Body Lift (Torsoplasty / Belt Lipectomy) for Patients Who Have Lost a Significant Amount of Weight

When people decide to adopt a changed lifestyle and achieve significant weight loss, they may find themselves left with excess loose skin. Unfortunately, the skin is often unable to fully retract to its original state after such dramatic weight loss. In these cases, Body Lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) Surgery can help reduce the amount of skin and address the visibility of the underlying body shape.

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;

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 Are the Reasons Patients Choose Body Lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) Surgery?

Some individuals who successfully lose weight find themselves left with loose skin folds that persist regardless of their exercise efforts. These skin folds not only contribute to postural challenges but can also lead to skin chafing and infections. Consequently, patients might become disheartened by their weight loss achievements, as their body doesn’t reflect the dedication and effort they’ve invested. Body lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) surgery offers a range of reasons patients choose, including;

Address Posture and Physical Comfort

Body lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) surgery can lead to a significant alteration in posture and physical comfort. Excess skin folds, especially around the abdomen, can affect body mechanics and posture, contributing to discomfort. By removing these excess skin folds, body lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) surgery can help individuals stand and move with greater ease, reducing strain on the muscles and addressing overall physical comfort.

Mobility and Active Lifestyle

Excessive skin can hinder movement and limit one’s ability to engage in physical activities comfortably. Body lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) surgery aims to address mobility by eliminating the restrictions posed by loose skin. This newfound mobility often encourages individuals to embrace a lifestyle with increased activity, participating in exercises and activities that were once uncomfortable or challenging.

Reduction of Skin-related Issues

Loose skin folds can create a breeding ground for various skin-related concerns, including irritation, chafing, and infections. These issues can be both uncomfortable and pose health concerns. Body lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) surgery addresses the folds that contribute to these conditions, leading to a reduction in skin irritations and a lowered risk of infections.

Address Functional Limitations

Excess skin can impose functional limitations on individuals, affecting their ability to perform routine tasks with ease. Routine activities like bending, stretching, and reaching can become difficult due to the presence of sagging skin. Body lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) surgery removes this barrier, allowing individuals to navigate their daily routines more effortlessly and without hindrance.

Relief from Hygiene Challenges

Excess skin folds can make maintaining proper hygiene more challenging, as these areas can be difficult to clean and keep dry. Body lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) surgery reduces these folds, making it easier to maintain good hygiene and reducing the risk of skin-related infections and discomfort.

Body Lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) Before and After

Want to see more past patient Body Lift (Thoracoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) photographs, performed in Accredited Melbourne Hospitals by our Specialist Plastic Surgeons, click below.

Gallery

All surgeries are performed in Accredited Melbourne Hospitals by our experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeons.

Disclaimer: The outcomes shown are only relevant for these patients and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.

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)

For a Torsoplasty/Belt Lipectomy, your surgeon will make an incision that spans the entire circumference of the torso/waistline.
They will use Liposuction and/or other techniques to remove excess fat and skin from both the front, back, and sides of the body.
They may also tighten the muscles around your abdomen if necessary and create a new opening for the navel.
At the end of the procedure, your surgeon will close the incision/s using sutures.

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.

How can we help?

The Coco Ruby team takes great pleasure in assisting you with any questions when considering a plastic surgery procedure. Please call the Hawthorn East clinic in Melbourne between 9 am – 5 pm on Weekdays.

Phone 1300 599 990 or Email us or Book a free 15-minute Call with the Coco Ruby team.

What Next?

Want more information about your Procedure?

For more information about payment methods, please visit this page for options.
Learn more by reading over our helpful resources section.
Talk to our Patient Care Team from 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday on 1300 599 990

Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery Melbourne Covid 19 Safety Guidelines Temperature Check

What to Bring to Your Consultation

As of July 1st 2023, patients will need a referral before their first consult.
If you like, please bring a friend or relative to help discuss the information and your choices.
Take a lot of notes and thoroughly examine the documents your surgeon provides.
You may need to undress so it’s a good idea to wear simple clothes.

How to Book a Consultation

Consultation fees are $300 Plastic Surgeons, $600 ENT Surgeon.
A referral from your General Practitioner (GP) or your specialist is essential.
To claim any Medicare or Health Insurance you will also need a referral.
Please contact us today to book your consultation.

Disclaimer

The content available on our website is meant solely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any medical inquiries or concerns you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on information obtained from this website. The author and publisher of this content do not provide any warranty regarding the accuracy, applicability, or completeness of the information presented herein. Any actions taken based on the information in this article are solely at your own risk. Disclaimer Page.