Body Lift
Your complete guide and quick links to everything you need to know about having a Body Lift in Sydney!
What Is A Body Lift?
A Body Lift is a surgical procedure to remove large folds of skin and fat from the lower abdomen, hips, outer upper thighs, and upper buttocks following major weight loss after bariatric surgery, strict dieting, pregnancy, or simply as a result of ageing.
These large amounts of excess loose skin simply cannot shrink and disappear.
When the lower abdomen, hips and lower back are all reshaped together, it is known as a ‘360° Body Lift’, ‘Belt Lipectomy’ or ‘Circumferential Abdominoplasty’.
Which Areas Does A Body Lift Correct?
A Body Lift can dramatically improve appearances and comfort by removing the folds of excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, hips, upper outer thighs, and upper buttocks following major weight loss.
The advantages of the 360° circumferential technique are that it will remove the loose skin, tighten the lower torso, and define the waistline.
Patients for a Body Lift not uncommonly have additional body areas in need of correction. Upper arms, inner thighs, and breasts often need correction as well. However, such additional areas may need to be done separately depending on the length of your Body Lift Surgery. Our Plastic Surgeon will advise you in this regard.
How Is A Body Lift Done?
All forms of Body Lift Surgery need to be performed under General Anaesthesia and involve a short stay in hospital.
The incisions and final scars will generally resemble those in the illustrations below. Reassuringly, our Plastic Surgeon will always attempt to locate your incisions where they can best be hidden by clothing and swimwear.
When indicated, liposuction may need to be included in a Body Lift to achieve an even better final result.
After the surgery, you will need to remain in hospital for several days. Your Plastic Surgeon will determine when you can be discharged to continue your recovery at home.
During your home recovery process, take things easy, and avoid heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks.
Most patients can usually return to their usual daily routines after 6 weeks, but this can vary due to individual differences in the healing process.
Although a major improvement in appearance will be obvious immediately after the surgery, the healing process does take time and it may take as long as 12-18 months for your final results to fully appear.
‘Pros & Cons’ of Body Lift Surgery
The Pros:
- The only effective way to permanently eliminate residual folds of excess skin after major weight loss.
- Improved appearances.
- Improved hygiene and comfort from relief of sweat and skin rashes under the folds of skin.
- Improved posture, easier walking and physical exercise.
- The ability to again wear normal clothing sizes.
The Cons:
- It is extensive surgery.
- A short hospital stay is required.
- The surgical scars can be extensive but your Plastic Surgeon will always try to position the incisions where they will be best hidden by clothing and swimwear.
- Initially, restricted movement from the tightened skin until it stretches.
Potential Risks & Complications of Body Lift Surgery
Modern surgery is generally considered safe, but any surgery has potential risks and in Body Lift Surgery, these include:
Specific to Body Lift Surgery:
- Numbness around the incisions, usually temporary only.
- Visible and prominent scars including keloid and hypertrophic scars.
- Areas of skin that do not heal and may require a skin graft.
- The possibility of a blood transfusion with removal of large amounts of skin.
General Surgical Risks:
- Bleeding from an operated site. If heavy, it could require a blood transfusion.
- Infection that may require treatment with antibiotics or further surgery.
- Hematoma, a collection of blood under the skin, which if large could require a return to theatre for removal.
- Seroma, an accumulation of fluid under the skin, may need one or more needle aspirations before it settles.
- Slow wound healing, often related to smoking and diabetes.
- Allergic reaction to medications, sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions.
- Deep Venous Thrombosis and its potential to cause life-threatening Pulmonary Embolism.
- Adverse Reactions to Anaesthesia or Medication: The safety of anaesthesia nowadays in Australia is well established. Nevertheless, potential risks exist with all anaesthesia and unexpected reactions can occur. These may include nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions ranging from minor to severe. Respiratory failure, heart failure, heart attack and stroke are rare but documented risks of any general anaesthesia.
Body Lift ‘Before & After’
(Dr Sepehr Lajevardi)
Cost of a Body Lift in Sydney
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Body Lift
The total cost of Body Lift Surgery in Sydney is made up of the following individual costs:
- Surgical Fee: Impossible to estimate until you have been assessed by our Plastic Surgeon and the extent of your surgery has been determined.
- Hospital Fee: Hospitals differ in their hourly rates for Theatre Fees. Our Plastic Surgeon will advise you of the expected
Theatre Fees once it has been determined which hospital you will be attending, and how long your procedure will take.
There will also be an additional accommodation charge. - Anaesthetist Fee: This will basically depend on the duration of the surgery. Anaesthetic Fees are generally around $880/hour.
- Post-Operative Garment(s)
Can I Claim a Medicare or Private Health Insurance Rebate?
You may be able to claim a partial Medicare Rebate if you meet Medicare’s criteria of eligibility. Our Plastic Surgeon will advise whether you are eligible for a Medicare Rebate after their assessment at your initial consultation.
Most importantly, if you do meet Medicare’s criteria of eligibility, and you also have Private Hospital Cover, you may be able to also claim a variable portion of your Hospital Fees depending on your Fund and Level of Cover.