Body lift
In some patients, an abdominoplasty alone is insufficient to deal either with the volume of excess tissue, or its particular shape.
This is a more extensive procedure than an abdominoplasty, or extended abdominoplasty, and carries with it a somewhat longer recovery period. However, it is able to address the specific concerns of contour and excess where other procedures are inadequate.
It lends itself particularly well to patients who have had a massive weight loss. Following what is usually an extraordinary effort to lose weight and keep it off, many patients are left very distressed by their physical appearance despite their vastly improved medical well being.
Lower body lift surgery is very often combined with other procedures following massive weight loss – most often breast lift/implants, thigh lift, arm lift and face and neck lift. Careful consideration needs to be given to establish which are the most problematic areas and what are the best combinations of procedures to be undertaken at any one time to achieve your goals in the safest and most efficient manner.
Often when you have had a very significant weight loss, you can have skin excess around your sides and back as well as in your tummy. When this is the case, a lower body lift is going to serve you best.
A/Prof Gianoutsos performs lower body lift surgery under general anaesthesia. Your anaesthetic will be done by one of the expert and experienced specialist anaesthetists with whom A/Prof Gianoutsos works on a regular basis. You will generally stay in hospital for between 3 and 5 nights following your operation.
A lower body lift is effectively like an abdominoplasty which is extended around beyond your hips and across your back.
It is often combined with liposuction.
Following surgery, drains are placed and the incisions are closed using absorbable sutures. You will placed into a surgical binder. Whilst in hospital, you will be encouraged to get out of bed and mobilise early on – this is much better for your recovery.
You will usually be in hospital for between 5 and 7 nights following your procedure.
After discharge you will be seen at A/Prof Gianoutsos’ rooms at around a week to remove your dressings and place surgical tapes on the incision lines. You will generally be seen again the following week for a check up. You will then be reviewed at around 6 weeks and then six and twelve months.
A/Prof Gianoutsos and his staff are available at any time, however, should you have any queries or concerns.
A/Prof Gianoutsos generally recommends three to four weeks off work following your body lift surgery. At this point you will still have some swelling and sometimes some bruising but you will be comfortable to do normal day to day activities. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for around 6 weeks.
Initially you will feel like you have a tight belt around you and your tummy will feel a little more tight. You may even be a little stooped in walking for a few days. Your swelling will resolve over around 6 weeks at which point your final result will be seen although subtle changes can occur over a longer period.
All surgery carries at least some degree of risk. These are minimized by ensuring you are as healthy as possible and prepared for the operation, by selecting a properly qualified and experienced surgeon and allowing yourself a proper recovery period. The particular risks as well as the expected perioperative course will be discussed in detail with you at your consultation and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions.
Our Procedures
Our philosophy is to treat all patients as we would be expected to be treated ourselves.
A/Prof. Mark Gianoutsos
