BODY CONTOURING

WHAT IS BODY CONTOURING – UPPER & LOWER BODY LIFT?

Body contouring surgery is used to enhance the appearance of one’s body, especially after major weight loss when a lack of elasticity can result in saggy, heavy and loose skin.

Through upper and lower body lift surgery we are able to contour the body to improve the body’s appearance by modifying its size or shape. These body lift surgeries aim to remove and tighten excess skin, creating a better-proportioned appearance with smoother contours. 

The procedures are suitable for men and women who have lost a large amount of weight either through diet and exercise or through bariatric surgery. 

It is a great option for patients who want to improve isolated areas of the body:

• Upper body lift focuses on contouring the upper parts of the body – Areas of treatment include the arms, breast area, neck, and back.
• Lower body lift sculpts the lower areas of the body – Areas of treatment include the hips, outer upper thighs, lower abdomen, and upper buttocks.

THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE

Upper and lower body lift surgery is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. The extent of fat and skin to be removed will vary for each patient as such the procedures can take several hours to complete. 

The procedures both require incisions to remove excess skin. The length and pattern of the incisions in both procedures will depend on how much skin is being removed. Dr Kirstin Miteff will place incisions (cuts) within natural skin folds and in areas where the scars will be hidden by clothes. This, however, is not always possible and some scars may be visible. 

UPPER BODY LIFT

Dr Kirstin Miteff will do her best to ensure the scars are hidden in the armpit region or under the bra line. Upper body lift scars usually fade well over time.

LOWER BODY LIFT

These incisions can be quite extensive. Dr Kirstin Miteff will try to best position the incisions so that they can be hidden under clothing (below the underwear line, if possible). 

Upper and lower body lift surgery is performed at Lingard Private Hospital or Warners Bay Private Hospital. 

RECOVERY & HEALING

You may be in hospital for 5-7 days after surgery. Body lifting may involve several procedures and for this reason, it is quite difficult to predict exactly how much downtime you will need. Full recovery can take about 4-6 weeks.

The effects are generally long-lasting, provided you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

BENEFITS OF BODY CONTOURING THROUGH UPPER AND LOWER LIFT SURGERY

• Assisting you to reach your weight loss goal 
• More clothing options 
• Improved ability to walk and exercise 
• Better posture
• Improved hygiene and comfort
  
• Fewer folds in the skin results in fewer issues with skin infections and rashes

MEDICARE CRITERIA

• Upper body lift:  The Medicare item number is 30171. 
• Lower body lift: The Medicare item number is 30179. 

You may be able to claim a rebate from Medicare and your health fund for a lower body lift if :

• You have divarication of your rectus muscle (your abdominal muscles are stretched/weakened)
• You have lost a significant amount of weight – it must be at least 5 BMI points
• Your weight has remained stable for at least 6 months
• You experience persistent skin rashes or excoriation that have not responded to medical treatment
• You have excessive skin that interferes with your daily activities

Dr Miteff will document this in your consultation and let you know if you meet the above Medicare criteria.

We encourage our patients to check with their health fund that they are covered before their consultation/surgery.