BODYLIFTING

INTRODUCTION

What are the objectives of a body lift?

A body lift, otherwise knowing as body lifting or circular abdominoplasty, is a procedure combining an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), a lift of the lateral surface of the thighs (hips) and a buttock lift, possibly enhanced using a buttock augmentation and remodelling procedure.

Which patients are candidates for a body lift?

A body lift is indicated in patients who present sagging and flat buttocks, a slackening of the skin on the external surfaces of the thighs and damaged abdominal skin (stretch marks on the tummy or abdominal apron). A body lift is usually performed after major weight loss, whether or not following weight loss surgery (gastric by-pass, sleeve gastrectomy or gastric band). To obtain the best result following a body lift, the pre-surgery weight must be stable for at least 6 months.

TECHNICAL PRINCIPLES OF A BODY LIFT

The body lift involves several operations:

Pre-operative drawings of the body lift

• The surgeon performs several pre-operative mark-ups of the body, with the patient in a standing position

Posterior phase of the body lift

• This concerns the buttock lift and the lateral surfaces of the thighs
• The body lift starts in ventral decubitus (on the tummy)
• The buttock lift is performed first. The buttock lift enables sagging buttocks (buttock ptosis) to be lifted. If the buttocks are flat, a buttock augmentation is performed using a remodelled dermo-fat flap to obtain an optimum contour.
• Liposuction of the outer thigh is performed, followed a lift of the external surfaces of the thighs.
• The scar from the body lift is placed under the bikini line.

Anterior phase of the body lift

• The body lift is performed with the patient in dorsal decubitus (on their back).
• A high-lateral tension abdominoplasty enables a tummy tuck to be performed in an intense and lasting manner, with optimum safety. Where diastasis is present, the large flat muscles are placed back in their correct position.
• Adjustment of the tension of the abdominoplasty is performed with the patient in a semi-sitting position.
• Drains are inserted at the end of the body lift.
• The horizontal scar from the abdominoplasty is placed under the bikini line and meets the posterior scarring. There is a small scar around the navel. Therefore, scarring from a body lift is circular, due to which some refer to it as a circular abdominoplasty.
• Further information: Abdominoplasty

POST-OPERATIVE EFFECTS AND RESULT

• Moderate pain and discomfort when performing daily tasks: 21 days
• Removal of the drains on the day the patient is discharged from the clinic
• The result of the body lift is immediately visible but there is moderate swelling due to the oedema
• Final result on figure: 6 to 12 months
• Final appearance of scars: 12 months
• No wire to be removed except for three stitches on the navel
• Compression clothing (lipopanty) worn for: 4 weeks
• Wearing of compression stockings: 14 days
• Return to work: 21 days
• Return to sports activities following body lift: 4 to 6 weeks
• Photo showing example of body lift: Photo body lift

STATE HEALTH INSURANCE COVER

If your plastic surgeon believes that a body lift is possible, a request for a prior agreement will be written. You will be called within 14 days following receipt of the email by the health insurer's medical board, which will make a decision. If the response is favourable, the body lift will be partially or totally covered, depending on your health insurance policy.