Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy) is for patients that have lost a significant amount of weight either by diet and exercise or after weight loss surgery are often faced with loose skin and loss of skin elasticity in their body, breast and extremities. A body lift is procedures that combines tummy tuck with a mons pubic lift, outer thigh lift and a buttock or back lift at the same time.

A patient considering a body lift procedure needs to be stable with their weight and nutritionally optimized before undergoing such a procedure. The incision usually starts in the bikini line but it goes all the way around the thigh and buttock as well. The body lift removes loose skin and bulges in the abdomen, waist, and lower back and lifts the buttocks.

After the procedure the patient is placed in an elastic compression garment which they wear for a few weeks. Drainage tubes are usually left in place to collect the excess fluid and blood that can collect. The tubes usually come out in a few days to weeks.

The initial recovery time can be four to six weeks but final results can be seen up to 12 months. Risk and complications include infection, bleeding, swelling, fluid collection, numbness, scarring, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, residual skin laxity or contour irregularity and need for additional surgery.

The cosmetic surgeon usually does prescribe antibiotics, pain medication, sleeping medicine and muscle relaxants as necessary. It is important that you discuss all the risk and complications as well as recovery with your cosmetic surgeon during the consultation.