Upper body lift (upper torsoplasty), thigh lift (thigh lipectomy), and belt lipectomy are all surgical procedures designed to remove excess skin and fat. Body Surgery like an upper body lift (upper torsoplasty) typically targets the arms, back, and chest area, while thigh lift (thigh lipectomy) targets the inner or outer thighs. Belt lipectomy, also known as a lower body lift, targets the entire midsection, including the abdomen, hips, and back. These procedures may be suitable for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight or have excess skin and fat due to ageing or other factors. They are major surgical procedures that require extensive recovery periods and should only be performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon.

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon in Sydney NSW performing post-weight loss surgery to help patients achieve their desired results.

Download Dr Hunt’s Guide to Excess Skin Reduction

What Is an Upper Body Lift (Upper Torsoplasty)?

An upper body lift (upper torsoplasty) is a body shaping surgery that targets the upper body areas, including the arms, chest, and back. The aim of the procedure is to remove excess skin and fat, and to address the upper body.

The surgical technique used for an upper body lift (upper torsoplasty) may vary depending on the individual’s unique needs and goals, as well as the surgeon’s approach. However, the basic steps of the procedure usually involve making incisions in the targeted areas, removing excess skin and fat, and tightening the remaining skin.

During the procedure, your surgeon may use liposuction to remove excess fat and address the overall shape of the upper body. They may also use various techniques to alter the shape of the arms and chest, including skin tightening, muscle tightening, and lifting procedures.

After the procedure, patients are typically advised to wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and support the healing process. They will also need to follow a postoperative care plan that includes taking medications as prescribed, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their progress.

The recovery period for an upper body lift (upper torsoplasty) can vary, but most patients can expect to take a few weeks off work and limit their physical activity for a few months. It may take up to six months or longer for the final results to become visible, and patients should have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure.

What Is a Thigh Lift (Thigh Lipectomy)?

Thigh lift (thigh lipectomy) is a type of body surgery procedure that targets the thighs, with the goal of altering their shape and contour. There are several types of thigh lifts (thigh lipectomy), each designed to target different areas of the thigh, and the surgical technique used may vary depending on the patient’s individual goals.

The three main types of thigh lifts (thigh lipectomy) are:

· Inner Thigh Lift

This procedure targets the inner thigh and is designed to remove excess skin and fat in that area. The surgeon makes an incision in the groin area, and may extend it down the inner thigh to remove the excess skin and fat. The remaining skin is then pulled up and sutured into place.

· Outer Thigh Lift

An Outer Thigh Lift is a surgical procedure that targets the outer thighs, also known as the “saddlebags”. This procedure is typically recommended for individuals who have excess skin and fat in the outer thigh region that is resistant to diet and exercise.

During an Outer Thigh Lift (thigh lipectomy) procedure, your surgeon will make incisions in the targeted areas, typically along the groin area and extending down the inner thigh. The excess skin and fat will be removed, and the remaining skin will be tightened and altered to create a more toned and contoured appearance.

· Bilateral Thigh Lift

This procedure targets both the inner and outer thighs and is designed to alter the overall contour and shape of the thighs. The surgeon makes an incision in the groin area and may extend it down the inner and outer thighs to remove excess skin and fat. The remaining skin is then pulled up and sutured into place.

The surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia and can take several hours to complete. After the procedure, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight for monitoring.

The recovery period can take several weeks to several months, depending on the extent of the surgery and your individual healing process. During the first few days after surgery, you may experience pain, swelling, and bruising.

After the procedure, patients will need to follow a postoperative care plan that includes taking medications as prescribed, wearing compression garments to reduce swelling, and attending follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their progress. The recovery period for a thigh lift (thigh lipectomy) can vary depending on the extent of the procedure, but most patients can expect to take a few weeks off work and limit their physical activity for several weeks. Full recovery may take up to six months, and patients should have realistic expectations about the final outcome of the procedure.

What Is a Belt Lipectomy?

A belt lipectomy, also known as a lower body lift, is a cosmetic procedure that targets the midsection of the body, including the abdomen, hips, and lower back. The goal of the procedure is to remove excess skin and fat, and to contour and alter the shape of the midsection.

During the procedure, the surgeon makes a circumferential incision around the lower abdomen, back, and hips, much like a belt. The excess skin and fat are then removed, and the remaining skin is pulled up and sutured into place. The procedure may also include liposuction to remove excess fat and improve the overall shape of the midsection.

The procedure is typically recommended for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight, as well as those who have excess skin and fat due to ageing or other factors.

The surgical technique used for a belt lipectomy may vary depending on the individual’s unique goals, as well as the surgeon’s approach. However, the basic steps of the procedure usually involve making the circumferential incision, removing excess skin and fat, and tightening the remaining skin.

FAQ’s about Body Surgery – Upper Body Lift (Upper Torsoplasty), Thigh Lift (Thigh Lipectomy) and Belt Lipectomy

Who is a suitable candidate for an Upper Body Lift (Upper Torsoplasty)?

A suitable candidate for an Upper Body Lift (Upper Torsoplasty) is someone who has lost a significant amount of weight and has excess skin and fat in the upper body area. The candidate should be in good overall health, with no underlying medical conditions that may interfere with the surgery or the recovery process. It is important for the candidate to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure, and to be committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle after the surgery.

How long does the recovery process take for a Thigh Lift (Thigh Lipectomy)?

The recovery process after a thigh lift (Thigh Lipectomy) will vary depending on the extent of the surgery, the techniques used, and the individual’s overall health. In general, the recovery process for a thigh lift may take several weeks or longer, and it is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions closely to ensure proper healing. During the first week after surgery, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the treated areas. You will need to take several days off from work or other daily activities to allow your body to heal. In the weeks following surgery, you may need to wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the treated areas. You may also need to avoid strenuous exercise and physical activity for several weeks to ensure proper healing. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your healing and address any concerns or complications that may arise. Overall, the recovery process for a thigh lift (thigh lipectomy) may take several weeks to several months, depending on the extent of the surgery and your individual healing process. It is important to be patient and to take the necessary time to allow your body to heal properly to ensure the best possible outcome.

How long does the surgery take for a Belt Lipectomy?

The length of a Belt Lipectomy surgery can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the surgical techniques used. On average, the surgery can take anywhere from 3-6 hours. The patient will be under general anaesthesia during the surgery, and may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two after the procedure.

What are the potential risks and complications of an Upper Body Lift (Upper Torsoplasty)?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with an Upper Body Lift (Upper Torsoplasty), including bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, skin loss, nerve damage, and blood clots. Patients should discuss these risks with their surgeon and follow their postoperative care plan closely to minimise the risk of complications.

Can I combine multiple procedures, such as a Thigh Lift (Thigh Lipectomy) and a Belt Lipectomy?

It is possible to combine multiple procedures, such as a Thigh Lift (Thigh Lipectomy) and a Belt Lipectomy, depending on the individual patient’s needs and goals. However, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of combining procedures with the surgeon, as well as the potential impact on the length and complexity of the surgery, the recovery process, and the overall outcome. It is also important to ensure that the patient is a good candidate for multiple procedures and that they are committed to following the postoperative care plan closely.

Medical References about Body Surgery – Upper Body Lift (Upper Torsoplasty), Thigh Lift (Thigh Lipectomy) and Belt Lipectomy

Complications of Lower Body Lift Surgery – NCBI
Thigh Lift in Plastic Surgery – Mayo Clinic
Body contouring after bariatric surgery – Mayo Clinic
Skin removal surgery: Types, recovery, and what to expect – Medical News Today

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon and a member of FRACS & ASPS. He has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has ensured that thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia have received high quality surgical care.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.

Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

Find out more about pricing, medical payment plans and paying for your surgery
Request more information about the procedure – call on 1300 157 200 or contact us
Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.

Tag: thigh lift surgery

Body Surgery after Massive Loss: What to Expect from Upper Body Lift (Upper Torsoplasty), Thigh Lift (Thigh Lipectomy), and Belt Lipectomy Procedures