What a Body Lift Can Achieve
Significant weight loss, pregnancy and ageing can result in excess skin, soft tissue laxity and separation of the underlying abdominal wall muscles that do not respond to diet or exercise alone. These changes may affect the abdomen, flanks and lower back.
A body lift addresses these concerns by removing excess tissue and restoring structural support to the abdomen and waist. The aim of surgery is to improve overall body contour, enhance natural definition and create a more proportionate, balanced silhouette.
Your Surgical Journey
Your surgical journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr Collins at The Surgery. This allows time to discuss your goals and expectations, and to develop a surgical plan tailored specifically to you.
Body lift surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. The extent of surgery depends on the distribution of excess tissue. In a lower body lift, the lower abdominal incision extends around the back, allowing circumferential removal of redundant tissue with repair of abdominal muscle separation.
In patients with more extensive skin laxity, a corset abdominoplasty allows tightening in both vertical and horizontal directions. Where appropriate, a body lift may also be combined with an upper body lift or bra-line back lift. Liposuction is commonly performed to further refine contour and transitions.
Recovery and Aftercare
A body lift typically involves a hospital stay of up to three nights. You may initially need to walk slightly flexed at the waist, gradually returning to an upright posture over one to two weeks. Abdominal discomfort is common and often described as similar to muscle strain.
A supportive compression garment is recommended for six to twelve weeks to assist healing and support the surgical result. You will also be guided through a structured scar management programme to optimise long-term scar maturation.
Return to work depends on the physical demands of your role. Desk-based work is often possible within four weeks, while more physically demanding roles require a longer recovery period.
Is a Body Lift Right for You?
You may be suitable for a body lift if your concerns include excess skin, soft tissue laxity or contour changes affecting the abdomen, waist, flanks or back following significant weight loss, pregnancy or ageing.
A consultation with Dr Collins allows for a personalised assessment and discussion of the surgical approach most appropriate for you.
Body Lift in Dunedin with Dr Anne Collins
Frequently Asked Questions
A lower body lift, also known as a 360-degree abdominoplasty, extends the principles of a standard tummy tuck around the waistline. This allows excess skin and underlying soft tissue to be removed from the abdomen, flanks and lower back in a single procedure. Abdominal muscle separation is repaired and the belly button repositioned to suit the newly contoured abdomen.
A corset abdominoplasty is a more extensive form of abdominal contouring, most commonly recommended following significant weightloss. It is designed to address excess skin and soft tissue affecting both the upper and lower abdomen, where tightening is required in more than one direction.
In addition to the standard lower abdominal incision used in a full abdominoplasty, this technique involves an upperabdominal incision beneath the breast crease and a vertical midline incision. This allows excess tissue to be removed vertically and horizontally, creating improved waist definition and overall abdominal shape. While this approach involves additional scarring, it can provide a more effective result in patients with widespread abdominal skin laxity.
An upper body lift addresses excess skin affecting the upper abdomen, chest wall and lateral breast region. It typically involves an incision positioned beneath the breast crease, allowing excess skin and soft tissue to be removed and contour improved.
A bra-line back lift focuses on redundant skin across the upper back, with scars carefully positioned to sit within the bra line.
Liposuction is commonly performed in both procedures to further refine contour. In selected patients, these procedures may be combined to address more widespread skin laxity of the upper torso.
Preparing well is an important part of your surgical journey. During your consultation, Dr Collins will review your medical history, anatomy, goals and expectations to help plan your surgery safely and effectively.
The best results are achieved when your weight has been stable and within a healthy range for approximately three months prior to surgery. Patients must be nicotine-free for at least six weeks before surgery, including smoking, vaping and all nicotine replacement products, as nicotine significantly impairs wound healing.
Most patients stay in hospital for up to three nights, depending on the extent of surgery and individual recovery needs.
Yes. Drains are commonly used to reduce the risk of fluid build-up (seroma) and are removed when appropriate during the post-operative period.
Allowing yourself time to heal is an important part of your recovery following surgery. You may initially need to walk slightly flexed at the waist, which improves gradually over the first one to two weeks. Abdominal discomfort is common and is often described as similar to muscle strain.
A supportive compression garment is typically recommended for six to twelve weeks to assist healing and support the surgical result.
Scarring depends on the extent of surgery performed. A lower body lift results in a scar that extends around the waistline, while corset abdominoplasty and upper body procedures involve additional scars. All incisions are carefully planned to achieve the best balance between contour improvement and scarring.
Scars are initially more noticeable but usually fade and soften over 12 to 18 months. Dr Collins’ scar management protocol supports optimal scar maturation and long-term aesthetic outcome.
You may require two to four weeks away from work, depending on the extent of surgery and the physical demands of your role. Heavier physical activity should be avoided for six to eight weeks.
Driving is usually safe once you can comfortably turn the steering wheel, check blindspots and perform an emergency stop without discomfort. This is typically around ten to fourteen days after surgery.
Gentle walking is encouraged early in recovery. More strenuous exercise and heavylifting should be avoided for approximately six weeks to protect your surgical result. Core-strengthening exercises should be avoided for around twelve weeks. Dr Collins will provide a personalised return-to-exercise plan tailored to you.
Body lift surgery is a well-established procedure. As with all surgery, there are risks involved. These include pain, bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, adverse scarring, seroma, haematoma, asymmetry, changes in sensation and the potential need for revision surgery. These risks are discussed in detail during your consultation.
Yes. Surgical outcomes vary between individuals and depend on a number of factors, including anatomy, tissue quality, healing response and adherence to post-operative care. Expected outcomes, risks and limitations are discussed in detail during your consultation as part of the informed consent process.
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