Body lift surgery addresses loose, hanging skin and aims to tighten, lift, and contour the areas to create a smooth look.

Body Lift surgery can be a comprehensive procedure which treats areas such as the abdomen, waist, hips, buttocks, and thighs.

Common reasons why people consider having a body lift

  • After pregnancy or having lost a significant amount of weight.
  • Aim to reduce the effects of ageing or sun damage
  • Desire to achieve a more pleasing shape including a defined contour.
  • Fit into clothes of choice.
  • Improve the shape of areas resistant to exercise and diet.

 RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY

  • Patients most commonly require a hospital stay of one – two nights.
  • Generally you will feel a little uncomfortable for a few days.
  • Gradually increase mobility and activity; generally back to most normal day to day activities at two weeks.
  • Most people allow three weeks off work; however, you may require additional time if your job is more physically demanding – this can be discussed with your surgeon.
  • Able to drive when feeling comfortable.
  • No heavy lifting/exercise for two weeks e.g. avoid gym, aerobics, running.

POST-OPERATIVE CARE & REVIEW

Mr White will see you in hospital after your surgery and/or prior to your discharge from hospital.

Post-operative visits with Mr White:

  • Approximately one week after surgery
    – At this stage Mr White will make sure that you are well and the wounds are healing nicely.
  • Six weeks post-surgery review
    – At this time you will have a better idea of what the final result from surgery will be like. If all is progressing well, Mr White will give you the all clear to resume normal activities.
  • 12 months
    – If there are any concerns you will be seen more frequently.

If there are any concerns you will be seen more frequently.

Ask a Question or Book an Appointment

Please fill in the online enquiry form to ask a question or book an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Or call today on (03) 9895 7631
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Surgical goals

  • YOUR SAFETY.
  • Tighten abdominal/muscle wall.
  • Decrease excess skin and fat.
  • Produce a more pleasing shape.

Alternatives to surgery

  • No surgery or delaying surgery.
  • Liposuction – generally if good skin tone and limited excess skin.

RISKS TO CONSIDER

Anaesthetic – In otherwise well people, general anaesthesia is very safe with modern techniques. Mr White’s rooms will give you the details of your anaesthetist prior to surgery to discuss any specific concerns.

Bleeding/Haematoma – This may need a return to the operating theatre to evacuate a blood clot. This can impact on wound healing or skin survival. Infection in the wound – If this does occur, can usually be cleared up with antibiotic tablets.

DVT/PE (Deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolus) – Blood clots that are potentially very serious and even life threatening, which can form in the legs and travel to the lungs. Multiple strategies are employed to minimise the risk of these occurring.

Wound healing issues – Stretch marks may not all be removed or new ones may be created. Gathers in the wound are often present at either end. These settle over several weeks to months in the majority of cases but sometimes may need a small revision often under local anaesthetic. Initially there is almost always some contour issues or puckers. These settle down in most cases over several weeks.

Scars – Typically are at their thickest and reddest at 6-10 weeks after surgery. Scars continue to mature and improve for up to 18 months after surgery. Scar management advice will be discussed in your follow up visit with Mr White to assist in achieving the goal of a thin, barely noticeable scar.

Asymmetry – The scars may be slightly different on your right compared to left side.

Wound separation/delayed healing – This is much more common in smokers or if there is an infection.

Skin necrosis/loss – Very rare complication and almost only seen in smokers. If it does occur it needs significant aftercare, possibly more surgery and even skin grafting in the most extreme cases.

Seroma – Clear/straw like fluid that can collect following surgery. Usually it settles down with no intervention but if persistent or large may require drainage in the rooms (sometimes on several occasions) or even a drain tube to be inserted.

Numbness – Almost always occurs in the skin of the abdomen. Generally settles down over weeks to months.