BODYLIFT IN PARIS

WHAT IS A BODY LIFT?

MEDICAL DEFINITION OF THE LOWER BODY LIFT

The bodylift, (also known as body lift or circular lipectomy), is body contouring surgery. The plastic surgeon removes a wide band of skin around the abdomen, lower back, buttocks and outer thighs.

It then tightens the skin to 360° body contouring.

It is a combined surgery: circular abdominoplasty + buttock lift. Le lower body lift treats excess skin on the abdominal girdle, saddlebags, sagging buttocks and lateral thighs.

In case of persistent grease, It can also be removed during the same procedure to restore a harmonious silhouette.

This operation is intended for patients who have lost a great deal of weight and whose skin can no longer tighten on its own.

BODY LIFT VS ABDOMINOPLASTY AND LIPOSUCTION: WHAT BODY LIFT DOESN'T DO

The body lift is not a simple liposuction. Indeed, the liposuction mainly removes fat. If the skin is very distended, it remains flaccid after fat suction, and excess skin often persists.

Nor is it a isolated abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty mainly corrects the tummy. It does not treat the lower back, saddlebags and sagging buttocks.

The body lift acts circumferentially. It combines abdominal dermolipectomy, buttock lift and tightening of the abdominal belt.

It is considered when local surgeries are no longer sufficient to correct overall skin excess.

WHO SHOULD UNDERGO A BODY LIFT?

PATIENTS AFTER MASSIVE WEIGHT LOSS OR BARIATRIC SURGERY (SLEEVE, BYPASS)

The body lift is reserved for patients with significant weight loss. Often after a loss of several tens of kilos, after a bariatric surgery (sleeve, bypass, gastric band) or after a long diet.

The weight is stabilized, but the skin hangs in excess all around the body.
The patients concerned frequently present :

• an abdominal apron covering the pubis,
• a fall of the buttocks,
• a fall on the side of the thighs,
• persistent saddlebags.

You've done «a lot of work» on your weight, but your body isn't keeping up. You want to finish working on your figure.

A consultation with Dr. Djian in Paris will determine whether a body lift is right for you.

SAGGING AND EXCESS SKIN: SELECTION CRITERIA

During the consultation, the plastic surgeon performs a precise assessment.

It checks and analyzes :

• weight stability,
• BMI
• general level of health.
• skin quality,
• the amount of excess skin and fat,
• distribution across the stomach, lower back, buttocks and lateral thighs.
• discomfort: maceration in the folds, limited movement, difficulty dressing, persistent shame despite weight loss.

The aim is twofold: to confirm that body lift is indicated and to ensure that the patient can withstand this combined surgery.

WHY DO A BODY LIFT AFTER MAJOR WEIGHT LOSS?

AESTHETIC AND FUNCTIONAL OBJECTIVES

The body lift removes excess skin from the abdominal belt and lifts the buttocks. It reshapes the waist, smoothes the lower back, and corrects the abdominal apron and saddlebags. The silhouette gains in harmony and proportion.

Functionally, circular dermolipectomy reduces friction, maceration and irritation in the folds.

Clothes fit better. Shirts become easier to wear. Comfort and mobility often improve.

The body lift allows you to live more comfortably with your body after massive weight loss.

PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF A BODY LIFT AFTER MASSIVE WEIGHT LOSS

After significant weight loss, the number on the scale has changed. The look, however, still hesitates.
The belly is slimmer, but the back tells a different story. From the front, the body appears corrected. In profile or from the back, it still betrays the old volume. The skin falls away, folds back, a constant reminder of what we thought we'd left behind.

This discrepancy creates silent fatigue. A persistent discomfort. Some people avoid mirrors, changing rooms and even intimacy, not out of coquetry, but because their bodies don't reflect the effort they've put in. The transformation is real, but incomplete. And this inconsistency wears.

A body lift doesn't erase the past or promise an idealized body. It provides a honest and comprehensive correction of excess skin. It often enables an essential thing to happen: the body stops contradicting the path it has already travelled, and finally rediscovers continuity with the transformation it has undergone.

HOW A BODY LIFT WORKS: CONSULTATION, OPERATION, HOSPITALIZATION

PRE-OPERATIVE CONSULTATION BEFORE A BODY LIFT

First consultation :

It is used to assess the after-effects of weight loss. The surgeon examines the abdomen, back, buttocks, thighs, arms and breasts.
He checks that the weight has stabilized and is compatible with the procedure.

In case of abdominal apron, the surgeon can request a prior agreement to cover the costs. A quote is drawn up, including surgical and anesthesia fees.

Second consultation :

• pre-op photos
• validation of treated areas
• answers to last questions
• intervention programming

After bariatric surgery, a nutritional assessment may be recommended to limit risks and optimize healing.

ESSENTIAL PRE-OP INSTRUCTIONS

• complete cessation of smoking 1 month before and 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure
• individual adaptation of contraception according to thrombo-embolic risk
• suspension of anticoagulant treatment on medical advice
• early prescription of a panty-type support garment

STAGES OF THE BODY LIFT PROCEDURE

The intervention takes place under general anaesthetic.

Surgery lasts between 4 and 6 hours on average, depending on the extent of excess skin and the associated procedures.
The surgeon works on the entire perimeter of the abdominal belt. He removes excess skin from the abdomen, lower back, saddlebags and lateral thighs. He lifts the buttocks and tightens the skin on the stomach.

Complementary liposuction can be performed in cases of persistent excess fat.
Dr. Djian uses absorbable sutures and modern suturing techniques.

A Urgotouch-type laser treatment can be proposed to optimize healing.

At the end of the procedure, a compression bandage is applied. It is removed the following day.

LENGTH OF HOSPITAL STAY AND RETURN HOME

After a body lift, hospitalization generally lasts 2 to 6 days. We monitor pain, dressings, venous circulation and blood pressure. Pain is usually controlled with simple analgesics.

Early, gentle mobilization. Walking early reduces the risk of phlebitis.
The return home needs to be organized: help with everyday tasks, nursing care for dressings, compliance with instructions.

It is essential to limit certain positions that exert pressure on the scar the first few weeks. It may be advisable to avoid sit at 90° for 3 weeks, to avoid opening the scar on the buttocks.

From check-ups scheduled at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. Close follow-up at Dr. Djian's practice ensures a safe recovery.

POST-OPERATIVE RECOVERY AND CONVALESCENCE AFTER A BODY LIFT

POST-OPERATIVE PAIN, SWELLING AND DISCOMFORT

The after-effects of a body lift are logically marked, but supervised.

• The pain is real for the first few days, It can be intense, especially when changing position. It is anticipated and managed with painkillers.
• Swelling is normal. Bruising may appear. The skin is taut, sometimes numb. Fatigue is common, especially after a long period of weight loss.
• Skin closure progresses in a few weeks, but the scar matures over 12-18 months.

Any unusual pain, severe redness, fever or discharge should be reported to the surgeon.

GIRDLE WEAR AND POST-OPERATIVE CARE

A compression girdle or panty is worn after the operation. It maintains the abdominal wall, supports the circular scar and limits swelling. It is usually worn day and night for several weeks, as recommended by the surgeon.

Dressings are checked and renewed, often by a nurse. Scars must be kept clean and dry.

No bathing/pooling for 1 month.

Avoid the sun on recent scars for 1 year.

Smoking must be stopped, as it greatly increases the risk of disunion and skin necrosis.

In case of doubt, the firm should be contacted promptly.

RETURNING TO WORK AND SPORT AFTER A BODY LIFT

Returning to work depends on the job:

• For sedentary work, you need to allow several weeks' downtime.
• For physical work, it takes longer.

Gradual return to sport after several weeks, depending on progress and surgeon's advice First, gentle walking. Then, with the surgeon's agreement, more sustained efforts. Impact sports and intense abdominal work come later, to avoid weakening the circular scar.
The aim is to protect the result and secure the skin's return to normal tension.

SCARS AFTER A BODY LIFT : LOCATION AND EVOLUTION

SCAR LOCATION AND SHAPE

The body lift scar is circular and low. It's hidden in the panties.

At the front, it passes over the pubis. It continues along the sides, in the hip area.

At the rear, it passes above the buttock line.

This position allows the scar to be concealed in the underwear or bikini line. Circular dermolipectomy also leaves a scar around the umbilicus, due to its transposition.

The navel is preserved and then re-implanted through the tightened skin via a new opening created by the surgeon.

The aim is to make the scars as inconspicuous as possible in relation to the transformation achieved.

EVOLUTION AND QUALITY OF SCARS OVER TIME

Body lift scars evolve over 12 to 18 months.

At first, they are red, sometimes a little thick. They can be itchy.
Over time, they become thinner and fainter.

Draining massages silicone dressings or Urgotouch laser treatment can be suggested to optimize the result.
The sun protection is essential.

Compliance with these instructions significantly improves the final appearance.

BODYLIFT RESULTS: BEFORE/AFTER, TIMESCALES AND FINAL RESULTS

IMMEDIATE VS. FINAL RESULTS

As soon as you wake up, your figure changes. The abdominal apron has disappeared. The buttocks are lifted. The lower back is less wrinkled.
But the body is swollen. The tissues are hard. The contour is not yet definitive.
The result becomes clearer as the weeks go by. Swelling diminishes. Skin recovers.

We're starting to get realistic vision around 3 to 6 months.

The final appearance of scars and silhouette is best judged by between 12 and 18 months.

Complementary procedures after a body lift

A body lift mainly treats the trunk (abdomen, hips, back, buttocks). Depending on the remaining areas, a course can be completed with :

• an arm lift (brachioplasty)
• inner thigh lift (cruroplasty)
• a breast lift
• liposuction targeted on a persistent area

These procedures are rarely “all in one”. Dr. Djian plans them in stages, according to your priorities, recovery and skin quality.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE BODY LIFT

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF A BODY LIFT

Like any intervention of this scale, it entails risks, which are as follows anticipated and managed through rigorous patient selection and appropriate management.

Possible general risks :

• hematoma or bleeding
• infection
• phlebitis (blood clot)
• pulmonary embolism

These risks are reduced by :

• a complete pre-operative check-up
• history analysis (cardiac, respiratory, diabetes, bariatric surgery)
• the right preparation
• wearing compression stockings
• anticoagulant treatment if necessary
• early mobilization after surgery

Complications specific to the body lift :

• seroma (accumulation of lymph)
• partial scar opening
• localized cutaneous necrosis
• temporary sensitivity disorders
• residual asymmetries

In the majority of cases, these situations can be managed with local care, sometimes by puncture or surgical touch-up. Information is an integral part of the consultation, so that a fully informed decision can be taken.

PRICE OF A BODY LIFT IN PARIS: RATES, ESTIMATES AND REIMBURSEMENT

HOW MUCH DOES A BODY LIFT WITH DR DJIAN COST?

The cost of a body lift depends on the extent of excess skin, the operating time, the type of hospitalization and the associated procedures (liposuction, buttock reshaping, etc.).

*Plastic surgery prices are given as an indication and are non-contractual. The first cosmetic surgery consultation at our office in the 16th arrondissement of Paris costs 100 euros.

For a personalized project, you can make an appointment at Dr. Djian's office in 16ᵉ.

IS THE BODY LIFT COVERED BY SOCIAL SECURITY?

Coverage is only possible that if the body lift is part of reconstructive surgery. This may be the case in the presence of major weight loss sequelae, often following bariatric surgery, with functional discomfort: maceration, repeated infections, limitation of movement.
The most commonly used CCAM reference is QBFA003 (total circular abdominal dermolipectomy), subject to prior agreement with the Medical Director.

AttentionCosmetic procedures are excluded from reimbursement. Even in the event of agreement, only CCAM procedures are reimbursed.

Additional fees, clinic charges and complementary services are the responsibility of the patient or his/her mutual insurance company.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A BODY LIFT WITH DR DJIÁN IN PARIS

You've lost a lot of weight, but excess skin is still ruining your figure and your everyday comfort? A body lift requires specific expertise, rigorous planning and close follow-up.
Dr Jérémy Djian, plastic surgeon in Paris, In her consultation with each patient, she assesses indications, explains scars clearly and draws up an appropriate quote.

If this sounds like you, you can contact our secretariat for a no-obligation initial consultation, so that we can work together on the next steps in your transformation.