Body lift or abdominoplasty: what are the differences?

The body lift: what is it?

The difference between a body lift and abdominoplasty lies chiefly in the region to be remodelled.

Indeed, a body lift is an aesthetic surgical procedure that allows the remodelling of more extensive areas by correcting skin laxity and removing excess skin and adipose tissue all around the torso, that is the entire circumference of the body at belt level – the abdomen, hips, buttocks, passing through the lower back and sometimes the upper thighs. It is recommended for the significant, circumferential skin laxity and sagging skin of the abdomen, hips and buttocks, especially after massive weight loss.

This procedure is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, supported by a specialised medical team. As with any surgery, a preoperative pathway is essential. The first step is a consultation with the surgeon, during which the details of the procedure are explained and the patient’s health status assessed. After evaluation, the professional decides whether the operation can be undertaken. The procedure, carried out under general anaesthesia, lasts approximately four to six hours and involves removing excess skin and tightening the tissues in a circumferential manner around the torso. Soft drains are often placed to evacuate postoperative fluids, and the incisions are closed in a way that minimises tension. A hospital stay of two to five days is generally required. Pain is managed with appropriate analgesics, drains are removed once output is low, and the scars are monitored by the medical team. Wearing a compression garment is recommended for several weeks to promote healing and reduce swelling.

Recovery may extend over several weeks. A period off work of three to six weeks is often required, depending on the patient’s daily activities. Physical activity can be resumed gradually after six to eight weeks. Initial results become apparent quickly, but it is necessary to allow six to twelve months to observe the final result, once the oedema has subsided. The scars, long and circular, are positioned so as to remain concealed beneath underwear.

A study conducted between 2012 and 2016 involving 76 patients (68 women and 8 men) assessed patient satisfaction, complications and the impact on quality of life following surgery. In this context, various techniques were implemented. The procedures most frequently combined with the lower body lift included the creation of fat flaps according to Louarn and Pascal, supplementary lipomodelling of the buttocks and pubic lift surgery. According to the results, 41 patients (85.4%) reported very satisfactory outcomes and 5 patients (10.4%) reported good outcomes. Moreover, satisfaction in the abdominal region was higher (93.8%) than in the gluteal region (87.5%) and the pubic region (77.1%). The body lift results are overall very satisfactory, particularly in the abdominal region, which appears to be the area best perceived by patients.

However, it may present certain contraindications, particularly in patients in poor health, smokers or those with severe cardiovascular conditions, so a bodylift requires a rigorous preoperative evaluation.

It may result in more pronounced pain, extensive circular scarring and an increased risk of seroma or wound dehiscence. A seroma refers to a collection of sero-haematic fluid that accumulates in the space created by the surgical separation of tissues. The wound dehiscence, in turn, refers to a partial or complete rupture of the skin suture, associated with poor healing, excessive tension or local infection.

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What you need to know about abdominoplasty.

The abdominoplasty, also known as abdominal plasty or abdominal lift, is a surgical procedure intended to remodel and firm the abdominal region. As with any lift, the principle of abdominoplasty is to excise excess skin and fatty tissues that create a flaccid appearance of the abdomen.

Here again, preoperative steps are required before resorting to surgery. Abdominoplasty begins with a horizontal incision in the lower part of the abdomen. In general, it is performed at the bikini line. The incision may be of variable length depending on the amount of skin and fat to be removed. Some cases of abdominoplasty require a second incision made around the navel. Once access to the tissues is possible, the excess skin and fat are removed. Once this step is complete, the surgeon may tighten and suture the muscles to correct any separation of the abdominal muscles. This allows the abdominal wall to be strengthened and the silhouette to be sculpted. The operation concludes with suturing and dressing the incisions to protect them. Once fully healed, the abdomen appears firm.

A retrospective study was conducted on 46 consecutive patients who underwent abdominoplasty and panniculectomy over a 12-year period from 2004 to 2016. All patients included in the study were overweight or obese. Thirty-seven of the 46 patients underwent abdominoplasty. The results indicate that 94.4 % of the patients surveyed were satisfied with their surgery.

However, abdominoplasty, like a body lift, presents contraindications and side effects particularly in cases of severe obesity, active smoking, coagulation disorders or pregnancy. After the procedure, it may frequently result in pains, swelling, bruising and an abdominal scar that can occasionally become hypertrophic.

Key differences to note.

The abdominoplasty exclusively treats the abdomen.
The bodylift targets the abdomen, hips, back and buttocks.
The bodylift is a more extensive surgical procedure.
The bodylift sometimes includes an abdominoplasty.
Abdominoplasty and body lift have the same overarching objective : to tighten the skin and reshape the silhouette.