A body lift, also known as circular dermolipectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat around the abdomen and lower back following massive weight loss.
While the recovery can be intensive, the transformation of the body’s silhouette is often dramatic and highly rewarding.
What Is a Body Lift?
Massive weight loss—whether through dieting or bariatric surgery (gastric band, sleeve gastrectomy, or bypass)—can leave the skin overstretched and unable to retract naturally.
This results in:
- A sagging abdominal apron that may cover the pubic area
- Ptosis (drooping) of the buttocks
The body lift procedure addresses both areas by:
- Tightening abdominal skin downward
- Lifting the buttocks upward
Surgeons remove a circular strip of skin, usually 20–30 cm in height, to reshape the torso.
How the Procedure Is Performed
- Surgery begins with the patient lying face down to treat the back and buttocks.
- Extensive liposuction is performed to remove fat and preserve the deep lymphatic network
- A flap of tissue may be repositioned to reshape the upper buttocks
- The patient is then turned face up to perform a full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) after additional liposuction.
Total duration of surgery: approximately 4 to 5 hours
Practical Information
Preparation:
- Stable weight for at least 6 months
- Body Mass Index (BMI) must be under 30
- No smoking for at least 1 month prior to surgery
- Any iron or vitamin deficiencies (often linked to bariatric surgery) must be corrected beforehand
Pre-Operative Requirements:
- Anesthesiology consultation at least 15 days before surgery
- Additional specialist evaluations (e.g., cardiology) may be required
Hospital Stay:
- General anesthesia
- 12-hour fasting period before surgery
- A urinary catheter is inserted during anesthesia and removed the following day
- Average hospital stay: 3 to 5 days
Post-Operative Care:
- Compression garments and anti-thrombosis stockings must be worn 24/7 for 15 days
- No sitting for the first 2 days to protect the gluteal incisions
- Scar care: ~15 days
Return to work is possible after 2–3 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks and complications?
- Blood transfusion is needed in ~5% of cases
- Phlebitis (blood clot in the leg) with potential for pulmonary embolism
- Prevented through early mobilization, compression stockings, and heparin injections
- Hematoma: may require return to surgery
- Lymphatic effusion: the most common complication; may require drainage and carries an infection risk
Is the body lift covered by French health insurance?
Yes — if it follows massive weight loss, the procedure can be reimbursed.
A prior authorization request must be submitted to your insurance physician by your surgeon.
Important: If you’ve already had an abdominoplasty, the body lift will not be reimbursed.
How much does a body lift cost?
- If covered by health insurance: Surgeon’s fee is €8,000
- A portion may be reimbursed by your private health insurance (mutuelle)
- If not covered: Full procedure cost ranges from €10,000 to €12,000
Before-and-after photos of body lift results are available upon request.
