Body lift is a procedure which aims to re-tighten the skin around the abdominal area by removing excess skin and fat, after significant weight-loss. During this operation, often the abdominal rectus muscles are sutured at the same time, in order to tighten up the abdominal wall (cure for diastasis) and sometimes also liposuction is carried out for a more harmonious body shape. This operation can be done on men or women.
Body lift or circular abdominoplasty
WHO IS IT FOR?
- You have lost a lot of weight and have excess skin in your tummy, side and buttocks area
- You suffer from irritation of the skin in the fold above the pubis due to chafing
- You are embarrassed to practice physical activity
- You have a complex about the stretch-marks in your abdominal area
To consider having a body lift in the best possible conditions, it is important that your weight be stable. In fact, variations in weight can alter the result of the surgery, as well as excess weight increases the risk of post-operative complications. It is important to understand that this procedure is not a solution to deal with excess weight, but rather with the after-effects when a person has lost weight and their skin has become loose. It is also in this situation that the best aesthetic results are obtained.
Of course, each situation should be discussed with your surgeon, who can best advise you.
In some rare cases, health insurance may cover your procedure. This requires a prior request to the surgeon, who will send a letter with your photos to the organisation.
Bien sûr, chaque situation est à discuter avec votre chirurgien qui pourra vous conseiller au mieux.
Dans de rares cas, l’assurance-maladie peut prendre en charge votre intervention. Cela nécessite une demande préalable de votre chirurgien qui enverra un courrier ainsi que vos photos.
SCARS POSITION
The surgeon makes a horizontal incision along the pubic area. The scar extends on the sides to midway down the back (hence the name, circular abdominoplasty). Your surgeon will advise you in order to ascertain what treatment is most appropriate in your case.
BEFORE SURGERY
The first consultation with Dr Thomet will allow you to get to know your surgeon, talk about your personal situation and present your expectations. In order to complete your medical record, she will ask about your medical history, previous operations you may have had, and the list of medicines and allergies. A physical examination will be carried out with measurements and sometimes photos that will remain confidential and only used for your medical file. At the end of the consultation, Dr Thomet will make a diagnosis and tell you if you are a good candidate for surgery. She will explain to you the contemplated surgical procedure, scar positions, the recovery time and the risks of complications. After you have had time to think it overa cooling-off period, a second consultation will be scheduled to answer your questions and set a surgery date.
After you have had time to think it over, a second consultation will be scheduled, in order to perform the treatment.
An ultrasound examination may be necessary in the case of suspicion of abdominal weakness (diastasis, umbilical hernia, inguinal hernia). In complex cases, it is recommended to consult a visceral surgeon (digestive system) to assess the need for repairing the abdominal wall during the same procedure.
INSURANCE
In special cases, such as weight loss or an abdominal wall problem associated with weight loss, the surgery is partially or fully covered by health insurance. This requires a prior request to the surgeon, who will send a letter with your photos to the organisation. Otherwise, a cost estimate will be forwarded to you after the first consultation.
Type of anaesthesia
Body lift surgery requires general anaesthesia. A preoperative consultation with an anaesthesiologist will take place before surgery.
Hospitalisation
Body lift usually requires hospitalisation for 5-6 nights. This allows to better manage the pain medication and monitor you closely. Drains (small plastic tubes attached to a bottle) will be placed during the surgery. These will be removed without causing pain before your discharge from the clinic.
Postoperative period
When leaving the clinic, you will just have dressings which will be changed the following week for the first time at the practice. You are allowed to shower around 5-7 days after surgery. You will wear a wide compression belt day and night for 8 weeks.
Convalescence
It is not recommended to drive and carry weight (more than 2-3 kilos) when leaving the clinic. Activity resumption may be considered after 3-4 weeks depending on the type of activity. It is necessary to wait 8 to 12 weeks before doing sports.
If the surgery is covered by health insurance, Dr Thomet will issue you with a medical certificate for the duration of your incapacity for work.