Body Lift

Dr Richardson performs body lift surgery to remove excess skin and fat deposits. He will tailor the surgery to your health, body shape, and aesthetic goals.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Before the procedure, we will need to have a discussion with you to outline your goals and suitability. Generally, the surgery is suitable for both men and women who want to change their body shape by having excess skin and tissue removed. It is suitable for patients with a large amount of excess skin and who want to address multiple areas of the body, such as the back, stomach, and thighs. Moreover, suitable candidates should also be non-smokers, have no major health concerns, and have a BMI of less than 30. Before seeking this surgery, you should have maintained a stable weight for three months or more.

During your consultation, we will discuss your health and medical history and examine your level of skin laxity. This will allow us to explain your surgical options. You should express your concerns and goals for surgery so that we can develop a treatment plan that suits your needs. Additionally, we can answer any questions you may have during this consultation.

The Procedure

Body lift surgery takes about four hours and is typically performed using general anaesthesia. This means patients will be asleep for the entire procedure. Body lifts are customised to the patient, which means the methods used can vary.

Depending on the exact techniques, Dr Richardson creates an incision along the bikini line and extends it around the hips to the lower back. The excess skin and fat tissue are then removed. Since a body lift addresses large regions of the body, the incisions can be extensive. During your consultation, you can discuss which surgical methods will suit your body.

The procedure can address fat deposits, excess skin, and underlying muscle. In some cases, the procedure can involve liposuction to help remove excess fat from beneath the skin. After this, Dr Richardson may place some drains to help remove excess fluid, and the incisions are closed with sutures. Finally, you will wear a fitted compression garment to help you heal.

Cost of a Body Lift

The fees for body lift surgery will be based on the methods used during surgery. If you are having a large amount of skin removed, this may result in a higher overall cost than a less extensive procedure. The fees can also depend on whether you are combining the procedure with another surgery, such as an arm lift (brachioplasty). In addition, we will need to factor in hospital costs and anaesthetist fees.

Most patients will need to cover their own fees. However, if you are seeking surgery for medical reasons, Medicare or a private insurer may cover a portion of the fees. Since every surgery is different, we will be able to give you more detailed information during a private conversation about your health and goals.

Aftercare

A body lift is an extensive procedure, and your body will take several weeks to heal fully. Patients generally require one or two nights in the hospital to begin their initial recovery. We will prescribe pain medication to aid your recovery and apply a support garment. Afterwards, you will need to have someone transport you home and stay with you for the first 48 hours after you return from the hospital.

Dr Richardson will send you home with tailored instructions on how to care for your body and incision sites. This may include:

• Take prescribed pain medications
• Rest on your back with your upper body elevated
• Reduce your movement, especially in the first week
• Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet
• Maintain your wound dressings and drains
• Refrain from smoking and alcoholic drinks
• Avoid exercise and heavy lifting for six weeks
• Consult Dr Richardson’s team if you notice any issues

Most patients can return to work after two weeks of recovery. You will need to wear your compression garment for six weeks to help your body settle into its new shape. After this point, you should be able to return to your normal activities and exercise.

After your body lift surgery, you can expect the following:

• Some discomfort for one or two weeks
• Return to activity after one week, although you may find it difficult to use your muscles. It’s important to give your body plenty of rest
• You can resume gentle walking after one week but should not go to the gym for six to eight weeks
• Most patients can return to work after two to three weeks
• You can also resume driving after two to three weeks, provided that you are fully alert and can move freely
• Resume travelling after six weeks. Support garments should remain for six weeks

Risks and Complications

Potential risks can include:

• Bleeding and infection
• Blood or fluid build-up
• Reactions to anaesthesia
• Asymmetry or other aesthetic issues
• Slow healing
• Stretched scars
• Numbness or changes in skin sensation
• Reoccurrence of loose skin
• Persistent pain or swelling
• Further surgery

You can promote good healing by closely following your aftercare instructions and not smoking for at least two months before and after the procedure.