Body
Body Lift
Also known as Belt Lipectomy · Lower Body Lift · Circumferential Body Lift
A body lift, also known as a belt lipectomy or circumferential body lift, is a comprehensive surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, waist, hips, buttocks, and outer thighs in a single procedure. It is most commonly sought by patients who have experienced significant weight loss and are left with large amounts of loose, overhanging skin.
4–8 Hours
Duration
General
Anaesthesia
2–4 Nights
Hospital Stay
Am I a Good Candidate?
A body lift may be appropriate for those who:
- Are in good overall physical health and have maintained a stable weight for at least 6–12 months following significant weight loss
- Are a non-smoker, or willing to cease smoking at least 4–6 weeks prior to surgery
- Have significant excess skin around the abdomen, waist, hips, buttocks, and/or outer thighs
- Have experienced significant weight loss and are at or near their goal weight
- Have addressed any nutritional deficiencies and have been cleared by their treating physician
- Have realistic expectations about the extent of the procedure, recovery, and resulting scars
What to Expect — The Procedure
Given the extent of the procedure, a body lift is typically performed under general anaesthesia with a hospital stay of several nights. The long surgery duration requires careful anaesthetic management and patient fitness — your surgeon and anaesthetist will conduct a thorough pre-operative assessment to confirm suitability.
Pre-operative Care
- Cease smoking at least 4–6 weeks prior to surgery
- Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E) for 2 weeks before surgery
- Inform your surgeon of all current medications, allergies, and medical conditions
- Ensure nutritional levels are optimised prior to surgery — protein, iron, and vitamin levels should be assessed and corrected
- Arrange for an extended period of support during recovery — a minimum of 2–3 weeks of assistance will be required
- Prepare an adjustable or reclining sleep setup — lying flat may be uncomfortable in the early recovery period
The following are general guidelines only. Your assigned surgeon will provide personalised pre and post-operative instructions during your consultation.
Post-operative Care
- Wear any prescribed compression garment as directed — typically 6–8 weeks minimum
- Avoid submerging incisions in water until your surgeon confirms the wounds are fully healed
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments — given the extent of the procedure, regular wound assessment is important
- Drain tubes will be present for the first several days — our care team will assist with monitoring and coordinate removal
- Light walking should be introduced gradually from around Day 3–5 to support circulation
- Avoid any activities that place tension on the incision line — bending, twisting, or stretching the torso — for 4–6 weeks
When to Call Your Surgeon
- High fever (above 38.3°C / 101°F)
- Sudden or rapidly increasing pain not relieved by prescribed medication
- Excessive bleeding or unusual discharge from the incision site
- Sudden swelling in one leg noticeably different from the other — may indicate a blood clot
- Sudden significant swelling or pain at any point along the circumferential incision
- Signs of allergic reaction — skin rash, severe itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a body lift different from a tummy tuck?
How long after weight loss surgery should I wait before having a body lift?
Can I combine a body lift with other procedures?
Ready to Begin Your Transformation?
Send us an enquiry and we’ll match you with the right surgeon for your goals.