DO YOU NEED A COMPLETE BODY REMODELING?
Body lifting involves reshaping the body either after massive weight loss or following stomach reduction surgery, after diets, in situations where excess skin and adipose tissue remain. Your body will regain harmonious shapes and a well-defined contour.
Practically, the recovery period and the interruption of socio-professional activity are greatly reduced – with only one recovery phase.
Good recovery after this complex surgery is due to the fact that its duration is generally about 5 hours. This very efficient surgical time can be achieved thanks to a large team of surgeons, averaging 4-5, thus significantly shortening the surgery duration.
In cases of extreme weight loss (over 100kg), it is recommended to perform body contouring in 2 stages:
- upper body lifting
- lower body lifting
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TOTAL BODY LIFTING
The main advantage of this complex surgery is that in a single stage, the following can be performed simultaneously:
- arm lifting (brachioplasty)
- breast lifting (mastopexy)
- removal of excess skin from the chest (thoracoplasty)
- removal of loose skin from the abdomen (abdominoplasty)
- buttocks and pubic area lifting (circumferential or 360 abdominoplasty)
- thigh lifting
The goal of these surgeries is to restore the normal anatomy and functionality of the body, not just aesthetic considerations. Often, post-bariatric patients cannot perform normal physical activity – they may be unable to exercise or may experience unpleasant dysfunctions, including difficulty urinating or engaging in sexual activity due to the large apron of skin and fat on the abdomen. Skin infections that often appear in folds are also eliminated.
It should be noted that these surgeries result in long scars, often hidden by underwear, except for thigh scars. Over time, scars improve in appearance, gradually returning to normal skin color. To accelerate this process, scars should be massaged daily with special silicone gel – a minor inconvenience compared to the excellent results: regaining self-confidence and normal life. Many patients also opt for breast reconstruction.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR TOTAL BODY LIFTING?
Requirements for this type of surgery:
- good general health, no anemia (common after stomach reduction surgery)
- normal protein levels
- no uncontrolled chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, blood coagulation issues, neoplasms
- not a chronic smoker
WHEN CAN COMPLETE BODY REMODELING BE DONE?
For patients who lost weight through bariatric surgery, body lifting is recommended no earlier than 12 months after surgery, once metabolism has stabilized.
Since this is a major surgery, it is recommended to start a muscle toning program 3 months prior to surgery to facilitate post-op mobilization and enhance aesthetic results.
If planning a baby, postpone surgery until after breastfeeding for long-term, high-quality results.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR SURGERY (PREOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS)
- Smokers should stop smoking 14 days before and after surgery.
- Stop aspirin (e.g., Aspenter) or anticoagulant medications.
- Follow a balanced diet with high-quality proteins, vegetables, and fruits.
- EKG is mandatory for all general anesthesia surgeries.
- Additional tests may be required depending on other conditions (e.g., thyroid hormones).
- The evening before surgery, administer a subcutaneous injection of Fraxiparine or Clexane to prevent thromboembolism. Post-op anticoagulation continues for about 14 days.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS, RISKS OR COMPLICATIONS?
Local complications are usually related to the surgical wound. Though uncommon, they may include:
- delayed healing, slower scar formation
- partial necrosis of skin along incision line
- wound dehiscence (partial suture opening)
- hematoma (localized blood accumulation)
- seroma (accumulation of serum, lymph, or red blood cells)
- local infection
- thread granuloma with suture extrusion
- lymphorrhea (spontaneous lymph leakage)
These usually resolve without systemic effects, only prolonging healing.
General complications include:
- fat embolism
- pulmonary thromboembolism
It is well-known that post-bariatric patients may have poor nutrient absorption (proteins, iron, vitamins), which are essential for healing. Therefore, healing may take longer and the risk of local complications is higher.
HOW IS THE SURGERY PERFORMED?
The operation is under general anesthesia and lasts about 5 hours. Encouragingly, a few hours post-op you can get out of bed.
You will stay 2 days in hospital; post-discharge follow-ups are mandatory to adjust medication and monitor healing.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EASIER RECOVERY
After body lifting, potential complications can be managed by:
- following prescribed medication
- using pneumatic sleeves during and after surgery
- early mobilization
- staying well hydrated
- wearing compression stockings and elastic corsets for the first 2 months
HOW IS THE RECOVERY?
The recovery period has multiple phases:
- first 3 days: short, repeated walks with longer rest periods at home
- avoid bloating/constipating foods: no fizzy drinks, beans, peas, grapes
- drink plenty of water (2-2.5 L) and tea
- no alcohol or smoking
- first 3 weeks: light physical activity only, gradual increase in walking
- after 3 weeks: return to work if not physically demanding
- avoid heavy lifting
- after 2 months: resume exercises progressively – swimming, jogging, fitness
- no sun exposure for 6 months – UV rays can worsen post-op inflammation and pigmentation
- no sauna for 2 months
- first 3 weeks: home support for chores and meals is helpful
Post-op, 2-3 abdominal drains are usually placed and removed when drainage is <50ml. Elastic corset, bra, or sleeves worn for at least 2 months.
Post-op pain is mild to moderate, managed with analgesics. 5-day oral antibiotics prevent infection. Low iron patients continue supplementation. Anticoagulation with Fraxiparine/Clexane continues.
Wounds are covered with waterproof dressings allowing daily showers from day 2.
Sometimes minor touch-ups may be needed:
- “dog ear” correction
- additional sutures
- seroma or hematoma drainage
- possible asymmetries, etc.
Expectations should be realistic: permanent scars, healing influenced by genetics and age, and strict adherence to recovery to avoid wound tension and suture failure.
Body lifting does not improve skin elasticity lost from obesity but removes excess skin and some stretch marks. Post-healing, use body oils (argan, almond, coconut) and massage scars with silicone gel.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF TOTAL BODY LIFTING?
- significantly improved quality of life
- increased self-confidence, positively impacting professional and personal life
- able to wear swimwear
- able to enjoy any clothing thanks to removal of excess skin
- able to exercise and live a normal, fulfilling life
