For individuals who have lost a large amount of weight, excess skin around the lower abdomen, hips, and back may persist following weight loss. A belt lipectomy is a major surgical procedure that removes this skin and fat in a continuous band around the body.
In this guide, we outline the purpose of the procedure, recovery considerations, and the importance of choosing a qualified surgeon.
A ‘360 belt lipectomy’ is a circumferential surgical procedure that removes a belt-like section of excess skin and fat around the lower abdomen, hips, buttocks, and lower back. This surgery is most often considered by individuals who have undergone significant weight loss, whether through lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery, and are left with changes in skin tone and tissue elasticity around the midsection.
The ideal candidates for belt lipectomy are individuals who have reached a stable weight following significant weight loss. This surgery is not a method for losing weight; instead, it is a body contouring procedure that aims to address the changes that occur after significant weight loss. Candidates often have residual areas of skin laxity around the abdomen, flanks, or back despite healthy lifestyle measures. Good overall health, non-smoking status, and realistic expectations about recovery and outcomes are also important considerations.
Belt lipectomy is performed under general anaesthesia and is considered a major surgery. The procedure involves making an incision that extends completely around the body, usually at the level of the lower abdomen and back. Through this incision, excess skin and fat are removed, to re-drape and reposition tissue to support a balanced body profile. Because it is a complex surgery, the operation can take several hours, and the approach is customised to suit each patient’s body and needs.
Belt lipectomy recovery is extensive compared to other body contouring procedures. Patients typically remain in the hospital for several days after surgery. In the early stages, swelling, discomfort, and bruising are expected. Surgical drains may be placed to prevent fluid build-up, and compression garments are usually worn to support healing. Light activities can often be resumed within four to six weeks, though complete recovery takes several months.
Finding a comfortable sleeping position may require adjustment during recovery. Many patients are advised to sleep in a slightly reclined position, such as in a recliner chair or with pillows propped behind the back. Additional pillows placed under the knees can also help relieve tension on the incision line.
As with any major surgery, a belt lipectomy procedure carries risks. These include infection, blood clots, poor wound healing, fluid accumulation, and numbness. All surgery results in scarring, which typically fades over time but remains permanent. These risks are carefully discussed during a consultation, and results vary depending on individual circumstances.
Patients may experience a reduction in skin redundancy and improvement in tissue firmness and body shape. However, outcomes vary between individuals, and no specific aesthetic result can be guaranteed.
Belt lipectomy is a complex surgery that requires advanced training and expertise. In Australia, the FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) qualification indicates that the surgeon has completed specialist training consistent with Australian standards of care and safety. Selecting a surgeon with this accreditation ensures the highest standard of care and safety.
If you are considering a circumferential belt lipectomy, the next step is to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. In Australia, AHPRA regulations require a referral from your GP before proceeding. Patients must also undergo two consultations, followed by a mandatory 7-day cooling-off period after giving consent, before surgery can take place.
To arrange your consultation with Dr Mark Doyle at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery, please contact our team.
Dr Mark Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery.