Procedure — body
Body Lift
Restoring the shape of the torso after losing a lot of weight can be achieved by undergoing a body lift. Also known as ‘belt lipectomy’, ‘full body lift’ or ‘circumferential lift’, this procedure removes excess skin and fat through the use of surgical techniques.
Gaining weight requires the skin to stretch in order to accommodate its shape. Over a prolonged period of time, the skin loses elasticity and can find it difficult to return to its original form if the weight is then lost. Achieving your ideal body weight has many benefits for your health and well-being, but in some cases it leaves behind excess skin that hangs off your body. Not only can this produce an unattractive appearance, it can often be physically uncomfortable.
Restoring the shape of the torso after losing a lot of weight can be achieved by undergoing a body lift. Also known as ‘belt lipectomy’, ‘full body lift’ or ‘circumferential lift’, this procedure removes excess skin and fat through the use of surgical techniques.
Gaining weight requires the skin to stretch in order to accommodate its shape. Over a prolonged period of time, the skin loses elasticity and can find it difficult to return to its original form if the weight is then lost. Achieving your ideal body weight has many benefits for your health and well-being, but in some cases it leaves behind excess skin that hangs off your body. Not only can this produce an unattractive appearance, it can often be physically uncomfortable.
At a Glance
Duration
Up to 3.5 hours
Type Of Anaesthetic
General anaesthetic
Return To Work (job dependent)
Up to 2 weeks
Day Case / Overnight
Day case
Bra / Garment To Be Worn For
Up to 6 weeks
Return To Gym
6 weeks
In-depth Procedure Information
The Consultation
At Reshape & Restore we congratulate the efforts made by a patient to improve their health and lifestyle, taking steps to lose weight and become fitter. We understand how feeling confident with your appearance impacts positively on your overall well-being. Losing weight is a great achievement which can often be counteracted by the appearance of sagging skin, causing just as much dissatisfaction as excess weight itself.
At a comprehensive yet attentive consultation, we take a caring and considerate approach to your individual situation. A physical assessment enables us to recommend the right action plan for improving your appearance. We will explain how a body lift is carried out and what the results can mean for you. If you want, you can speak with previous patients who are more than happy to share their own experiences with you.
The Procedure
As a case by case approach is taken, the specific techniques used will depend on where and how much excess skin needs removing. Typically an incision is made on the front of the body, running from hip to hip, with another incision extending from the flanks to the cleft of the buttocks. In essence, the incisions made are positioned around the circumference of the torso. Through these cuts, excess skin and tissues can be trimmed, also allowing for the tightening of the internal lining of the body. This can include firming the stomach muscles, which contributes to the abdomen’s recontoured look. The skin is pulled and tightened before closing the wounds, and the procedure may involve relocating the navel through making another incision.
In many cases, when losing a significant amount of weight, the entire body benefits. Excess skin can not just affect the torso, it can appear on the arms, thighs and buttocks too. Reshaping the body after weight loss may mean that more than one area needs to be addressed, which is why the body lift can be used alongside other procedures to improve the look and comfort of the body as a whole.
Aftercare & Results
You will be encouraged to become mobile as soon as possible, once the anaesthetic has worn off after the procedure. You will feel very tender after surgery which will need to be managed with pain relief – advised by your surgeon. Swelling and bruising of the torso is to be expected, which will subside within a few weeks. You will need to significantly lower your levels of activity, taking around 2 weeks off work to allow for your body to rest and recover. Your first follow-up appointment is generally made at 1 week after surgery. Further reviews will be offered according to the extent of your surgery and the rate at which your recovery is progressing. Your surgeon will ask that you wear a compression garment for up to 6 weeks and you will be given advice on how to care for your wounds, as well as how best to care for your scars.
It may take a few months for the full outcome to become visible. By removing the excess skin left behind after weight loss, a firmer and more toned appearance can be achieved. Reshaping and recontouring the torso can help a person to regain their confidence, feeling more comfortable to wear certain clothing, go swimming and sunbathe on holiday. The body can generally feel more comfortable as excess skin can mean that clothing is ill-fitting, with areas beneath the folds also providing an environment where moisture can cause irritation and sore patches. Many patients describe feeling very liberated after undergoing a body lift
FAQ's
During a consultation at Reshape & Restore your suitability for this procedure will be considered thoroughly. We take the time to understand your reasons for wanting surgery and assess your concerns by taking a case by case approach. In our experiences, the feelings experienced by the appearance of excess skin following weight loss can be just as demeaning as the excess weight itself. By working with you to construct a positive and effective solution to regaining your body shape and self-confidence, we can also work to improve your overall well-being.
This procedure is carried out by consultant plastic surgeons, who take every step to ensure the safety and welfare of all of their patients. The body lift is a completely safe procedure that has many benefits for both the physical and psychological needs of the patient.
Bruising and swelling are normal, yet temporary, side effects of a body lift procedure. Wounds will heal but scarring will be left behind. Incisions are usually made as low as possible in order to allow for them to be concealed beneath underwear and other clothing.
Surgery always carries a degree of risk, which will be explained at your consultation. Potential complications can include: infection, haematoma, delayed healing and thickened scarring.
It is important for your healing and recovery that you stop smoking and stop taking certain medications, including: aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements.
Any preoperative tests will be arranged by your surgeon and we only proceed with the surgery if both you and us are completely sure that you are comfortable with this route.
Prices From
£12,000
Plastic surgery procedures are not off the peg but tailor made, bespoke procedures that vary from person to person. The above prices act as a guide in the standard or average case. The actual cost of surgery may be less or more and will be confirmed after your consultation.
Enquire Today
