Body Lift (Torsoplasty / Belt Lipectomy) for Patients Who Have Lost a Significant Amount of Weight
The focus of Body lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) surgeries is to reduce skin folds and redundant skin on specific body parts. It also helps with mal-distributed adipose tissues in areas of the body such as; the waist, abdomen/torso, upper torso, back, breasts, upper arms, and thighs.
Procedures That Fall Under the Body Lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) Umbrella
The term “body lift” encompasses a range of procedures, including;
- Abdominoplasty
- Extended abdominoplasty
- Belt lipectomy (Torsoplasty)
- Arm Reduction (Brachioplasty)
- Thigh Reduction (Thighplasty)
- Breast Reduction
By addressing one or multiple areas of concern, Body Lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) Surgery aims to provide a more proportional appearance, altering both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the body.
What Should I Know About Having Body Lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) Surgery?
The exact procedure time will vary depending on the type of surgery you undergo and the existence of skin that requires removal.
Your surgeon may suggest several procedures. They will also be able to advise the suitable surgical approach for you and explore your options when it comes to undergoing multiple Skin Reduction procedures. Some procedures that may be part of your Body Lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) Surgery include:
CIRCUMFERENTIAL ABDOMINOPLASTY (BELT LIPECTOMY)
- Most Liposuction procedures use a ‘tumescent technique’ to minimise blood loss and bruising.
- A diluted fluid of local anaesthetic and adrenaline (capillary constrictor) is injected into the fat to soften it for removal. This helps minimises both swelling and bruising.
- Your surgeon will then insert thin metallic tubes (cannulas) into the body through tiny incisions in the skin
- The cannula is then attached to a vacuum-type device that collects the fat.
- Your surgeon will make controlled motions to dislodge the fat, which is suctioned out with a surgical vacuum
LIPOSUCTION FOR LOWER BODY AREAS – BODY CONTOURING AND BODY SHAPING SURGERY
- Most Liposuction procedures use a ‘tumescent technique’ to minimise blood loss and bruising.
- A diluted fluid of local anaesthetic and adrenaline (capillary constrictor) is injected into the fat to soften it for removal. This helps minimises both swelling and bruising.
- Your surgeon will then insert thin metallic tubes (cannulas) into the body through tiny incisions in the skin
- The cannula is then attached to a vacuum-type device that collects the fat.
- Your surgeon will make controlled motions to dislodge the fat, which is suctioned out with a surgical vacuum
BREAST LIFT (WITH OR WITHOUT BREAST IMPLANTS)
- There are several different approaches to Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Surgery depending on your level of Ptosis (Breast Sagging)
- An incision will be made into your breast depending on the type of procedure you and your surgeon choose.
- After your breasts are altered and the remaining skin is tightened the incisions are closed using sutures.
BREAST REDUCTION MAMMAPLASTY SURGERY (WOMEN OR MEN)
- As with a Breast Lift Mastopexy, there are several different incision approaches and types of Breast Reduction Mammaplasty surgery options available.
- The procedure is different for men (Gynecomastia Surgery/Male Breast Reduction) and Women (Reduction Mammoplasty)
- Your surgeon will make an incision both around the areola area and vertically from the areola to the inframammary fold
- Then they will remove Excess Breast Tissue, skin, and fat.
- The surgeon will reposition the nipples if necessary and they will also lift the breast.
- They may use Liposuction to assist.
- After your breasts have undergone their size reduction, the surgeon will close the incisions using sutures.
ARM LIFT SURGERY (BRACHIOPLASTY)
- Incisions are made that run from the armpit area to variable lengths toward the elbow.
- If the excess skin extends past the armpit and onto the chest wall, the incision may be extended to incorporate this (an Extended Brachioplasty)
- It is common for surgeons to use Liposuction in combination with Brachioplasty surgery to reduce fatty tissue from the under and outer surfaces of the arm.
- The incision edges are then closed using stitches that are beneath the skin (dissolvable sutures, so that they do not need to be removed)
BACK LIFT PROCEDURES
- A lower or upper back lift aims to produce a defined contour to the back and remove excess skin.
- Incision placement for the upper back lift is within the confines of the back portion of the bra.
- While the incision for the lower back lift is on the back above the buttocks
- The lower back lift technique is often part of the lower body lift. However, it can be done on its own as well.
- For a lower back lift, excess skin and fat are removed from the lower back. The buttocks may also lifted
- Whereas, for an upper back lift, excess skin and fat are removed from the upper back and from beneath the bra line area. However, the buttock is not lifted.
- Once your surgeon removes the excess skin they will close the incisions using sutures.
Risks and Potential Complications of Body Lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) Surgeries
All surgery carries Risks and Potential Complications and Body Lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) Surgeries are no different, some potential risks and complications include;
- Anesthesia Risks
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Delayed Healing
- Scarring
- Fluid Accumulation (Seromas and hematomas)
- Nerve Damage
- Skin Irregularities
- Asymmetry
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Pulmonary Complications
- Poor Scarring and Keloids
- Skin Sensation Changes
- Skin Discoloration
- Underlying Health Conditions
- Unsatisfactory Aesthetic Outcome
- Anesthetic Allergies
It’s important to note that while these risks and complications are possible, many individuals undergo body lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) surgeries without experiencing significant concerns. The choice of an experienced surgeon and adherence to post-operative instructions can contribute to a smoother recovery process and minimise potential complications.
For detailed information about the risks and potential complications of body lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) surgery please visit the
Recovery from Body Lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) Surgery
Recovery times can vary significantly from person to person. The length of your recovery period will depend on your specific procedure/s as well as other health & lifestyle factors.
The general rule is that you should allow 4-6 weeks for initial recovery following each surgery.
During this time you will experience some pain, swelling, bruising, and discomfort. You must follow your surgeon’s instructions during this time and wear your post-operation garment(s) as your surgeon instructs.
At Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery, we provide your post-operative support garments. We also provide post-operative Recovery Packs to assist your healing and recovery.
You will need to work with your Surgeon to allow for adequate and proper healing time. It is important to consult with your Surgeon before returning to daily activities such as driving, lifting, and exercise.
Be sure you attend ALL post-operative appointments.
POST SURGERY RECOVERY PACK
Our Specialist Plastic Surgeons provide a Recovery Pack that we call ‘Science & Love’. This Pack contains evidence-based products aimed to facilitate your healing along with a few post-op pampering products.
Your Recovery Pack will also include a guidebook with helpful information that can assist you through your healing and recovery period, as well as Arginaid powder drink, Arnica tablets, peppermint tea, probiotics,
Good results depend on numerous factors; so it is very important to follow your Surgeon’s specific post-surgery advice. Be sure you contact your Surgeon or Medical Team with any concerns. Even if you think they’re minor.
SCAR HEALING & MINIMISATION AFTER SURGERY
Once bruising after surgery resolves and your initial swelling has gone down, you may begin to focus more on your incision line treatments.
Our Specialist Plastic Surgeons at Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery are dedicated to minimising your scars. They strive for precision surgical techniques and incision line placement and are likely to offer you special Coco Ruby post-operative scar minimisation treatments.
Post-surgery scars following Skin Reduction Surgery will vary depending on your chosen procedure/s. When possible, your chosen Surgeon will complete the necessary surgical incisions in areas where scarring is likely to be less noticeable. The location of your excess skin folds dictates where the incision lines will be.
Like most scars, any scarring as a result of your Skin Reduction procedure will pass through phases. You will notice a gradual improvement over time. As your scar matures (which can take up to 12 months following surgery) you may require additional therapy to assist in the minimisation of the scar. These include Fraxel and/or Healite-II Low-Level Light Therapy.
Body Lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) Surgery Cost How Much is Body Lift Melbourne?
The intricacy of body lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) surgeries can make them a significant investment. In some cases, Private Health Insurance can provide financial assistance for specific procedures.
During your consultation with our Specialist Plastic Surgeons, you will receive a price estimate based on the specific procedure/s you require and relevant contributing factors.
Your comprehensive quote will encompass:
- Specialist Surgeon’s fee
- Anesthetist’s fee
- Surgical Assistant’s fee
- Hospital fees
- And more.
Please note that all surgeries are personalised to your needs. Your surgeon will provide an accurate cost for your Body Lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) Surgery, considering the procedure type, hospital choice, and length of stay.
We are dedicated to assisting you in exploring various financial options for your surgery, including Health Insurance and payment plans.
Why Choose Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery?
At Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery, our dedication to patient care and education is backed by our Specialist Plastic Surgeons’ experience and training.
Our Surgeons are fully qualified and hold current FRACS memberships, an important consideration when choosing a Plastic Surgeon in Melbourne.
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