Procedure: The body lift, also known as a belt lipectomy or lower body lift, improves the appearance of the abdomen, thighs and buttocks. The operation is performed typically to remove excess skin and fat following massive weight loss. It can also be performed to fight the effects of aging and childbearing including excess skin, cellulite and sagging fatty tissue. Some patients also select body lift surgeries to improve the results of gastric bypass, panniculectomy or liposuction.

Although the steps of the body lift procedure differ depending on the needs of the patient, doctors often perform surgery on the stomach first removing excess skin from the belly button to the pubic area, then tightening the abdominal wall muscle. This is the area that is most often loosened by excessive weight loss.

To treat the abdomen, a horizontal incision is made along the pubic area. Excess skin and usually fat is then removed from the pubic bone to the belly button. Often the abdominal wall muscles are then tightened. The remaining skin and fat is pulled down from above the belly button area, where it is sutured in position at the pubic area. The procedure is repeated in the buttocks and thigh areas.

Expected Results: This procedure elevates the buttocks and restores outer thigh skin tension and firmness.

Procedure: Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck. 

Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube or cannula is inserted and used to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The cannula is pushed then pulled through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out. 

The liposuction has been developed and refined and there have been several variations introduced. 

Expected Results: Used more for body reshaping than bulk reduction, liposuction can remove disproportionate pockets of fat to create a more balanced form.