# Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy)

> A **body lift surgery** removes excess fat and skin caused primarily by extreme weight loss. A body lift helps to improve the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports skin and fat

- Canonical page: https://doctormaresky.co.za/procedure/body-lift
- Category: [Body Contouring](https://doctormaresky.co.za/procedure-category/body-contouring)
- Procedure directory: https://doctormaresky.co.za/procedures.md
- Medical disclaimer: https://doctormaresky.co.za/medical-disclaimer


## Overview

A **body lift surgery** removes excess fat and skin caused primarily by extreme weight loss. A body lift helps to improve the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports skin and fat. During a **tummy tuck surgery**, a plastic surgeon removes loose skin, tightens the abdominal muscles, and eliminates stubborn deposits of fat.

## The procedure

During a **tummy tuck surgery**, a plastic surgeon removes loose skin, tightens the abdominal muscles, and eliminates stubborn deposits of fat. This proven surgical treatment can be thoroughly customised to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual patient.

## Candidate information

- **Description:** This surgery is highly customizable taking into account the needs of the patient. The ideal patient for this surgery is anyone who has lost between 30 to 50 percent of their body weight. As with all plastic surgery candidates, the patient must have undergone a mental health evaluation and be determined to follow the recovery protocol to the letter.

### Criteria

- Weight loss due to Bariatric surgery (Gastroplasty)
- Committed to maintaining excellent nutrition and exercise
- Do not plan on becoming pregnant after the surgery
- Suffer from drooping skin, fat and tissue around the abdomen

## Preparation

- **Timeline:** **2-4 weeks** before surgery

### Medical tests

- **Complete blood count (CBC)**
- **ECG if over 40 years old**
- **Chest X-ray if indicated**
- **COVID-19 test if required**

### Medications

#### Medications to discuss stopping

- **Stop** aspirin and blood thinners **2 weeks** prior
- **Stop** NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) **1 week** prior
- **Stop** herbal supplements (ginkgo, garlic, ginseng) **2 weeks** prior
- **Stop** vitamin E supplements **1 week** prior

#### Medications to continue

- **Continue** essential medications as advised by **Dr Maresky**
- **Inform Dr Maresky** of all current medications during consultation

### Lifestyle

- **Smoking:** **Quit** smoking at least **4 weeks** before surgery to promote proper healing and reduce complications

- **Alcohol:** **Avoid** alcohol **48 hours** before surgery

- **Fasting:** No food or drink after midnight the night before surgery (**NPO after midnight**)

### Arrangements

- **Arrange** transportation home after surgery - you cannot drive
- **Arrange** for a responsible adult to stay with you for the first **24-48 hours**
- **Prepare** recovery space at home with comfortable clothing and easy access to essentials
- **Stock** up on prescribed medications and recommended supplies
- **Arrange** time off work (**1-2 weeks** recommended, varies by procedure)
- **Plan** for help with childcare and household tasks during recovery

## Recovery and aftercare

The recovery time for a full body lift surgery is anything from **4 to 8 weeks**, depending on the patient. During the patients first few weeks post surgery, drainage tubes will be placed to remove excess blood. The surgeon will provide the patient with all the information required for complication-free recovery.

## Expected results

Body lift surgery is an extremely invasive operation. The scarring involved in the removal of excess skin is not as easily hidden as with other surgeries. Patients who have undergone a full body lift will have scarring on their back, arms, thighs, and abdominal area.

## Risks and considerations

- **Description:** Body lift surgery is an extremely invasive operation. The scarring involved in the removal of excess skin is not as easily hidden as with other surgeries. With all surgery, there are various risks and side effects a patient may suffer from. These include:

### Effects

- Hematoma (Bleeding)
- Infection
- Poor wound healing
- Fluid accumulation
- Numbness or change in skin sensitivity
- Fat necrosis (Fatty tissue under the skin dying)
- Pain
- The recurrent looseness of skin
- Swelling in the legs
- Skin discoloration
- Asymmetries
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complication
- Skin loss
- Sutures may surface to the skin
- Unfavourable scarring

- **Disclaimer:** These risks will be fully disclosed and explained by the surgeon, if at any point post surgery a patient suffers from any of these side effects – please consult your surgeon immediately.

## Procedure types

- **Description:** There are several variations of a body lift surgery, each designed to target certain areas of the body or specific issues. The various types of body lift surgeries are:

### Types

- **Name:** Full Body Lift

- **Description:** Includes all the below procedures, surgeons often do full body lifts in stages as the surgery can take up to **7 hours** to be completed.
- **Name:** Upper Body Lift

- **Description:** Removal of sagging skin, fat, and tissue on the arms, back, and breasts.
- **Name:** Torsoplasty (Mid Body Lift)

- **Description:** This procedure treats the abdominal area as well as the lower body, that is treated in a Belt Lipectomy.
- **Name:** Belt Lipectomy (Lower Body Lift)

- **Description:** Removal of lower body skin, lifting of the buttocks and creating flattering contours.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long does body lift surgery take?

Body lift surgery can take anywhere from **4-7 hours** depending on the extent of the procedure. Full body lifts are often performed in stages due to the complexity and duration.

### What is the recovery time for body lift surgery?

Recovery time is typically **4-8 weeks**, depending on the patient and extent of surgery. Drainage tubes will be placed initially to remove excess blood and fluid.

### Will I have visible scars after body lift surgery?

Yes, body lift surgery results in extensive scarring that is not easily hidden. Patients may have scars on their back, arms, thighs, and abdominal area, depending on the type of body lift performed.

### Am I a good candidate for body lift surgery?

Ideal candidates have lost **30-50%** of their body weight, are committed to maintaining nutrition and exercise, don't plan future pregnancies, and suffer from drooping skin and tissue.

### What types of body lift procedures are available?

There are several types: **Full Body Lift** (comprehensive), **Upper Body Lift** (arms, back, breasts), **Torsoplasty** (mid-body), and **Belt Lipectomy** (lower body and buttocks).

## Indicative pricing

- Estimate: R150,000 to R200,000 ZAR
- Cost factor: Extent of excess skin
- Cost factor: Areas treated
- Cost factor: Hospital stay duration
- Detailed cost page: https://doctormaresky.co.za/cost/body-lift
- Final pricing is confirmed after an individual consultation.

## Consultation and contact

- Consultation: https://doctormaresky.co.za/procedure/general-consultation
- Contact: https://doctormaresky.co.za/contact