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Losing a significant amount of weight is an incredible achievement, but for many, the journey doesn’t end there. After weight loss, excess skin and tissue can remain, affecting mobility, comfort, and quality of life. A circumferential body lift (belt lipectomy) is a 360° body contouring procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen, flanks, lower back, and buttocks to restore a smoother, firmer shape.

If you’re considering a body lift in Brisbane, Dr Eddie Cheng (MED0001399314) is a highly experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon offering comprehensive body contouring solutions tailored to your individual needs.

What is a Circumferential Body Lift?

A circumferential body lift (belt lipectomy) is an advanced post-weight loss surgery designed for patients who have lost a substantial amount of weight through diet, exercise, weight-loss medications (e.g., Ozempic), or bariatric surgery (such as a gastric sleeve) or a combination of the above. Unlike a standard abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), which focuses on the front of the abdomen, a body lift with Dr Eddie Cheng addresses the entire midsection, including:

✅ Excess skin and fat removal from the abdomen, waist, lower back, and buttocks
✅ Gluteal auto-augmentation – reshaping and restoring volume to the buttocks using the patient’s own tissue
✅ Abdominal muscle repair (rectus plication) – tightening abdominal muscles weakened by pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations
✅ Liposuction – sculpting key areas to refine body contour
✅ Umbilical relocation – repositioning the belly button for a natural aesthetic

Who is a Good Candidate for a Body Lift?

A belt lipectomy is ideal for individuals who:

• Have lost a significant amount of weight (typically 40kg or more)

• Experience loose, sagging skin around the entire lower torso

• Suffer from skin irritation, rashes (intertrigo), or infections due to excess skin folds

• Have stable weight for at least 6 months before surgery

• Are non-smokers or committed to quitting before surgery

• Have realistic expectations and understand the recovery process

• In good general health

Case Study: Body Lift Surgery with Dr Eddie Cheng

This patient underwent a circumferential body lift (belt lipectomy) with gluteal auto-augmentation after losing 72kg following gastric sleeve surgery. Photos 5 months post surgery. Her surgery included:

🔪 Abdominoplasty with Liposuction: Smoothing the abdominal area and removing redundant skin
💪 Rectus Plication: Tightening and repairing the abdominal muscles for improved core strength and posture
📍 Umbilical Relocation: Creating a natural belly button position💉 Back Lipectomy: Removal of excess skin and fat to sculpt the lower back and waist

🍑 Gluteal Auto-Augmentation: Enhancing and reshaping the buttocks using the patient’s own tissue

Recovery & Aftercare: What to Expect

Recovery after a circumferential body lift is a crucial phase, requiring commitment to post-surgical care. Here’s what patients can expect:

🩹 Compression Garments: Worn for 6 weeks to reduce swelling and support healing
🚶‍♂️ Early Mobilisation: Encouraged to prevent blood clots and improve circulation
💧 Drain Management: Drains may be removed within 5-10 days, depending on fluid output
🏥 Hospital Stay: Typically 3-7 nights, depending on individual recovery progress
⏳ Swelling & Bruising: Gradually decreases over the first few months
🔄 Final Results: Scars will mature over 12-18 months, and full body contour improvements become more visible over time

Risks & Considerations

As with any major surgical procedure, a body lift surgery carries risks, including:

• Bleeding and infection
• Delayed wound healing (especially in larger incisions)
• Scarring (scars are permanent but fade over time)
• Seroma (fluid build-up)
• Temporary numbness or changes in skin sensation
• Blood clots (DVT/PE) – early movement helps prevent this risk

To minimise complications, Dr Cheng provides detailed pre-surgical instructions, including stopping smoking and maintaining proper nutrition before and after surgery.

Circumferential Body Lift vs. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

A belt lipectomy offers several advantages over a standard tummy tuck, particularly for those with excess skin around their entire midsection.

If you’re unsure whether a body lift or tummy tuck is right for you, a consultation with Dr Cheng can help determine the best approach for your goals.

Cost & Private Health Insurance for a Body Lift in Brisbane

Some body contouring surgeries may be eligible for Medicare and private health insurance rebates if deemed medically necessary. The relevant MBS item numbers include:

✔️ 30177 – Abdominoplasty for significant weight loss 

✔️ 30179 – Circumferential Lipectomy (Body Lift)

📌 Important considerations for insurance coverage:

• You must have stable weight for at least 6 months
• SWL or Significant Weight Loss of more than 5 BMI or body Mass Index units
• The excess skin must interfere with activities of daily living 

• You experience skin rashes or intertrigo or another skin condition that risks loss of skin integrity and has failed 3 months of conventional (or non-surgical) treatment

• Your private health insurance policy must include the relevant clinical category (typically Gold tier policies are required)
• Out-of-pocket costs will still apply, including surgeon’s, anaesthetist fees and possibly hospital excess fees.

Pro Tip: Contact your private health fund to confirm your coverage before booking surgery. Be sure to provide the MBS item number(s) relevant to your procedure.

Why Choose Dr Eddie Cheng for a Body Lift in Brisbane?

Dr Eddie Cheng (MED0001399314) is a highly experienced and qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon. His expertise in circumferential body lift surgery ensures optimal results with patient safety as the top priority.

🔗 Book a consultation today: www.arplasticsurgery.com.au

All surgery carries risks and requires a recovery period and care regime. It is recommended to seek a second opinion from a Specialist Surgeon before proceeding. More information is available at:
🔗 Abdominoplasty: https://www.arplasticsurgery.com.au/service

📸 Image Disclaimer

These photos are of consented patients of @arplasticsurgerybrisbane and @dreddiecheng and have not been altered or digitally enhanced, other than nipple covers for social media and tattoo blurring. The outcomes shown are specific to this patient and do not necessarily reflect results for other individuals, as outcomes vary due to factors such as genetics, diet, and exercise.