Circumferential lipectomy, also known as a lower body lift, is an operation that can be performed for both men and women. It involves removing the excess abdominal skin and fat, and usually repositioning the umbilicus (belly button) to a more aesthetic position. It also involves removing excess skin and fat from the flanks and the back.
Most people who are interested in this operation have either lost a significant amount of weight, excess body fat that can’t be lost with exercise alone. At Tailored Plastic Surgery we help guide you throughout the process.
To begin your journey at Tailored Plastic Surgery, you will typically have an initial consultation to discuss your goals and see how we can help you. After a second consultation and a cooling-off period of one week, if you wish to proceed, we will schedule the surgery on a date that suits you. We will discuss the steps you need to take in the lead-up to your surgery, and also on the day of your procedure.
Initially, you may experience some discomfort in the abdomen, flanks and back, in particular if you have had extensive liposuction. You will be wearing a post-operative compression garment and have instructions for medications to take at home, and exercises to perform. You should be able to go home within three to five days. You should be able to return to work within two to three weeks depending on what your regular occupation is. We advise against strenuous physical activity and exercise within the first six weeks.
Circumferential lipectomy, also known as a lower body lift, is a comprehensive surgical procedure that addresses excess skin and fat in the abdomen, hips, buttocks. In addition to general surgery risks, potential risks and complications associated with belt lipectomy may include:
Circumferential lipectomy involves extensive incisions, result in scars, typically located along the lower abdomen, around the hips and back, and around the umbilicus (belly button). The appearance of scars can vary depending on individual healing processes and proper scar management techniques.
Nerve injury during the procedure can lead to temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation, such as numbness or altered sensitivity, in the treated areas.
Circumferential lipectomy involves significant body contouring, which can increase the risk of blood clot formation (deep vein thrombosis) in the legs. Appropriate preventive measures, such as early ambulation and specific medications, are taken to minimise this risk.
The incisions made during the procedure can be prone to healing complications, such as delayed wound healing, wound separation, or infection. Proper wound care and follow-up visits are crucial for optimal healing.
There are scars along the bottom of the abdomen and usually around the belly-button, or umbilicus, although we aim to make these as discreet as possible. The scar along the bottom of the abdomen continues around the waist, joining up at your back. Liposuction helps to remove fat from the areas that an circumferential lipectomy can’t address, and help with shaping your body.
Most commonly, there will be two drains used for the front, and potentially two more at your back. They typically begin to be removed from the second day after the operation, although this decision will be made depending on how much volume there is in the drain bottle. You may be able to go home with a drain in, and this can be removed at Tailored Plastic Surgery during your first post-operative follow-up outside hospital.
An abdominoplasty traditionally addresses the skin and excess tissue on the anterior abdomen (tummy). An extended abdominoplasty has a longer scar which helps address stubborn fat and skin on the flanks. A circumferential lipectomy lift usually has a scar that encircles the waist, and is able to help with excess back fat and may help with a slight degree of buttock lift. At Tailored Plastic Surgery, we are happy to explain this to you and what best suits you.
A circumferential lipectomy can be performed alone or with liposuction. The circumferential lipectomy is able to remove skin and fat from certain areas of the abdomen, flanks and back. Liposuction may help with contouring of these areas.