Changes in our bodies can occur for numerous reasons, such as significant weight loss, pregnancy, or the natural process of ageing. These changes may lead to excess skin or alterations in body shape and contour, particularly around the midsection. For some, a Lipectomy (Body Lift) might be a suitable option. This procedure focuses on adjusting the excess skin and reshaping the underlying tissue to reflect personal expectations and medical recommendations.
At our Sydney clinic, we offer Lipectomy procedures, which may be appropriate for both men and women who have achieved a healthy, stable weight. The procedure can potentially address excess skin or fat around the body, and adjust the underlying tissues.
Deciding to undergo a Lipectomy surgery is a personal choice, and should not be viewed as a societal expectation or norm. It’s just one of the many ways people may choose to respond to changes in their bodies. It’s crucial that you consider all available options, including adapting your mindset around body changes and exploring non-surgical methods to achieve these changes.
Under the leadership of Dr. Tim, our team strives to offer a professional, respectful, and patient-focused environment. We aim to assist you in making an informed decision that is in alignment with your personal expectations and overall wellbeing.
The surgery usually involves a horizontal incision around the abdomen. This could potentially facilitate removal of excess skin and fat, changing the body’s contour.
Lipectomy might have an effect on three parts of your body:
Front of body: The procedure might pull down the excess skin and fat from the abdomen for a different look. It could also alter the contours of the front and upper half of your inner thighs and pubis.
Sides: The waistline could look different as the lateral skin folds are lifted.
Back: The procedure might pull down the excess skin for a different appearance of the back. It could potentially alter the contour of the small of your back and lift the buttocks.
When making the incision, we consider various factors such as your lifestyle and clothing preferences. We’ll discuss these aspects and other concerns during your initial consultation.
Dr Tim customises these procedures to fit the expectations of each patient.
Risks of Lipectomy (Body Lift) Surgery
Like any surgical procedure, Lipectomy surgery comes with potential risks and complications. Dr. Tim ensures that patients are well-informed about all possible outcomes. Here are a few risks associated with this surgery:
Bleeding: As with any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding during and after the procedure. Dr. Tim takes precautions to minimise this risk.
Infection: Infections can occur after any surgical procedure, although they are uncommon. If an infection does occur, it is typically treatable with antibiotics.
Scarring: Body lift surgery will result in some degree of scarring. However, Dr. Tim’s surgical techniques are designed to reduce visible scarring, and any remaining scars often fade over time.
Changes in Skin Sensation: Temporary changes in skin sensation around the surgical site, including numbness or tingling, may occur. This usually resolves over time.
Poor Wound Healing: Some individuals may experience delayed wound healing or wound separation. This is more common in smokers and individuals with certain medical conditions.
Seroma: This condition, where fluid accumulates under the skin following surgery, may occur. If it happens, the fluid may need to be drained.
It’s important to thoroughly discuss these risks with Dr. Tim during your consultation. His commitment to patient safety and extensive experience help minimise these risks and promote the best possible surgical outcome.
Recovery from Lipectomy (Body Lift) Surgery
Recovering from body lift surgery involves a series of stages, and under Dr. Tim’s expert guidance, each patient receives personalised care and detailed instructions for the post-operative period. Here is what a typical timeline for recovery might look like:
Immediate Post-Procedure: Body lift surgery typically lasts 6 to 10 hours, depending on the patient’s size and the extent of liposuction required. After the procedure, you will stay in the hospital for approximately 7 days. The presence of surgical drains could influence the duration of your hospital stay.
First Week: Once you are discharged from the hospital, you should expect to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which are normal aspects of the healing process. To manage pain, Dr. Tim will prescribe medication. He may also recommend wearing a compression garment for support and to help reduce swelling.
Two to Four Weeks: Most patients can return to work within this period, depending on their job. However, strenuous activities should be avoided at this stage. Light movement such as walking is advised to improve blood circulation and aid recovery.
Six Weeks: By the sixth week, most of the initial swelling should have subsided. Dr. Tim may still advise you to continue wearing the compression garment to aid in achieving the best results. You can also gradually resume more strenuous activities at this stage, taking care not to overexert yourself.
Three Months: At this stage, a significant portion of swelling should have resolved and you’ll start to notice the improvements made by the lipectomy surgery.
Six to Twelve Months: This period typically marks a major milestone in your recovery process, as the final results of your body lift surgery become more evident. It is important to maintain a stable weight to sustain these changes.
Follow-up appointments with Dr. Tim will be scheduled to monitor your progress and address any questions or concerns you might have during recovery.
