Body lift

The body lift corrects loose skin running all the way round the torso, something no procedure limited to a single area can achieve. Its limitations: perfect symmetry, a perfectly flat abdomen and an ideal contour cannot be guaranteed, and asymmetries, irregular contours, residual excess skin or fat, flattening or asymmetry of the buttocks, or returning loose skin may persist. A touch-up is sometimes proposed after stabilisation. The alternatives depend on body shape: no procedure, weight stabilisation, liposuction alone when the skin is of good quality, abdominoplasty alone when the excess is mainly at the front, or separate procedures limited to certain areas. Not all of them can correct a significant circumferential loosening of the skin.

Before a body lift, Dr Manon Belhoste and the anaesthetist must be told about all treatments, medicines and supplements you take. Treatments that affect blood clotting are stopped only on the advice of the prescriber, Dr Manon Belhoste or the anaesthetist: a prescribed treatment is never stopped alone. Stopping smoking and all nicotine is required, because nicotine greatly increases the risk of poor healing and of necrosis of the skin. Fasting, hygiene and blood clot prevention instructions apply as given, and the return home, with sufficient help for the first days, is arranged in advance.

After a body lift, sitting at 90 degrees should be avoided for the first 4 weeks. Walking with short steps from the day after the procedure reduces the risk of blood clots. Swelling, bruising, tightness, fatigue and reduced sensation are usual at first. The abdomen, flanks, back or buttocks may feel numb or less sensitive. Recovery takes several months and is sometimes incomplete. The main scar runs around the torso: across the front above the pubis, extending towards the hips and into the lower back, with a scar around the navel. Scars are red and firm for the first months, then fade: full maturation takes 12 to 18 months, sometimes longer. They should be protected from the sun with total sunblock.

An abdominoplasty treats the abdomen. A body lift adds an excision of the flanks and back, and lifts the buttock area and the outer side of the thighs. A body lift is particularly indicated when the loosening goes all the way round the body, often after major weight loss.

The body lift removes excess skin all around the torso. It is not a weight-loss method. Your weight should be stable before the procedure.

The price of a body lift includes Dr Manon Belhoste's fees, follow-up consultations after the operation, anaesthesia and clinic fees at Polyclinique La Phocéanne or Clinique Phénicia.