Body Lift

How is a body lift procedure performed?

A body lift is major surgery whereby circumferential incisions remove the excess skin from around the midline, hips and back. Once the folds are removed the two skin edges are pulled taut, the navel is repositioned and the incisions are sutured.

Much care is taken to position incisions so they are concealed by underwear.

Typical timeline for a body lift procedure:

• This surgery can take anywhere between three to four hours.
• The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthetic and requires patients to stay in hospital at least overnight.
• Due to the large incisions and length of anaesthetic you must rest.
• Walking will be difficult initially and you may be stooped over.
• You will likely have a compression garment post-op which helps support you and promotes healing of the body.
• You must not twist, lift or do anything strenuous for at least four to six weeks.
• You will have sutures in that will be removed at one to two weeks.
• We recommend taping of incision lines for at least 12 weeks post-surgery to promote optimal healing of the scar.

What are the risks of body lift surgery?

All procedures carry risks. You need to weigh up the potential benefits with the risks.

There are two main categories of risks to consider when considering body lift surgery.

The first category of risks applies to all forms of major surgery and include: infection, bleeding and an adverse reaction to the anaesthetic.

The next category of risks which are more specific to body lift include: delayed wound healing (including death of tissue), asymmetry and undesirable cosmetic outcome.

Your Surgeon will discuss these risks, and how you can reduce them before and after surgery, in your consultation.