Belt Lipectomy Sydney

Circumferential Abdominoplasty or Belt Lipectomy After Massive Weight Loss by Dr Kernohan 

A belt lipectomy is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from around your waistline and can give you a contoured midsection. It is also referred to as abdominal lipectomy, 360 Abdo or panniculectomy. Most patients get it done after a bariatric surgery or massive weight loss transformation to get rid of the overly stretched rolls of excess skin. 

Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Michael Kernohan performs different types of abdominoplasty procedures for patients in Sydney, Australia.

Download Dr Michael Kernohan Excess Skin Reduction Guide

Guide Excess Skin Reduction

What is Belt Lipectomy?

A belt lipectomy or circumferential abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that can remove loose skin and fat around the waist/ beltline. The procedure is recommended for people who are left with excess loose skin post massive weight loss.

Benefits of Belt Lipectomy 

The top benefits of belt lipectomy include but are not limited to:

1. Comfort – less Jiggling and uncomfortable skin folds

The excess skin on your body can create rolls over the clothing bands and jiggles. Belt lipectomy removes excess skin and adds to your comfort. 

2. Improved Hygiene – Less Infection, smells or rashed

Large folds of fat and skin are hard to clean. Moisture and dirt can accumulate under the skin folds. Some find it extremely troublesome to use the washroom as you navigate around excess tissue. A lipectomy will greatly improve your hygiene and minimise the risk of skin infections and unpleasant odours. 

Taking a look at before and after photos of belt lipectomy patients speaks volumes about the expertise of a specific surgeon, and Dr Kernohan is not an exception. You can see Dr Kernohan’s past work during your consultation

What can I Expect during Belt Lipectomy? 

Here is a very brief overview of what you can expect during belt lipectomy. To begin the procedure, Dr Kernohan will go over the details of the surgery one more time to ensure you have a clear idea of what is going to happen. 

An anaesthetist will give you general anaesthesia. It will make you sleep throughout the procedure and you won’t feel anything.

Your heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs will be monitored closely. Dr Kernohan will create an incision to remove excess skin and tissue. Once everything is in place, Dr Kernohan will close the incisions with the help of sutures. This is done to remove extra skin and tissue and create a smoother contour. Medical staff will put dressings on your wounds. 

Immediately post the surgery, you will be given antibiotics to prevent any infections followed by pain killers to alleviate discomfort. 

 

Recovery after Belt Lipectomy 

As soon as you wake up, you might have drainage tubes under your skin to drain excess fluid. You might experience some pain and discomfort post the surgery. Hence, you will be given pain medication. 

You will be required to stay in the hospital overnight or 2-3 nights for some patients You will be given detailed instructions on how to care for your wounds.

Post the surgery, it is recommended to avoid severe or violent body movements. Avoid putting a strain on your wounds as it can hinder the healing process. Follow all the post-surgical instructions given by the medical team to ensure a smooth recovery. You will be able to see the results soon after surgery despite the swelling.

How long recovery takes is different from one patient to another. Most people need to take at least two to three weeks off from work. Complete recovery typically takes around two months. 

Make sure you wear a surgical compression garment for at least six weeks post-surgery to help with swelling. Have someone to help you around the house for the first days post-surgery. Walk lightly around the house to prevent blood clotting. Stay clear of strenuous workouts to avoid putting pressure on your wounds. 

Never skip the follow-up appointments to ensure you are healing at the right pace. Typically, the first follow up appointment is 14 days post-surgery. During the appointment, Dr Kernohan will remove the sutures and ensure your wounds are healing properly. The second follow up appointment is usually after six weeks. 

Make sure to eat nutritious food, drink lots of water and sleep with your back in an elevated position. Last but not the least, be patient with yourself during the recovery phase. 

Risks of Belt Lipectomy 

Even though belt lipectomy surgery is considered to be a fairly safe procedure, there are certain risks associated with it. Some of them include:

  • Unsatisfactory results
  • Blood clots in the legs which may travel to the lungs 
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Excess accumulation of fluids aka seroma 
  • Poor scarring 
  • Anaesthesia related risks 
  • Slow wound healing
  • Excessive swelling 

If you choose the right surgeon and stick to all the pre and post-surgical instructions, the risks can be greatly minimised. Find out more details from Dr Kernohan’s risks of surgery page

How much is Belt Lipectomy in Sydney?

Belt Lipectomy - Dr Michael Kernohan Leading Cosmetic Surgeon Sydney - Belt Lipectomy Sydney

The Belt Lipectomy Cost Sydney depends on various factors such as:

  • Surgeon’s reputation, level of expertise, qualifications
  • What is included in the surgical quote or price estimate
  • Where is surgery performed
  • Whether surgery is a medically-indicated or cosmetic procedure
  • The complexity of the case

Learn more about the prices of Belt Lipectomy on Dr Kernohan’s pricing page. or phone the team for an estimate on 1300 39 38 99

Funding Your Belt Lipectomy

Medicare is likely to fund excess skin removal for massive weight loss patients if you meet the criteria. In some cases, patients who have lost a lot of weight and have redundant skin folds might be eligible for the procedure. Visit Dr Kernohan’s Medicare Coverage page

How to Find the Best Belt Lipectomy Surgeon Sydney has to offer

The results of belt lipectomy heavily depend on the surgeon you choose. For that reason, you need to look for a reputable plastic surgeon with significant experience in performing breast implant surgery. Of course, the surgeon you choose should be qualified, certified, and a surgeon recognised by the RACS and ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons that monitor the work of healthcare professionals. 

Belt Lipectomy FAQs

Belt Lipectomy FAQs

Here is a list of frequently asked questions we get regarding belt lipectomy:

Does belt lipectomy include tummy tuckabdominoplasty?

  • Yes, a belt lipectomy is a more extensive abdominoplasty procedure. An abdominoplasty treats the front abdomen area, whereas belt lipectomy is all around the beltline – front and back.

How long is a belt lipectomy surgery?

  • Belt lipectomy generally takes 4 to 5 hours in theatre. 

How should I sleep after the belt lipectomy?

  • You should sleep with your head elevated and your knees bent for the first few days. You will have to keep your upper body elevated at a 45-degree angle for at least a week or two. Avoid sleeping on your side and stomach at all costs till you are fully healed.

Is belt lipectomy covered by insurance?

  • If you meet the medicare criteria – experience problems like infections on account of your excess skin, and the surgery is deemed as a medical necessity by your doctor and surgeon, your insurance might cover it. However, it is always a good idea to check in with your private insurance to get a definite answer. 

Is abdominoplasty a major surgery?

  • Yes, an abdominoplasty is a major surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. You have to take a minimum of two weeks off from work and follow all the pre and post-treatment instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. 

What is a fleur de lis tummy tuckabdominoplasty?

  • The Fleur de Lis tummy tuck or FDL Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to remove significant excess skin from the entire midsection. This procedure involves a horizontal incision as well as an incision that runs vertically up the middle of the stomach. It treats excess skin in the upper and lower belly at the front.

How much is a Panniculectomy?

  • The cost of Panniculectomy depends on a variety of different factors; experience and expertise of the surgeon, location, hospital fees. Call the team for an estimate.

Is a belt lipectomy the same as a lower body lift?

  • No, they are not the same and the key difference lies in the placement of incisions. In a lower body lift, the incisions on the side and back are lower than in a belt lipectomy. It generally works best for people who have bulges of loose skin over the hips and upper thighs.

How do you reduce swelling after a belt lipectomy?

  • Make sure to wear a compression garment for the specified duration to help with swelling. Walking, going easy on sodium, drinking plenty of water, walking around the house are all great ways to help minimise swelling. 

Further Reading and Medical Sources about Belt Lipectomy