BODY LIFT (Belt)

Body Lift Surgery (Belt Lipectomy) at The Swan Clinic

Body Contouring After Weight Loss

Body contouring surgery may be considered for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss and have excess skin or soft tissue. The goal of the procedure is to remove redundant tissue and, where appropriate, repair fascial layers to support the underlying anatomy. Depending on the individual case, the procedure may include muscle repair in the midline and may be combined with liposuction, based on the clinical assessment and treatment plan discussed during consultation.

Body Lift Surgery Options

Body lift procedures may be considered by individuals with significant soft tissue laxity following weight loss. At The Swan Clinic, your surgical options will be discussed during a consultation to determine the most suitable approach based on your individual goals, anatomy, and medical history.

Extended Abdominoplasty
This procedure involves removal of excess skin and soft tissue from the abdomen and extends around to the flanks. It may also involve tightening of the abdominal wall muscles (rectus muscle repair), where clinically indicated. Liposuction may be performed in selected areas to assist with fat removal.

Belt Lipectomy (Body Lift)
A belt lipectomy, or circumferential body lift, combines an abdominoplasty with excision of excess tissue from the lower back and buttocks. In some cases, this procedure may also include elements of a gluteal lift or thigh lift.

Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty
This technique includes both a horizontal and a vertical incision, allowing for the removal of excess skin in both directions. It is most commonly used in individuals who have excess tissue in the upper and lower abdomen following major weight loss.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery timelines can vary depending on individual circumstances and the extent of the surgery. In general, patients may require approximately 1–2 weeks of downtime following a mini abdominoplasty. During this period:

  • A compression garment may be recommended to help reduce swelling and support healing.
  • Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for several weeks.
  • Follow-up appointments with your surgeon are important to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  • Specific post-operative instructions will be provided and should be followed closely.

Recovery experiences can differ, and your surgeon will guide you based on your individual condition and procedure details.

Risks and Considerations

All surgical procedures carry risks. Some of the potential risks associated with mini abdominoplasty may include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding or haematoma formation
  • Scarring
  • Changes in skin sensation
  • Delayed wound healing
  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)
  • Asymmetry or unsatisfactory aesthetic outcome
  • Reaction to anaesthesia

Before proceeding, it is important to discuss all potential risks, complications, and limitations with your surgeon. Your surgeon will assess your suitability for the procedure and provide you with detailed information so you can make an informed decision.

Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. You should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner before proceeding.

FAQs

How can I prepare for surgery?

You will need to see Dr Hadi twice. The first consult takes you through the operation as well as expected results. The second consult is at no extra cost to you and runs through things again. All risks and benefits will be discussed with you and treatment will be tailored to your needs and your body shape.

When you decide to proceed, there are a few things you can do to prepare.

  • Eat healthily by avoiding excessively fatty foods, and foods high in sugar.
  • Stop smoking as this significantly increases complications rates. You cannot smoke for 6 weeks prior, and 6 weeks after surgery.
  • Stop all blood thinners unless previously discussed with Dr Hadi. Please stop any over the counter medications that might thin the blood such as fish oil, krill oil and ginseng. Please check any over the counter medications to see whether they contain these ingredients.
  • Shower the night before, or the morning of surgery with an antibacterial soap These reduce the bacteria living on the skin and there is evidence it reduces chance of infection.
  • Fast (do not eat anything) at least 6 hours prior to surgery. You will be given a time from the Hospital.
  • Please wear loose, comfortable, dark clothing and please remove all jewellery.

How long will the operation take?

The operation takes 3-6 hours with a recovery time of around two weeks with a complete recovery time of one month. An abdominal binder is sometimes needed to help reduce swelling. Drains are placed for the first 1-2 weeks until serous fluid output is reduced. You cannot shower while the drains are in and you will have oral antibiotics to prevent infection.

The operation is performed under general anaesthetic. You will be looked after by a Specialist Anaesthetist throughout your operation. Our preferred hospital is Kareena Private Hospital.

How long will i stay in hospital?

You will need to stay in hospital for two to four nights.

You will be given antibiotic tablets and pain relief tablets to take home so that you can be comfortable.

You will be given Dr Hadi’s number to contact her if you have any concerns or questions post operatively.

What about the sutures?

Your wound is closed in layers with dissolvable sutures.

What about scar management?

Post operatively the wounds will be dressed with comfeel.

This will be changed to brown tape at the two-week mark. Tape needs to be applied for 2 weeks, but may be needed for 12 weeks. This tape is changed weekly. You can shower over the tape and blow dry if needed. Once the tape is finished we apply a scar gel twice a day for 2 months.

You need to protect the scar from sun exposure for at least 6 months post operatively. This can be achieved by taping or applying sunscreen.

When can i shower?

You can shower 2 days post surgery.

Do I need to wear a garment?

This will be provided to you. It is an abdominal binder. This needs to be worn for 6 weeks.

Can I walk normally after surgery?

After the surgery, you might find it more comfortable to walk a little bent at the waist for 1-2 days. You can then slowly straighten up. When you are sitting in a chair, make sure you straighten your back completely to prevent back pain.

How do the drains get removed?

The drains are removed a few days after surgery. The drain is removed when it produces less than 30ml per day.

When can I exercise?

You can do a gentle walk from 2 weeks post op. Allow around 6 weeks before returning to heavy exercise

When can I return to work?

You can go back to work after one to two weeks depending on how physically demanding your job is.

When can I drive?

You will not be able to drive for the first 24 hours after your procedure.  You may drive as soon as it is comfortable to do so, and you can press on the peddles without feeling pain. This is a minimum of one week, but can be two weeks.

What about post-operative visits?

As a minimum, you will be seen by Dr Hadi after surgery, at two weeks, at six weeks and twelve months after surgery. This is so that you can have the best possible outcome.

Please call the Swan Clinic on 9526-6885 following your surgery to ensure we have booked all your follow up appointments.

As our patient at the Swan Clinic, you will be well looked after and can always count on our honesty as we always have your wellbeing in mind.

Please feel free to contact us if you have further questions.

Risks and possible complications of body lift

  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Bleeding or collection of blood sometimes requiring more surgery
  • Infection
  • Scars – widened, uneven, darker, poor scarring, scar migration
  • Bulges
  • Numbness
  • Clots in the legs
  • Asymmetry
  • Seroma: fluid collection in tummy requiring aspiration
  • Belly button not being exactly in the midline, abnormal belly button shape
  • Change in buttock shape

We will strive to do our best to avoid and prevent any complications. At the Swan Clinic, you will be well looked after and can always count on our honesty as we always have your wellbeing in mind.

Please feel free to contact us if you have further questions.