THE FINAL STEP
The final step in a major weight-loss journey. Once the weight is gone, heavy folds of loose skin often remain — this comprehensive surgery removes that hanging skin to reveal the firmer, lighter body shape you have worked so hard to achieve.
THE PROMISE
After major weight loss — through diet and exercise or bariatric surgery — the fat is gone, but the skin that was stretched over it usually cannot shrink back. What remains are heavy folds of loose, hanging skin, often including an overhanging abdominal “apron”, that can cause rashes, hygiene problems and discomfort, and that no amount of further exercise will tighten. A body lift is the comprehensive surgery that removes this excess skin and reveals the new body shape underneath.
It is the final step in a major weight-loss journey. This comprehensive surgery removes the heavy, hanging skin (apron) that remains, revealing the new body shape you have achieved. Because the loose skin usually runs all the way around the lower trunk, a body lift often means a circumferential (“belt”) tightening of the tummy, waist, lower back, hips and buttocks, and is frequently planned alongside the other contouring procedures (arm lift, thigh lift, breast lift) as a staged programme.
FROM INSTAGRAM
Short videos Dr Karatzias has shared on Instagram.
Before and after — lower body
Before and after — mastopexy, abdominoplasty and mini brachioplasty
Body lift — marking for a medial thigh lift
Liposuction, body lift and BBL — marking
Abdomen — before and after
Abdomen in theatre — marking, then dressing
A body lift removes the excess skin and re-drapes what remains so the underlying contour is firm and smooth. For the lower body this typically means a continuous incision running around the waistline — like a belt — through which the hanging abdominal apron is removed and the tummy, flanks, lower back, hips and buttocks are tightened and lifted together. Because the amount of skin is large, body-contouring after massive weight loss is often carried out in stages over more than one operation for safety, with the order and combination tailored to each person. Liposuction may be added to refine the contour.
Exactly which areas are treated, whether it is done in one operation or several stages, and the type of anaesthesia are all planned carefully with Dr. Karatzias at your consultation.
A body lift is more extensive than a single procedure, so recovery is longer. A compression garment is worn for several weeks, surgical drains are sometimes used for a short period, and rest with limited movement is important in the early days. Most patients are walking gently within days, return to desk work over a few weeks, and resume strenuous activity gradually after about six weeks. Swelling, numbness and tightness settle over the following months, and the scars — kept within the waistline where possible — continue to soften and fade over a year or more.
Good candidates are people who have lost a large amount of weight and held it stable, who are left with heavy folds of loose, hanging skin, and who are in good general health. A stable weight for several months, good nutrition (especially after bariatric surgery) and not smoking are important for safe healing, and a realistic understanding that extensive but well-placed scars are the trade-off for removing the excess skin. Because every weight-loss body is different, the right plan — and whether it is best staged — is decided together at your consultation.
To see if you are a candidate for this procedure or if you wish to learn more details about it, please complete our online consultation form or call at +357 22 275522.
+357 22 275522
BEFORE & AFTER CASES
Results vary from person to person.
Where will the scars be, and will they be visible?
A body lift removes a large amount of skin, so the scars are extensive — but they are placed as low and discreetly as possible, kept within the waistline where they typically sit under underwear or swimwear. They are the trade-off for removing the heavy hanging skin, and they usually soften and fade over a year or more.
Does it hurt, and what are the bruising and swelling like?
Because this is major surgery you can expect tightness, soreness and bruising in the first weeks, managed with prescribed pain relief and a compression garment. Most people describe a feeling of tension rather than sharp pain. Swelling, numbness and that tight sensation usually settle gradually over the following months.
How much time off will I need?
Plan for a meaningful recovery, as this is more extensive than a single procedure. Most patients are walking gently within days, return to desk work over a few weeks, and build back to strenuous activity and exercise after about six weeks. Heavy lifting and the gym are reintroduced only once you are cleared.
Is it done under general anaesthetic, and might it be staged?
A body lift is carried out under general anaesthetic. Because the amount of loose skin is large, contouring after massive weight loss is often performed in stages over more than one operation for safety, letting each area heal well. Whether your plan is single-stage or staged, and in what order, is decided with Dr. Karatzias based on your body and health.
Can it be combined with other procedures?
Often, yes. Loose skin after major weight loss tends to affect several areas, so a body lift is frequently planned alongside an arm lift, thigh lift or breast lift as part of one overall programme. Which areas are treated together and which are staged separately is tailored to you at your consultation.
How long do the results last?
The skin that is removed is gone for good, so the result is lasting — provided your weight stays stable. Natural ageing and any significant future weight change can still affect the skin over time, so keeping a steady weight and good nutrition helps protect what the surgery achieves.
RELATED PROCEDURES
Removing the abdominal apron and tightening the tummy — a core part of the body lift.
Removing loose upper-arm skin — often part of the same contouring programme.
Firming loose inner-thigh skin — frequently combined after major weight loss.
Book a consultation with Dr. Karatzias to discuss your weight-loss body-contouring plan. In-person in Cyprus.
CALL +357 22 275522
Staying at the forefront of medical advancement. Dr. Karatzias is proudly accredited by leading global organizations in both Plastic Surgery and Wound Management.
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