Body Lift

Operating Time: 7.5 Hours
Hospital Stay: 4-5 nights
Recovery Time: Approx. 4 weeks

Following massive weight loss which is becoming more common with the growing popularity of bariatric surgery and fitness training drives, a concerning problem of massive skin excess and laxity develops. This problem affects primarily the lower body (abdomen, lateral thighs and buttocks) as well as the inner thighs, arms, breasts and face. Body lift surgery is the most effective way to dramatically deal with the largest problem of the massive weight loss patient, that of skin excess and laxity of the abdomen, lateral thigh and buttock regions.

Body lift surgery is an extension of the abdominoplasty principle to reverse collapse of the whole flabby mid body including abdomen, hips, thighs and buttocks. Because skin tightening and lifting occurs to all these areas, an entire body lift achieves dramatic superior results and return to a youthful figure. The operation is quite large taking around 7 to 8 hours. Body lift generally requires a hospitalisation of 3 to 5 days with a recovery period of 4 to 6 weeks. The results achieved for those who are willing to invest the extra time and effort are, however, dramatic.

Dr Drielsma makes an incision in a belt like fashion around the front of the lower abdomen, outer thigh region and upper bottom region to remove a large amount of loose skin and fat. The operation resembles an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck at the front and extends around the sides to the back. The remaining skin tightens dramatically after the removal of the loose skin.

Body Lift surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and takes approximately 7 to 8 hours. A device called a pain buster helps minimise discomfort along the wound lines during the hospital stay. Body lift surgery usually requires Usually 3 to 5 nights stay in hospital.

After the surgery you will wear a garment to provide support to the abdomen. We will fit and order this garment prior to the operation.You will wear it for 6 weeks following surgery. We encourage early mobilisation with walking etc.

Stitches are all absorbable and do not need removal.

A special glued on dressing is left on the stitch line for 2 to three weeks.  This protects and supports the stitch line in the early healing phase and showering can be done normally with this dressing on.

You will usually require 4 to 6 weeks off work although some people require a longer recovery period. You can commence gentle exercises after 3-4 weeks, however, avoid vigorous exercise should be for 6-8 weeks. It may take 2-3 months before returning to completely normal activity.

As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of complications. Surgery and anaesthesia are very safe and it is most unlikely you will experience any difficulty. However, there are areas of potential problems you need to understand before proceeding with your surgery. You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following instructions before and after surgery.

Bleeding
Bleeding can be problematical in about 2% of cases. It is possible in cases bleeding that return to the operating theatre will be necessary and sometimes require blood transfusion.

Infection
If infection occurs it will usually become evident within one week of surgery and may delay the healing process or result in the development of scar tissue. This may require treatment with antibiotics. In the unlikely event of infection, this may adversely affect the ultimate result of the surgery.

Anaesthesia
The surgery is done under a general anaesthetic and the anaesthetist will be discussing the possible discomforts following anaesthesia. Modern anaesthesia is very safe and risks are rare. Any questions you have regarding your anaesthetic would be best answered by the anaesthetist at the time of surgery.

Scarring
All surgery carries risks and every incision leaves a scar. Scars do however fade remarkably well over a one to two year period and become much less noticeable. The scar of body lifting is never invisible but Dr  in a position that is inconspicuous when wearing most clothing or swimming costumes.

The scars will often look red and thickened at about three months after surgery as they heal but this is normal and will settle over the following 3-6 months. It takes 12-18 months before the scars mature completely, flatten out and lighten in colour.

Sensation
Areas of your lower abdomen may be numb for up to six months as bruised nerves are recovering. Some minor residual permanent alteration in sensation may occur.

Fluid Collection
A seroma is a collection of fluid under the skin and fat. If this occurs it may take a few weeks to absorb. This may require aspiration or sucking out via a needle. Wearing the pressure garment will help reduce this risk.

Circulation
Although rare, there is a risk of clotting in the veins of the legs. The risk of this is about one in 500 and increases with use of the oral contraceptive pill. Such a thrombosis may rarely be complicated by pulmonary embolism ( a clot going to the lung). All possible precautions are taken to minimise the risks of thrombosis including use of leg compression devices during surgery, use of TED stockings and anti-clotting injections while in hospital.

• There can be no absolute guarantee with any surgery. In the hands of any experienced surgeon, a secondary operation to correct an asymmetry or irregularity may be needed.
• Should there be any questions regarding abdominoplasty or body lifting, be sure they are answered in advance by Dr Drielsma. Well meaning friends are not a good source of information. Find out everything before the operation – a well informed patient is a happy one.
• The best candidates for body contouring surgery are those who want to enhance or improve their appearance, not those who seek perfection. You will be satisfied with the results of surgery if you have realistic expectations. It is important that you make the decision to proceed with surgery for yourself, not anyone else.

The next step when considering body lifting surgery is a consultation with Dr Drielsma. Dr Drielsma will show you before and after photos, and assess your suitability for surgery as well as explain the procedure fully to you in detail.

**Results may vary for individual to individual