You’ve done the hard work and lost a significant amount of weight – congratulations!  You’re about to embark upon a healthier, fit lifestyle.

But you’re also left with the reminder of your excess weight – stretched skin and stubborn fatty deposits which, no matter what you do (diet & exercise), just won’t budge.  It may be that you want to wear that new outfit but the excess skin still gets in the way of showing off your change of life.

Body Lift surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, hips and waist and also the upper buttocks and upper thighs, usually after significant weight loss. Liposuction is also sometimes used as part of the procedure.

The body lift surgery procedure can also be used to tighten saggy skin due to childbirth or ageing. Areas of treatment include the hips, outer upper thighs, lower abdomen, and upper buttocks. The lower abdomen is reduced using techniques similar to those of a tummy tuck. The navel is preserved and repositioned, with the excess skin from the lower abdomen removed and the skin from the upper abdomen drawn down to be stitched along the lower fold. Skin and fat can also be removed and tightened around the thighs, hips and buttocks.

The type of body lift surgery that you have and the amount of skin removed will depend on your individual needs.  Dr Milovic will advise and guide you within safe limits.

As well as being uncomfortable and heavy, excess skin can cause:

  • Difficulty in walking and exercising
  • Poor posture
  • Aching of the back and shoulders
  • Chronic rashes and infections in the folds
  • Personal hygiene issues
  • Low or poor self-esteem

A body lift may be effective in assisting with a normal clothing size, easier walking and physical activities, improved hygiene and comfort. View examples of our successful procedures in our Body Lift Surgery Gallery.

 

  • Is it right for me?

    Body Lift surgery is a very personal decision and you should have realistic goals and expectations before undergoing surgery. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your lower abdomen because of sagging and excess skin, or the muscles have weakened causing the stomach to droop and you are considering surgery, Dr Vlad will examine your lower abdomen region during your initial consultation. He will then evaluate how a Body Lift procedure can achieve an improvement and meet your goals and expectations. If you are planning to have more children it is advisable to wait.

  • Will I need anaesthesia?

    Body Lift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and will require a hospital stay.

    Modern anaesthesia is safe and effective, but does have some risks.   Ask Dr Vlad and your Anaesthetist for more information.  You can be assured that Dr Vlad will engage the services of a qualified Anaesthetist who is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and NZ College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) to perform your sedation and/or general anaesthesia.

    Dr Vlad and/or anaesthetist will ask you about all the medications you are taking or have taken, and any allergies you may have. Please make sure you have an up-to-date list before the surgery.

  • Will I have scarring?

    Scars are an inevitable part of any surgery and there can be no guarantee for a perfect outcome.  Dr Vlad will endeavour to minimise scarring and to keep your scars as inconspicuous as possible. Body Lift incisions are generally made around the bikini line but this can vary. After surgery, the scars are typically reddish in colour but these will fade in time to a light pink and after one or two years the scars become barely noticeable. And, in our experience, most of our patients believe that the aesthetic results of the procedure are well worth the resulting scar.

    If scarring is a concern for you after surgery, Dr Vlad will provide you with a scar treatment plan to expedite the healing of your scars.  There are several treatment options including silicone gel and laser.

    We have the Palomar® Artisan laser system, which is proven to give excellent results for scar reduction.   Laser offers a non-invasive solution that uses fractional laser technology to deliver rapid, reliable scar removal with minimal healing time, infection risk is virtually eliminated and little to no pain is felt.

  • What are the risks with Body Lift surgery?

    As with all surgery there are risks and potential complications. Dr Vlad will discuss these with you prior to any surgery taking place.

  • Where will the surgery take place?

    Dr Vlad will only perform your Body Lift surgery in safe, accredited operating facilities. You can read more here.

  • What is the recovery period after Body Lift surgery?

    Recovery time will vary from patient to patient and will also depend on the extent of the surgery. But expect at least 2 weeks off work to allow for complete rest and another 1 week for all swelling and bruising to disappear. Light exercise may be resumed within 2-3 days but strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 2-3 months. You will be given post-surgery instructions to follow and if you have any questions, please speak to Dr Vlad and/or his Practice Nurse.

  • What are the costs?

    Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery, but it should not be the only consideration. You have the right to be informed about the costs you can expect, before you have your surgery.  This is called ‘informed financial consent’.

    Costs associated with the procedure may include:

    • Dr Vlad’s surgical  fee
    • Accredited hospital or surgical facility costs
    • Anaesthesia fees
    • Prescriptions for medication
    • Post-surgery garments
    • Medical tests

    After your initial consultation with Dr Vlad, you will receive a written estimate of fees and an information pack to read before your second pre-surgery appointment.  The second appointment is free of charge.  Once you book your surgery, you will also see our Practice Nurse who will take your pre-operative photos.

    We welcome any questions you may have regarding fees.

Schedule a Consultation

Call us in MELBOURNE - (03) 9819 3786
Call us in CANBERRA - (02) 6260 4882