BELT LIPECTOMY - CIRCUMFERENTIAL LIFT Surgery
Belt Lipectomy Surgery in Perth, Western Australia
Belt Lipectomy – Circumferential Lift surgery is also know as Body Lift surgery. Belt Lipectomy is increasingly more popular given the success of Bariatric or massive weight loss surgery. Bariatric surgery is more widely available and is a very effective way of losing excess weight. The problem is that massive weight loss is accompanied by excess skin folds. This can affect the stomach, buttocks, hips, thighs and arms.
A standard abdominoplasty may be indicated. However, more often than not circumferential body lift surgery is a better option and allows rejuvenation of the hips and buttocks. It may be combined with a thighplasty or brachioplasty. If you’re considering a abdominoplasty or belt Lipectomy surgery, then your weight should have stabilised, and your nutrition should be optimal. If you have co morbidities such as diabetes, these should be well controlled, prior to undergoing any surgery.
Belt Lipectomy, thighplasty and brachioplasty are time consuming procedures and post op recovery may be prolonged. However, with careful patient selection the risks are minimal.
If you’re thinking about undergoing Belt Lipectomy surgery in Perth, contact our team today on (08) 9389 9522 to book a consultation at our clinic, where will further discuss what procedure will be perfect for your needs.
What Does Belt Lipectomy Surgery Involve?
Body Lift surgery is a more extensive and involves positional change on the operating table. However, the risks are no more than those of an abdominoplasty. If the Body Lift is expertly performed it can counter significant rejuvenation of the buttock region. The longer scar around the hips to the lumber area is a trade-off.
Your doctor may recommend a Body Lift in lieu of an Abdominoplasty. He will access your hips and buttocks laxity and may recommend extending the incision around the back to the midline.
What Should I Expect from the Consultation for Body Lift Surgery?
During your initial consultation for Body Lift surgery, Dr Cooper, our experienced plastic surgeon, will evaluate the quality of your abdominal skin, the location of any existing scars, the amount and location of any excess fat and the status of the underlying muscles. Dr Cooper may suggest other treatments to better meet your goals. For example, some patients may benefit from liposuction alone or a more limited type of abdominoplasty, if there is not excessive skin laxity. Your BMI will also be checked by determining your weight and height. If your BMI is <32 you will be advised to lose weight prior to your surgery.
How is Body Lift Surgery or Abdominoplasty Performed?
The operation for body lift surgery or abdominoplasty is performed in hospital under general anaesthetic. Various measures such as stockings and foot pumps are utilised, to lessen the risk of a DVT (thrombosis) forming postoperatively.
An incision is placed just above the pubic area and extended laterally on either side. The length of the incision depends largely on the amount of skin to be removed. Your surgeon may tighten the underlying muscles by pulling them together. Any excess or stretched skin from the lower abdomen is trimmed away. A second incision will be made around the navel. Although the navel’s position remains unchanged, its appearance may be altered. Liposuction may be used to help contour the upper abdomen, flanks, mons pubis and posterior hips. Drains are often left in place to drain off any fluid accumulation. At the end of the procedure a compressive garment is fitted.
What is a Fleur de Lis?
Fleur de Lis is a variant of the traditional abdominoplasty whereby horizontal laxity in the tummy is addressed by a wedge excision extending above the umbilicus. It is effective in enhancing the narrowing of the waist, but the vertical scar is a trade-off.
How Safe is Body Lift Surgery?
Body lift surgery and abdominoplasty are extensive procedures, and it is essential for you to be informed of the risks as well as the benefits. One of the most important parts of your consultation is the discussion that you and your surgeon will have about the possible complications. Specific complications include infection and wound breakdown. Obesity and smoking increase the likelihood of these occurring and are absolute contraindications for surgery.
How Will I Look and Feel Right After the Body Lift Surgery
Small drainage tubes will have been placed beneath the skin to help prevent fluid from accumulating. Dressings will be applied to your abdomen and covered with a compression garment. Any discomfort you may feel can be controlled with medication prescribed. Although you may not be able to stand perfectly straight at first, you will be encouraged to get out of bed soon after surgery.
What Should I Know About My Results?
You will see a noticeable difference in the shape of your body. Many people find that their firmer, flatter abdomen boosts their confidence and makes them feel more comfortable in clothing. As the months pass, your incision line will continue to fade. Most patients view the permanent scar as a small trade-off for their improved contour. Body Lift and abdominoplasty produces long-lasting results. Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight, you can expect to retain your new shape for many years.
Book a Consultation
If you’re wanting to learn more about the body lift procedures we provide at our Perth clinic, or whether you simply want to find out if a body lift is right for you, book a consultation with our experienced surgeon, Dr Cooper by calling us on (08) 9389 9522.
Body Lift FAQ's
Am I allowed to recuperate away from home?
Generally it’s best to recuperate at home where things are familiar and you can access help. Some people elect to go away for their recuperation and that’s fine as long as you have adequate access to wound care and help with daily chores.
Do I need to take medication after my surgery?
Following your surgery you will be prescribed pain medication which may be an analgesic or an anti-inflammatory or sometimes a combination and this prescription is given to you by your anaesthetist . Should you have concerns about post-operative pain relief then you need to address these with your anaesthetist.
What is the difference between a Plastic Surgeon and a Cosmetic Surgeon?
Plastic surgeons undergo extended rigorous training which involves at least 7 years post graduate study. As part of that program they learn about cosmetic surgery. Under current legislation anyone can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon provided they are a doctor. However, unless you have a higher specialist qualification in plastic surgery you are not allowed to call yourself a Plastic Surgeon. Dr Cooper is a qualified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who performs cosmetic surgery.
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