Body lift is for patients having major flabbiness on the outer surface of the thighs, buttocks or back, generally after heavy weight loss of several tens of kilograms. It is often combined with prior abdominal lipectomy. Depending on the part to be treated, the body lift may be upper or lower.
Lower body lift
The purpose of the operation is to re-stretch the buttocks and outer surface of the upper thighs.
- General anaesthetic.
- The operation lasts from three to six hours.
The operation begins with liposuction, the patient lying on her stomach. Then an incision is made above the buttocks (at panty level) that enables the flabby skin to be re-stretched after exeresis of the excess skin; once the operation has been completed, the patient needs to be turned over on to her back to extend the incision forwards and re-stretch the skin of the abdomen (abdominal lipectomy).
Sutures are performed using re-absorbable thread so there are no stitches to be removed.
After the operation
- Hospitalisation for two to four days.
- A compression corset is inserted during the operation and must be worn for between one and three months.
- One should generally allow for being out of action for two weeks.
The sequels and possible complications will be explained to you by Dr COURBIER during the consultation and in the literature supplied to you.
The upper body lift
The purpose of the operation is to re-tension the upper part of the back.
- General anaesthetic.
- Operation lasts for one to two hours.
- The intervention begins with the patient lying on her stomach, when liposuction is performed, then a horizontal incision is made (in the bra area) which after removal of the excess skin, makes it possible to stretch out the folds in the upper back; it is sometimes necessary to turn the patient over to extend the incision under the breasts.
Sutures are performed using re-absorbable thread so there are no stitches to be removed.
Post-operative conditions
- Hospitalisation for one to two days.
- Compression corset applied during the operation to be worn for two months.
- An average of two weeks off work.
Sequels and possible complications will be explained to you by Dr COURBIER during the consultation and in the literature supplied to you.
