Patients experience loosening and sagging skin in different areas of the body following weight loss surgery. However, the abdomen and trunk are more important for clients. Various techniques have been proposed to correct this problem, and in all of these techniques, there are several main goals:

• Subcutaneous skin and fat excision
• Restoration of abdominal wall looseness
• Abdominal hernia repair (if any)

In conventional abdominoplasty surgery, the main goal is to have a minimum scar line, while in overweight patients, the contour is a much more important goal than the suture line, and even multiple scars or sutures may be needed to achieve the proper contour.

Clients usually experience loosening of the abdominal wall muscles, sagging skin, sagging posterior skin, and buttocks and thighs. In such cases, body lift surgery technique, or Belt abdominoplasty, is used.

Operation technique

Belt abdominoplasty or body lift is a technique in which the incision of the abdominoplasty in the cesarean section continues from circumference to the back, and in addition to abdominoplasty, the buttock lift and the back area, fat removal (PAL) is performed simultaneously.

To prevent the accumulation of lymph and seroma at the site of operation, it is recommended to use a closed drain in the first few days to drain the secreted fluid.

Duration of surgery

Depending on the case, Belt abdominoplasty or body lift takes at least 6 to 8 hours.

Due to the long duration of surgery, the following items are necessary to prevent pulmonary embolism:

• Special socks
• Anti-embolism pump
• Anticoagulants

Anesthesia

Belt abdominoplasty or body lift is usually performed under general anesthesia. In cases where the patient has underlying risk factors, epidural anesthesia is used.

Inpatient / outpatient status

Due to the extent of Belt abdominoplasty surgery or body lift, at least one night hospitalization is essential.

Possible side effects

• Lower limb edema in the first days after Belt abdominoplasty
• Posterior suture dehiscence due to non-compliance with physician recommendations
• Swelling and bruising of the surgical area
• Surgical incision numbness

Complications

• Infection
• bleeding under the skin at the site of surgery
• pulmonary embolism
• excessive scarring at the site of surgical incision
• Seroma formation at the site of surgery
• Lower extremity edema

Recovery

With the doctor’s permission, a dressing change is performed 48 hours after body lift, and bathing is allowed. Complete recovery will take between 4 and 6 weeks. Avoid bending your back during the first few weeks. Wear a special garment at least 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. All your stitches are absorbable and you don’t need to pull the stitches.

Results

Typically, the results of Belt abdominoplasty surgery are very satisfying and lasting.