Circumferential Abdominoplasty Melbourne

A Body Lift, also known as Circumferential Abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to address excess skin and soft tissue around the abdomen, lower back, hips, and outer thighs. This procedure is often considered by individuals following significant weight loss, where changes in skin elasticity have resulted in redundant tissue that does not respond to diet or physical activity.

A Body Lift focuses on removing excess skin and reshaping underlying tissues to achieve a firmer appearance around the lower torso and upper thigh area. Dr. Gary Kode will discuss your individual goals, suitability, and the potential risks associated with this procedure during your consultation.

Am I a Suitable Candidate for Circumferential Body Lift Surgery?

A thorough personal assessment is essential to determine your suitability for surgery. In general, candidates may include those who:

  • Have excess skin with little to no abdominal muscle separation. If muscle repair is required, Dr Kode often recommends a staged approach, starting with Abdominoplasty, followed by the circumferential lift around six months later.
  • Have experienced significant weight loss through personal efforts, pregnancy, or bariatric surgery, resulting in excess skin that does not retract.
  • Experience physical symptoms such as skin irritation, chafing, difficulty with mobility, or discomfort when wearing certain clothing.
  • Are medically suitable for surgery, typically between the ages of 20 and 70. Suitability is based on overall health, not age alone.
  • Have maintained a stable weight for at least six months prior to surgery, as ongoing weight changes can affect outcomes.
  • Are non-smokers or willing to cease smoking before and after surgery, as smoking affects healing and increases risk.
  • Have a BMI within a suitable range for surgery. Some hospitals have BMI thresholds for elective procedures.
  • Hold realistic expectations about the outcomes, potential benefits, and recovery process associated with this surgery.

Surgical Options Circumferential Abdominoplasty

Different body types and goals require different surgical strategies. Dr. Kode offers tailored approaches to match individual anatomy. Options include:

Full Lower Body Lift (LBL)

Addresses the abdomen, hips, flanks, lower back, buttocks, and upper thighs using a circumferential incision. This approach allows lifting and reshaping around the entire lower torso.

  • Involves a continuous incision around the lower torso.
  • May be suitable for post-bariatric patients or those with extensive skin laxity, after multiple pregnancies or ageing.
  • Allows 360-degree lifting and shaping of the lower torso, front and back.

Extended Abdominoplasty

Focuses on the abdomen and sides, without lifting the back or buttocks. Liposuction may be used to provide a more comprehensive result.

  • May be suitable for individuals with localised skin excess in the front and sides but suitable posterior skin quality.

Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty

  • Incorporates a vertical midline incision in addition to the lower horizontal scar.
  • Allows removal of excess skin in both vertical and horizontal dimensions.
  • May be suitable for individuals with extreme skin laxity, particularly following massive weight loss (50+ kg).
  • Results in additional scarring but often more tightening and shaping.
  • It can be performed in one or two stages.

Dr. Gary Kode will help you determine the most effective option based on your goals, physical condition, and lifestyle. No two surgeries are the same and your plan will be uniquely yours.

The Surgery Process – Circumferential Body Lift

Circumferential body lift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in accredited hospitals such as Ramsay Surgical Centre Glenferrie or Masada Private Hospital.

Procedure Overview:

  • Pre-surgery markings are completed while standing, before surgery.
  • Anaesthesia is administered; repositioning may occur during surgery.
  • Incisions are placed low on the abdomen, extending around the sides and back, aiming to be hidden by undergarments.
  • If required, abdominal muscle repair is performed.
  • Excess skin and fat are removed, with tissue repositioned for optimal results.
  • Quilting sutures may be used to reduce fluid collection and aid healing.
  • Drains are inserted if needed.
  • Wounds are closed with layered sutures for optimal healing.

Dr Kode performs every step of the surgery personally, rather than delegating to assistants.

Circumferential Abdominoplasty Before and After Photos

Seeing real patient outcomes can help set expectations and aid in decision-making. Visit our online gallery of before-and-after photos.

These images are only displayed with explicit, written consent and represent a range of patient types and outcomes. They do not infer that you will achieve the same results.

Recovery After Circumferential Abdominoplasty

Recovery After Surgery

Hospital Stay:

  • Most patients stay for 1 to 3 nights, depending on recovery progress and the complexity of the procedure.

Compression Garments:

  • Worn day and night for the first month to support healing and reduce swelling.
  • Worn during the day for an additional two months, as advised.

Wound Care:

  • Hypafix tape or alternative dressings are used initially.
  • Scar management strategies such as silicone sheets or scar massage may be introduced as healing progresses.

Physical Activity:

  • Light walking from the first day to promote circulation.
  • Return to desk-based work typically occurs within 2 to 3 weeks.
  • Strenuous activities and lifting are generally avoided for at least 6 to 8 weeks.

Follow-Up:

  • Scheduled appointments with Dr Kode for wound care and progress monitoring.
  • Ongoing access to clinical nursing support and guidance.

Patients are empowered to take an active role in their recovery, guided every step of the way by Dr. Kode and his experienced team.

Results of Circumferential Body Lift

Results and Expectations

Potential benefits of surgery may include:

  • A firmer and more defined lower body appearance.
  • Increased comfort wearing certain clothing.
  • Reduction of discomfort caused by excess skin.
  • Ease of movement and posture.

Timeline for Results:

  • Initial swelling subsides within several weeks.
  • Body shape continues to settle over 3 to 6 months.
  • Final results are often visible after 6 to 12 months.

About Circumferential Body Lift Scars

Scarring is a part of the healing process following surgery. The appearance of scars may vary depending on factors such as your skin type, genetics, the specifics of the procedure and how your body heals.

Scar Characteristics

  • Runs low on the abdomen, extending around the hips and back.
  • Hidden beneath most underwear and swimwear styles.
  • Wound healing problems and poor scars can be a problem in major weight loss patients, as the structure of the skin is permanently changed.

Scar Management Options

Approaches to Scar Care May Include:

  • Supportive dressings or surgical tapes
    Used in the initial healing phase to support the incision site and help reduce tension on the scar.
  • Silicone products
    Silicone sheets or gels may be suggested once the wound has closed, as they are widely used in clinical practice for scar management.
  • Massage techniques
    Once approved by your surgeon, gentle scar massage may be introduced to support tissue flexibility.
  • Topical applications
    Certain creams or topical treatments may be discussed during follow-up visits, depending on your individual healing process.
  • Sun protection
    Protecting healing skin from sun exposure is recommended, as UV rays can affect the appearance of scars. You will be advised to use physical barriers such as clothing and broad-brimmed hats or, when suitable, sunscreen on healed areas.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

Scar care is regularly reviewed during your follow-up appointments. If you have any concerns or notice unexpected changes in your scars, Dr Kode will assess and discuss options with you.

Dr. Kode will discuss your scarring risk profile and offer a personalised strategy to optimise long-term scar outcomes. While scars are permanent, they fade significantly and become less prominent over time.

Cost of Circumferential Body Lift

In line with AHPRA advertising guidelines, we do not publish specific prices. The overall investment in this procedure reflects several variables, including:

  • Time required in theatre
  • Hospital and anaesthetist fees
  • Surgical complexity
  • Use of additional procedures (e.g. liposuction, muscle tightening)
  • Length and intensity of aftercare

Insurance and Medicare

  • Some patients may qualify for Australian Medicare support if the procedure meets specific medical criteria (e.g. excess skin causing rashes or hygiene issues).
  • If eligible, private health insurance may assist with hospital and theatre costs.

A comprehensive, personalised quote will be provided during your consultation with Dr. Gary Kode in Melbourne.

It’s important to note that even with Medicare and Insurance, patients will still incur out of pocket costs.

Risks and Risk Reduction- Circumferential Abdominoplasty

All surgical procedures involve risk. Dr. Kode believes in open, honest discussion so that you are fully informed before choosing to proceed.

Potential Risks Include:

  • Infection or wound separation
  • Bleeding or haematoma formation
  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)
  • Unfavourable scarring
  • Numbness or nerve irritation
  • Asymmetry or irregularity
  • Anaesthetic-related complications

Risk Reduction Measures

  • Detailed pre-surgical planning
  • Optimised patient preparation (e.g. BMI, smoking cessation)
  • Meticulous surgical technique
  • Early mobilisation and follow-up
  • Use of drains and quilting sutures
  • A focus on nutrition and medical pre-testing

Dr. Kode is committed to managing and addressing any post-op concerns promptly and professionally, always prioritising patient safety and wellbeing.

Next Steps

Dr Kode and his team will guide you through every stage of the process, from consultation through to recovery, with a focus on education, preparation, and collaborative decision-making.

FAQS About Circumferential Body Lift