Bodylift or abdominoplasty: what are the differences?

The body lift: what exactly is it?

The difference between a body lift and an abdominoplasty lies primarily in the anatomical region to be reshaped.

Indeed, bodylift is an aesthetic surgical procedure that allows reshaping more extensive areas by correcting skin laxity and removing excess cutaneous and adipose tissues all around the torso, that is, the full circumferential region at the level of the waist, abdomen, hips, buttocks, extending through the lower back and sometimes the upper thighs. It is recommended for significant, circumferential skin laxity and drooping skin of the abdomen, hips, and buttocks, particularly after massive weight loss.

This procedure is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with the support of a specialized medical team. As with any surgical intervention, a preoperative workup is essential. The first step is a consultation with the surgeon, during which the specifics of the procedure are explained and the patient’s health status is assessed. After evaluation, the clinician determines whether the operation can proceed. The procedure, performed under general anesthesia, lasts approximately four to six hours. It involves removing excess skin and tightening tissues circumferentially around the torso. Flexible drains are often placed to evacuate postoperative fluids, and the incisions are closed in a manner that minimizes tension. A two- to five-day hospital stay is typically required. Pain is managed with appropriate analgesics; drains are removed once output decreases, and the scars are monitored by the medical team. Wearing a compression garment is recommended for several weeks to promote healing and reduce swelling.

Recovery may extend over several weeks. A three- to six-week leave from work is often necessary, depending on the activity involved. Physical exercise can be gradually resumed after six to eight weeks. Early results become visible quickly, but it takes six to twelve months to achieve the final results, once the edema has fully subsided. The scars, which are long and circular, are placed so that they remain hidden beneath underwear.

A study conducted between 2012 and 2016 on 76 patients (68 women and 8 men) assessed satisfaction, complications, and impact on quality of life following the procedure. In this context, various techniques were implemented. The maneuvers most frequently combined with the lower body lift included the creation of fat flaps according to Louarn and Pascal, additional fat grafting of the buttocks, and pubic lift. According to the results, 41 patients (85.4%) reported very satisfactory outcomes and 5 patients (10.4%) reported good outcomes. Furthermore, satisfaction in the abdominal area was higher (93.8%) than in the gluteal region (87.5%) and the pubic area (77.1%). The results of the body lift are overall very satisfactory, particularly in the abdominal region, which appears to be the area best perceived by patients.

However, it may present certain contraindications, particularly in patients in poor health, smokers, or those with severe cardiovascular diseases; a body lift requires a rigorous preoperative assessment.

It may expose patients to more pronounced pain, extensive circular scars, and an increased risk of seroma or wound dehiscence. A seroma corresponds to a collection of sero-hematic fluid that accumulates in the space created by the surgical detachment of tissues. The wound dehiscence, on the other hand, refers to a partial or complete separation of the cutaneous suture due to poor healing, excessive tension, or local infection.

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What you need to know about abdominoplasty.

The abdominoplasty, also known as abdominalplasty or an abdominal lift, is a surgical procedure aimed at reshaping and firming the abdominal region. As with any lift, the principle of abdominoplasty is to excise excess skin and fatty tissues that lead to a flaccid appearance of the abdomen.

Here again, preoperative steps are required before proceeding to surgery. Abdominoplasty begins with a horizontal incision in the lower abdomen. Generally, this incision is made at the bikini line. The length of the incision can vary depending on the amount of skin and fat to be removed. In some abdominoplasty cases, a second incision is made at the level of the navel. Once the tissues are accessible, the excess skin and fat are removed. After this stage is complete, the surgeon may tighten and suture the muscles to correct any separation of the abdominal muscles. This helps to strengthen the abdominal wall and sculpt the silhouette. The procedure concludes with suturing and dressing the incisions to protect them. Once healing is complete, the abdomen appears firm.

A retrospective study was conducted on 46 consecutive patients who underwent abdominoplasty and panniculectomy over a 12-year period from 2004 to 2016. All patients included in the study were overweight or obese. Thirty-seven of the 46 patients underwent abdominoplasty. The results indicate that 94.4% of the patients surveyed were satisfied with their surgery.

However, abdominoplasty, as with a body lift, has contraindications and side effects particularly in cases of significant obesity, active smoking, coagulation disorders, or pregnancy. After the procedure, it can frequently lead to pain, swelling, bruising, and occasionally a hypertrophic abdominal scar.

Key differences to note.

The abdominoplasty exclusively addresses the abdomen.
The body lift targets the abdomen, hips, back, and buttocks.
The body lift is a more extensive surgical procedure.
The body lift sometimes includes an abdominoplasty.
Abdominoplasty and body lift share the same overall objective : tightening the skin and reshaping the silhouette.