The aim of a body lift is to remove and tighten excess skin, usually after massive or significant weight loss. It is also used to tighten saggy skin due to childbirth or ageing. Areas of treatment include the hips, outer upper thighs, lower abdomen, and upper buttocks. The lower abdomen is reduced using techniques similar to those of a
tummy tuck. The navel is preserved and repositioned, with the excess skin from the lower abdomen removed and the skin from the upper abdomen drawn down to be stitched along the lower fold. Skin and fat can also be removed and tightened around the thighs, hips and buttocks.

The type of body lift surgery that you have and the amount of skin removed will depend on your individual needs. Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will advise and guide you within safe limits.

The excess skin being uncomfortable and heavy can cause:

Body lift surgery may be a good option for you if:

• You have significant soft tissue looseness in one or multiple body areas
• You are physically healthy and you do not have medical conditions that can impair healing or increase risk of surgery
• You have realistic expectations of what body lift surgery can accomplish
• You are a non-smoker or have stopped smoking

Body lift surgery is not intended strictly for the removal of excess fat. Liposuction alone can remove excess fat deposits where skin has good elasticity and is able to naturally conform to new body contours. In cases where skin elasticity is poor, a combination of liposuction and body lift techniques may be recommended. Talk to your surgeon about your options.