Body LiftLower & Total Body Lift Surgery
Circumferential removal of excess skin from the lower trunk following significant weight loss — from our specialist plastic surgeons in Erina, NSW.
Overview
What is a body lift?
A body lift — also called a lower body lift or belt lipectomy — removes excess skin from the abdomen, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back in a single circumferential procedure. It is primarily performed for patients who have excess skin around the entire lower trunk following significant weight loss.
Unlike individual procedures such as abdominoplasty or thigh lift — which address specific areas separately — a lower body lift treats the entire circumference of the lower trunk in one operation. This can be an efficient option for suitable patients with global skin laxity, though it is also a more extensive procedure with a longer recovery.
An upper body lift addresses excess skin of the upper abdomen, back, and arms and may be performed as a separate staged procedure. Your surgeon will discuss the most appropriate approach for your specific areas of concern.
Procedure options
Types of body lift
Lower body lift (belt lipectomy)
A circumferential incision around the lower trunk removes excess skin from the abdomen, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back simultaneously. The scar is positioned at the hip/bikini line to be hidden by underwear and swimwear.
- Circumferential lower trunk contouring
- Addresses abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and back in one operation
- Scar positioned at bikini/hip line
- Generally suited to post-significant weight loss patients
Upper body lift
Addresses excess skin of the upper back, bra roll area, and upper abdomen. Performed as a separate staged procedure, often combined with brachioplasty for comprehensive upper body contouring.
- Targets upper back and bra roll
- Often combined with arm lift
- Performed as a separate stage
Total body lift
Combines lower and upper body lift procedures, typically in staged operations, for patients requiring comprehensive contouring of the entire trunk following major weight loss. Detailed planning and careful staging are essential.
- Comprehensive trunk contouring
- Performed in staged operations
- Requires thorough pre-operative planning
Step by step
The procedure
- 1
Consultation and planning
Your surgeon performs a comprehensive assessment of all areas of excess skin, your weight history, health status, and nutritional levels. A detailed surgical plan including procedure type, staging, and Medicare eligibility is discussed.
- 2
Pre-operative preparation
Weight stability of at least 6–12 months is required. Nutritional optimisation — particularly protein, iron, and vitamins — is essential for post-bariatric patients. Smoking must cease at least 4 weeks before surgery.
- 3
General anaesthesia
A lower body lift is a lengthy procedure performed under general anaesthesia, typically taking 4–6 hours. An experienced anaesthetic team is an important part of safe surgical care.
- 4
Circumferential resection
Excess skin and fat are removed circumferentially. The patient is repositioned during surgery to allow access to both the front and back of the lower trunk. Tissues are carefully reshaped and secured.
- 5
Closure and drains
Incisions are closed with layered sutures. Drainage tubes are placed to manage fluid and removed at the first post-operative review. A compression garment is fitted.
- 6
Hospital stay and follow-up
Most patients remain in hospital for 2–3 nights. Close follow-up at 1 week, 4–6 weeks, and 3 months is provided throughout recovery.
Recovery
What to expect after surgery
Days 1 – 5
Hospital recovery
2–3 nights in hospital. Early gentle walking is encouraged to reduce DVT risk. Drains in place. Significant discomfort is managed with prescribed medication. Compression garment worn continuously.
Weeks 1 – 3
Home recovery
Rest at home with practical support essential. Drain removal at first review. Limited mobility — avoid bending, twisting, and lifting. Return to light desk work generally around 3 weeks.
Weeks 4 – 8
Increasing activity
Gentle walking increases. Light activity permitted. Strenuous exercise restricted until cleared by your surgeon at the 6–8 week review.
3 – 6 months
Intended result becoming apparent
Swelling resolves and the intended contour becomes apparent. Scars are maturing along the hip and bikini line. Ongoing scar management guidance is provided.
Fees
Cost of a body lift in NSW
| Fee component | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Anaesthetist's fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Hospital / facility fee (2–3 nights) | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Total | To be confirmed at consultation |
Informed consent
Risks and considerations
Extensive surgery
A body lift is a lengthy and complex procedure. Thorough pre-operative assessment and patient selection are essential to minimise risk. Not all patients are suitable candidates.
DVT and pulmonary embolism
Lower body surgery carries an elevated risk of deep vein thrombosis. All precautions are taken — compression stockings, early mobilisation, and blood-thinning medication where appropriate.
Wound healing
The extensive nature of the incisions and the high-tension areas involved make wound healing a key consideration. Nutritional optimisation and smoking cessation are critical to reducing this risk.
Scarring
A circumferential scar around the lower trunk is an expected and permanent outcome. Scars are positioned to be hidden by underwear and swimwear and managed with detailed scar care guidance.
Seroma
Fluid collections are more common after extensive body contouring procedures. Drainage tubes and compression garments reduce this risk. Seromas that occur are managed in clinic.
Staged recovery
Recovery from a body lift is more involved than from individual procedures. Careful planning of time off work, practical home support, and recovery logistics is essential before proceeding.
FAQs
Common questions
The questions our patients ask most — including what people search when looking for this procedure on the Central Coast of NSW.
Ask us a questionAn abdominoplasty addresses the abdomen only, while a lower body lift treats the entire circumference of the lower trunk — abdomen, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back — in a single circumferential procedure. A body lift is generally suited to patients with global lower trunk skin laxity following significant weight loss, while abdominoplasty is suited to more localised abdominal concerns.
Body lift costs in NSW vary depending on procedure extent and hospital stay required. A full transparent written quote is provided at consultation at Coastal Plastic Surgery in Erina. Where the procedure addresses functional skin complications following significant weight loss, Medicare rebates may apply.
Most patients remain in hospital for 2–3 nights and return to light desk work at around 3 weeks. Strenuous activity is restricted for 6–8 weeks. The intended lower trunk contour becomes more apparent over 3–6 months as swelling resolves.
Medicare may provide partial rebates for body lift procedures where significant excess skin causes documented functional symptoms — such as recurrent skin rashes, infections, or hygiene difficulties — following major weight loss. Each case is individually assessed. We assist with documentation and eligibility at consultation.
It is generally recommended to wait until weight has been stable for at least 6–12 months, nutritional levels are optimised, and overall health is suitable for major surgery. For post-bariatric patients, protein and vitamin levels should be assessed and corrected before proceeding.
Combining a body lift with brachioplasty significantly increases operative time and recovery demands. Whether this is appropriate depends on your health status and the planned extent of each procedure. Your surgeon will advise on safe combinations at consultation.
Body lift surgery at Coastal Plastic Surgery is performed by Assoc. Prof. Gazi Hussain, Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh, and Dr Maryam Seyedabadi — all FRACS-qualified specialist plastic surgeons based in Erina NSW.
Your surgeons
Meet the team
Assoc. Prof. Gazi Hussain
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Associate Professor Hussain has extensive experience in major body contouring procedures including lower body lift and post-weight-loss reconstruction.
Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Mohaghegh is a specialist plastic surgeon experienced in complex body contouring surgery, providing careful pre-operative planning and post-operative support.
Dr Maryam Seyedabadi
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Seyedabadi brings a thorough and considered approach to body lift surgery, working closely with patients to understand their goals and health circumstances.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a private consultation with our specialist plastic surgeons at our Erina clinic. We will assess your suitability, answer all your questions, and provide a personalised written quote — with no obligation.