procedure, alternatives, potential risks, and expected recovery
- Time to ask questions
- Discussion of costs and the booking process with our patient coordinator
A second consultation is arranged before surgery to further answer your questions, finalise plans and provide further information.
Combination Procedures
A body lift is a long operation and may occasionally be combined with another procedure, such as a breast lift, provided the total surgery duration does not exceed six hours. It is generally not recommended to combine a body lift with thigh or arm surgery, as limb mobility is important in the early recovery phase.
Where to Get More Information
A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is the most reliable way to understand whether a body lift may be suitable for you. Additional information is also available on the websites of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (https://www.plasticsurgery.org.au) and the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (https://www.asaps.org.au), which include educational resources about this procedure.
Plastic surgery carries risks, including infection, bleeding, delayed wound healing, asymmetry, unfavourable scarring, and anaesthetic complications. Your surgeon will explain the risks most relevant to you, in the context of your health and the specifics of your surgery.
1. Anaesthetic risks – complications related to general anaesthesia, such as allergic reactions or breathing problems.
2. Bleeding (haematoma) – bleeding may occur during or after surgery, occasionally requiring further treatment.
3. Infection – uncommon, but may require antibiotics or further intervention.
4. Delayed wound healing – some areas may take longer to heal, particularly along the scar.
5. Scarring – scars are permanent, though usually placed low on the abdomen; some patients may develop thickened or widened scars.
6. Seroma (fluid collection) – fluid can accumulate under the skin and may need drainage.
7. Skin or fat necrosis – reduced blood supply can cause small areas of skin or fat tissue to heal poorly.
8. Umbilical necrosis – in rare cases, the blood supply to the belly button is affected, leading to partial or complete loss of the umbilicus.
9. Numbness or altered sensation – temporary or permanent changes in abdominal skin feeling are common.
10. Chronic pain – persistent discomfort or nerve-related pain may occur, though it is uncommon.
11. Asymmetry or contour irregularities – differences in shape, tightness, or scar position can occur.
12. Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) – rare but serious risks associated with reduced mobility after surgery.
13. Need for revision surgery – occasionally further surgery may be needed to improve results or address complications.
It’s crucial for individuals considering plastic surgery to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who can thoroughly explain the risks and benefits specific to their desired procedure. Understanding and carefully weighing these risks against the potential benefits can help individuals make informed decisions about whether to proceed with plastic surgery.
If liposuction is performed as part of your procedure, please also read the section on the risks of liposuction.
Body Lift Examples
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