Post Weight Loss Process

THE LOWER TRUNCOPLASTY (BODY LIFT)

What is a Lower Truncoplasty (Body Lift)?

A lower body lift, also known as truncoplasty, or belt lipectomy, is a procedure that is perfect for fixing loose, or excess skin after any major weight loss journey. This surgery eliminates the “belt” of excess skin and fat on the lower abdomen, waist, hips, upper buttocks and outer upper thighs (lower trunk).

The surgery takes several hours and is often carried out with other procedures. The amount of skin and fat that is removed depends on the individual and varies from patient to patient.

The Incision
The removal of excess skin requires extensive incisions. The surgeon will do his best to position the incisions as discreetly as possible to ensure the resulting scar can be hidden under clothing. The size and pattern of the incision will vary from patient to patient, and this can be discussed with the surgeon.

The Surgery
The technique employed to decrease the lower abdomen is similar to an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) wherein the navel is repositioned, the excess skin that exists on the lower abdomen is removed, and the skin of the upper abdomen is pulled down and joined to the lower incision on the abdomen

Skin from the outer regions of the thighs is tightened, excessive skin and fat from the sides of the hips are removed. The scar is positioned around the hip region.

The extra skin and fat on the lower back is removed, and this lifts and tightens the buttocks and thighs. The scar is positioned on the upper part of the buttocks which dips into the cleft, thereby completing the circle of lifted skin.

Liposuction can be used in conjunction with this procedure.

UPPER TRUNCOPLASTY (BODY LIFT)

What is an Upper Truncoplasty (Body Lift)?

Losing a significant amount of weight can result in the accumulation of excess skin folds, and folds on the upper back and under the arms. An upper truncoplasty (body lift) is the perfect solution to target and fix these issues. The location and the degree of extra skin varies from individual to individual and is dependent on the extent of the weight loss. This surgical procedure can change the way in which your clothes fit.

The incision
The incision

• Incisions to remove excess skin are required as part of the process. The surgeon will seek to ensure the scars can be hidden in the armpit region or under the bra line. Generally the scars fade quite well over time.
• The length and pattern of the incision will depend on how much skin is being removed — this will be discussed during the consultation process with the surgeon.

The surgery

• The duration of the surgery averages around a few hours, and is carried out under general anaesthetic.
• You will have to remain in the hospital overnight post-surgery.
  Supportive garments may be provided to you to help decrease the bruising and swelling.
• The doctor will prescribe analgesia and antibiotics for you. The team will stay in touch with you to monitor your progress.

BRACHIOPLASTY (ARM LIFT)

What is a Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)?

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a procedure involving the removal of the excess skin and fat that accumulates in the under-surface of the upper arm.

What Can A Brachioplasty (Arm Lift) Do For You?
It is not uncommon for many people to have excess fat in their underarm area. Brachioplasty (arm lift) is a great solution for anyone who is in the process of their weight-loss journey and struggles to lose weight in their upper arm area, or those who want to acquire tighter arms. In addition to that, brachioplasty (arm lift) surgery can give your upper body a more balanced look.

The incision
The size of the incision will vary, and depend on the degree of the skin to be removed and the location of the excess skin. Generally the incision can extend from the armpit area along the insides of the upper arm to the elbow, thereby allowing for the scar to be concealed when the arms are positioned near the body. For those with less skin laxity the incision could be smaller and is easily concealed under the armpit.
The location and length of your incision will be discussed with you in the consultation process.

The surgery

• The duration of the surgery averages about 2-3 hours, and is carried out under general anaesthetic.
• You will have to remain in the hospital overnight post-surgery.
  Supportive garments may be provided to you to help decrease the bruising and swelling.
• The doctor will prescribe analgesia and antibiotics for you. The team will stay in touch with you to monitor your progress.

THIGHPLASTY (THIGH LIFT)

What is a Thighplasty (Thigh Lift)?

Thighplasty (thigh lift) is a surgery that involves removing the excess skin or fat from the upper inner thighs area and tightening the skin around it. Thighplasty (thigh lift) is a procedure suitable for those who have undergone their weight loss process, or in the process of it. Thighs are often considered to be a concern when it comes to weight loss and weight management. The thighplasty (thigh lift) procedure gives your legs a more defined and balanced appearance.

The incision
The length of your incision (and resulting scar), will depend on the extent of the skin laxity — the amount and location of the excess skin to be removed.
Your surgeon will make an incision at the fold where the groin and thigh meet, which will extend along the inner part of the thigh towards the knee. Thighplasty (thigh lift) surgery may often be combined with liposuction and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) to achieve holistic results.

The surgery
A medial or inner thigh lift may take three to four hours and is performed under general anaesthetic in an accredited hospital. You will be required to stay in hospital for one to two days following your surgery. Patients who have an inner thigh lift rarely require drains.
You may be provided with a supportive garment that will help decrease the bruising and swelling, which must be worn for a few weeks after the surgery.

Common FAQs:

Who is a good candidate for upper truncoplasty (body lift) surgery?

• If you have rolls of skin on the upper back and the side of the chest, or if you have loose skin and minimal deposits of fat.
• The appearance can be achieved at the expense of visible scarring which runs across the back or is located in the armpit region. This can be concealed under a bra.
• Maintaining a stable weight, following a healthy diet and lifestyle ensures a smooth recovery.

Can an upper truncoplasty (body lift) be combined with other post weight loss procedures?

• Upper truncoplasty (body lifts) are either performed as a stand-alone process or can be combined along with other post weight loss procedures such as brachioplasty (arm lifts), mastopexy (breast lifts), abdominoplasty (tummy tucks) and thighplasty (thigh lifts).
• Surgery targeting the upper body is not combined with surgery targeting the lower body owing to wound tension and healing issues.

What is the process of the consultation?

• The first consultation will take around 45 minutes. The surgeon will run you through the procedure and determine if your expectations are achievable. The risks and techniques will be discussed with you.
• An assessment of your body will be taken, ie. photographs/measurements, to plan out the procedure. You are not obligated to commit during the consultation.

How will I be evaluated for the surgery?

• Your body will be examined and accessed. Your health status, your medical history will be gauged. The surgeon will run a thorough check to ensure you are suitable for the procedure.

How should I prepare for surgery?

• Avoid products that contain aspirin, vitamin E, glucosamine, fish oil and krill oil for four weeks before surgery.
• We also strongly recommend avoiding alcohol, and to stop smoking completely for eight weeks before and after surgery. Smoking can negatively affect the healing process.
• The surgeon may ask you to carry out some additional tests to monitor for blood clots.

What can I expect on the day of the surgery?

• Contact the hospital and confirm your admission. Once you have been admitted, the staff will guide you through the process. On completion of the surgery, you will be placed in the recovery room, where you will be monitored. The surgeon will visit you in the morning after the surgery.
• You will have firm bandages around the region that has been operated on, it could be your abdomen, arms or thighs, and there may be one or more surgical drains coming out of the surgical sites to drain away any fluid that may accumulate after surgery. You will have calf compressors (inflatable devices) and TED or compression stockings on both legs, as well as anticoagulant injections to reduce the risk of blood clots/deep vein thrombosis. You will have a drip in your arm and be connected to a machine to give you pain relief, fluids and medication.

How will I look and feel after the operation?

• Owing to the lack of muscle tightening, the recovery time frame from an upper body lift is much shorter than for a lower body lift or an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). The recovery time averages around two to three weeks.
• You can return to light activities at home or work from home within seven to ten days. Resuming your normal range of activities will take much longer.

I understand that all surgical procedures have risks involved; how do I find the information to make an informed decision?
We endeavour to make sure our patients are as informed as possible. While some of the potential risks seem frightening, it is important for you to be aware that they can occur. During consultation,the surgeon will take you through the risks involved and the potential complications.

Some of the possible complications are:

• Infection
• Unfavourable scarring
• Keloids and hypertrophic (or raised) scars
• The final body shape may not be what the patient expected and may require further procedures
• Asymmetry
• Temporary numbness of the skin on the abdomen
• Sutured skin may not heal well
• Constrained movements
• Fluid accumulation around the incision sites
• Poor wound healing
• Fat necrosis
• In rare cases, patients may require a blood transfusion.