The middle and lower body are sensitive features of the body that impact one’s overall appearance. When middle and lower body are out of proportion with the rest of the body or there is excess skin or fat, it can affect one’s self-image and confidence.

In general, belt lipectomy improves the appearance and firmness of the abdomen, hips, thighs and buttocks, enhancing overall body harmony and self-confidence.

What is belt lipectomy?

A cosmetic body lift, or belt lipectomy, is a procedure to improve the appearance of the middle and lower body. Specific features addressed in a cosmetic body lift, and strictly for appearance enhancement, include:

Loose skin in the buttocks and back of the thighs
Loose skin in the hips and side of the thighs
Loose skin in the front of the thighs
Loose abdominal skin or in the inner thighs
Relatively thin layers of fat below the skin of these areas

Belt lipectomy is designed to sculpt the body in order to achieve a more pleasing profile and appearance, as well as achieve balance and harmony between physical features of the body.

Is body lift right for me?

If you are bothered by the size or position of your abdomen, hips, thighs and/or buttocks, then a body lift, or belt lipectomy, may be right for you.

Good candidates for belt lipectomy are:

Individuals who have undergone significant weight loss
Individuals who have excess skin or fat around the abdomen, hips, thighs or buttocks
Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improvement

Where do I begin?

A consultation with Dr. Han is the first step to learn how a body lift can improve the appearance of your middle and lower body and thus achieve full body harmony. A consultation is designed to fully educate you in a no pressure environment, and will include:

A discussion of your primary concerns and an evaluation of your individual case
The options available for a body lift
The likely outcomes of surgery and any risks or potential complications
The course of treatment recommended by the doctor

The success of your procedure, safety and overall satisfaction will also require that you:

Honestly share your concerns and expectations
Fully disclose health history, current medications, the use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
Commit to following all of your plastic surgeon’s instructions precisely

What are the risks with a body lift?

By making the decision to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Han and following all the instructions given, you are taking an important step in helping to assure your safety.

Possible risks of belt lipectomy include, but are not limited to:

Seromas, collections of fluid below the skin, which may require the use of drains
Delayed healing from small separations in the incision closure in areas of high tension and stretch
Numbness in areas adjacent to the incision
Slight asymmetries
Surgical operating time and duration may last six hours or more for the body lift.

A body lift is a procedure in which aesthetic outcomes can be unpredictable, and in some cases a second procedure may be necessary to fully achieve your goals.

All surgery carries risks associated with anesthesia. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks or potential complications.

What can I do to prepare for my surgery?

Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions that may include:

Pre-surgical considerations, diagnostic testing and medications
Day of surgery instructions and medications
Specific information related to the use of anesthesia
Postoperative care and follow-up

It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcomes or preoperative stress. It’s very important to discuss any questions or concerns directly with the doctor.

How will I be cared for on the day of my surgery?

A body lift is usually performed at a hospital. The decision for anesthesia will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure. Typically you will be admitted to the hospital following the surgery.

How is body lift performed?

A body lift is an individualized procedure that takes into account all the specific characteristics that contribute to the overall appearance of the middle and lower body and their relation to body as a whole. The doctor will carefully evaluate your individual case and goals for improvement to determine the specific features to address through a body lift.

Body lifts are typically performed under a general anesthesia. In this type of surgery, you would be put to sleep with an intravenous sedative. After you are asleep, a breathing tube would be placed in your mouth to ensure that the airway is secure during the position changes necessary during the surgical body lift procedure.

What happens after surgery?

Surgical drains are placed to remove fluid which accumulates within the incisions. The amount of fluid is measured by the patient on a daily basis. Once the output falls low enough arrangements are made for removal of the drain in an office outpatient setting. Drains typically remain in place for two to three weeks, but may be left longer. Sutures in the incision closure may require removal. This typically occurs around two weeks after surgery, and this, too, is done in an office as an outpatient treatment.Compression garments may be placed on the patient to control swelling, to support the suspended tissues, and to smooth and flatten the skin. Placement can occur at the time of surgery, or later, at the surgeon’s discretion.

Activity is determined by the progress of the healing of the incision. Patients are encouraged to walk the day after surgery. Once the drains are removed, movement is easier.

The doctor will also instruct you regarding how to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery, take or apply medications, look for specific concerns and when to come in for follow-up visits.

Progress and healing

Initial healing may include some swelling, bruising, and discomfort that can be controlled with medication and cold compresses. These are all common conditions.

Immediately following your surgery:

You will be instructed to keep any packing in place at all times
A return to light, normal activity is possible usually within a few days
Any packing will likely be removed after the first week or two

Following the body lift procedure you should plan to be out of work for three weeks. Some patients can resume limited work functions after two weeks. Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling continues to dissipate and the improved appearance of your middle and lower body begins to become apparent.

What should I know about my results?

The outcome of your body lift will appear gradually over time. At a minimum, a year is considered normal for the outcome of a body lift to fully refine.

You should be pleased with the improved balance among your physical features resulting from body lift. Achieving your personal goals for an enhanced appearance will likely increase your self-confidence.