Belt Lipectomy: Addressing excess skin circumferentially around the lower torso
Dr. Matthew Peters has a deep understanding of body contouring procedures and the types of challenges people face after significant life events such as massive weight loss. This page provides comprehensive information to help you understand the lower body lift procedure and make an informed decision.
What is a Belt Lipectomy?
A 360 belt lipectomy – sometimes referred to as a lower body lift – is an advanced body contouring procedure that removes excess skin and fat circumferentially around the lower torso for both males and females. This surgery is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, as it addresses the common issue of residual skin laxity that often occurs after major weight reduction. The areas addressed are not just at the front of the torso, but also at the sides and the back. This procedure may address concerns from the rib cage down to the mons region, buttocks, and thigh area.
This procedure can address concerns such as:
- Excess or hanging skin and tissue in the lower torso
- Abdominal muscle separation
- Functional issues from carrying excess and lose skin, such as impeding exercise or how you wear clothes.
- Irritation and rashes from excess skin and skin folds
Often it’s functional concerns in addition to aesthetic that we can address with a lower body lift. These may include loose skin, rashes and sweat that impede the ability to exercise properly, stay hygienic or even sleep comfortably.
– Dr Matthew Peters
Is a Belt Lipectomy Right for You?
Ideal candidates for a 360 Belt Lipectomy are typically:
- Those with excess skin and fat in the lower abdominal area, hips, and lower back
- Are in good overall physical and mental health
- Have maintained a stable weight for at least 6-12 months
- Are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before and after surgery
- Have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes
During your consultation, Dr. Peters will assess your individual needs and discuss whether this procedure is suitable for you.
The Belt Lipectomy Procedure: What to Expect
A 360 belt lipectomy is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes 4-7 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure and if it being combined with other procedures. In very general terms, here’s what you can expect:
- Anaesthesia: The anaesthetist will administer general anaesthetic to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
- Incisions: During a belt lipectomy, Dr. Peters will make a circumferential incision around the lower torso and remove excess skin and fat.
- Skin Tightening: Repositioning and tightening the remaining skin. A muscle repair may be undertaken and liposuction may be a technique that is used to help achieve the desired outcome.
- Closing the incisions: The incisions are closed with internal sutures, surgical tapes are applied to the wounds, and compression garments being fitted to the arms before awaking from surgery.
The positioning of belt lipectomy scars is discussed in depth during your consultation. While scarring is an inevitable part of any surgery, the incision is strategically placed to be concealed by most clothing and swimwear.
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Combining Procedures
In certain cases, a 360 belt lipectomy can be combined with other body contouring procedures for more comprehensive results. Common combinations include:
- Thigh lift
- Breast lift or augmentation
- Arm lift (brachioplasty)
The feasibility of combining procedures depends on individual factors and will be discussed during your consultation.
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Recovery and Results
Recovery from a belt lipectomy is a gradual process that requires patience and dedication. Dr. Peters and his nursing team spend a tremendous amount of time with each patient to ensure they are ready for the recovery process.
You can discuss any concerns you may have about your recovery during your pre-operative consultations with either Dr Peters or the clinical nursing team at Valley Plastic Surgery.
Immediate post-op
You can discuss any concerns you may have about your recovery during your pre-operative consultations with either Dr Peters or the clinical nursing team at Valley Plastic Surgery.
First week
Rest, but also working with a physiotherapist to reintroduce basic movements such as standing and walking. At this stage, you stay in hospital is a daily review to determine when it will be safe and sensible for your to return home. Compression garments will be worn to manage swelling.
Week 2
You will attend a review appointment with the clinic nurse for assessment of your wounds, swelling and drains, and also reinforcement of your tapes.
Week 3
You will attend a review appointment with Dr Peters and a VPS clinic nurse and your tape will be removed and replaced. Depending on the progress of your recovery, gentle household activities and even driving may be reintroduced. Any return to cardiovascular exercise will be reviewed and advised on a case-by-case basis. Compression garments are still being worn.
Week 6
You will attend a review appointment with both with Dr. Peters and a VPS clinic nurse, where the focus of your recovery is transitioning you out of compression garments and a return to utilising functional movements, particularly of the abdominal region. Your tape will be removed and replaced on a weekly basis, but maintained until the 12 week point.
12 weeks and beyond
You will attend a review appointment with both with Dr. Peters and a VPS clinic nurse. Advice is provided on how to reintroduce core exercises to assist in the recovery of this function.
Final results typically become apparent after several months, as swelling subsides, and tissues settle. Review appointments will continue 6- and 9-months post-surgery.
Understanding the Risks
Every surgery has general risks, in addition to the procedure specific risks. The risks associated with a belt lipectomy – and ways in which to minimise them – will be discussed with you during your consultation with Dr. Peters. He will always allow ample time to discuss any concern you may have. You can also reach out to Dr Peter’s clinical nursing team to assist with any question or concerns you may have prior to and after your procedure.
The Australasian Society of Plastic Surgeons details the potential risks and complications and you may read more here
Adhering to recovery guidelines can help minimise certain risks and complications. Ensuring that you closely monitor how you are feeling and notifying the Valley Plastic Surgery team of any concerns is the best way to mitigate your risk of adverse outcomes.
Your Journey Starts Here
If you’re considering a 360 belt lipectomy, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Peters. During this appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Discuss your goals and concerns
- Learn about the procedure in detail
- View before and after photos of previous patients
- Receive a personalised treatment plan
- Discuss any questions or concerns you may have around your procedure.
Remember, the decision to undergo any surgical procedure is personal and should be made with careful consideration. We’re here to provide the information and support you need to make the choice that’s best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is dependent on the amount and distribution of the excess skin and tissue to be addressed. In some circumstances your procedure may be performed with another procedure to address more than one region. During your consultation, Dr Peters will undertake a thorough assessment and examination taking into account your individual requirements before tailoring an appropriate plan for you to consider.
For an abdominoplasty, a long incision is usually made from hip to hip, just above the pubic region. For a belt lipectomy, the incisions are extended further, around the entire circumference of the body.
The choice of placement and length for your incisions will depend on your individual requirements and the extent of tissue that needs to be removed. During your consultation, Dr Peters will consider these factors to suggest the best approach for you.
For some women, pregnancy can cause separation of the left and right sides of the rectus abdominus muscle due to the baby’s growth in the uterus.
Dr Peters can repair these muscles during an abdominoplasty or belt lipectomy procedure, improving the contour of the region and restoring core strength and pelvic floor integrity.
During your abdominoplasty or belt lipectomy, Dr Peters may make a second incision around the navel to reposition the belly button once the excess tissue is removed. The navel is not moved during a mini abdominoplasty procedure.
Dr Peters does not currently offer liposuction as a standalone procedure. However, liposuction may be used in conjunction with other techniques in more complex procedures.
During your initial consultation, you and Dr Peters will discuss your functional and aesthetic concerns, as well as your goals and expectations for the procedure. Dr Peters will examine you and may take photographs for medical records. Afterwards, he will discuss your surgical options and recommend a treatment plan. He will also provide detailed information regarding the procedure steps as well as the associated risks and recovery period. It is likely that you will also meet with a Valley Plastic Surgery nurse to further discuss pre and post-operative requirements and any other questions or concerns you may have.
If you and Dr Peters decide that surgery is an appropriate option for you, you can opt to receive an obligation-free quote and proceed from there.
The first step is to organise a consultation with Dr Peters, where you can discuss your concerns and expectations, ask questions, and learn more about what happens during the procedure.
You will be provided with information about how to best prepare for your specific procedure and post-surgery care requirements by Dr Peters as well as during your consultation with a Valley Plastic Surgery nurse.
We suggest that you prepare an area in your home for you to recover comfortably, with pillows, ice packs, and entertainment. You may also choose to pre-prepare some healthy meals, purchase some comfortable, loose clothing and fill any needed prescriptions before your procedure date.
The cost of your abdominoplasty or belt lipectomy is dependent on various factors, such as the complexity of the procedure, hospital fees, and anaesthesia fees. Medicare rebates and private health contributions (if you are insured and have the appropriate level of cover), depend on whether your procedure is considered medical or cosmetic. You will receive a detailed quote and information regarding how to check your eligibility after your consultation if you and Dr Peters decide surgery is a suitable option for you.