360-degree body lift also known as Belt Lipectomy, is an operation in which the saggy skin and excess fat in the outer thigh, lower and middle abdomen, coccyx and hip areas are removed. During this procedure, the abdominal muscles are stitched and strengthened.
The surgery in question is not a treatment for obesity. Overweight patients are asked to lose weight before this operation. Those with a body mass index (BMI) above 30 cannot have 360-degree body lift surgery. (BMI can be calculated by dividing your weight (in kilograms) by your height (in meters) squared.)
It is possible to combine this operation with different operations. However, it is generally not preferred because it will be heavy for many patients. Therefore, it is recommended to plan Belt Lipectomy as a single operation.
360 Degree Body Lift Advantages
Aesthetic procedures that need to be done separately on areas such as hips, waist, abdomen and legs are performed in a single operation. Thus, the patient does not have to pay different fees for each surgery and re-experience the recovery and healing process for all of them.
It provides solutions to problems such as deformation and sagging on the breasts, arms, and legs also it corrects deformities seen in the abdomen, hip, and face areas.
It harmonizes the body lines with each other by giving them an aesthetic and tight appearance. It gives the patient the desired body shape and improves their quality of life.
Before 306 Degree Body Lift
- The doctor conducts a detailed interview with the patient. Examines blood tests and other tests. If it deems necessary, the doctor can decide to apply some supportive treatments in preparation for the surgery.
- Smoking should be stopped 3 weeks before the surgery. Also, it should be avoided for the first 3 weeks after the surgery. Because smoking impairs blood circulation, and causes contraction and vasoconstriction in the blood vessels, leading to a decrease in blood flow to the tissues. For this reason, it delays the healing of wounds and causes opening in stitches and bleeding.
- Excessive sun exposure should be avoided in the pre-operative period.
- Patients with a body mass index above 30 should lose weight and stay at this weight for at least 6 months before the operation.
- Those who use aspirin, vitamin E, and blood thinners should stop them 10 days before the surgery.
- Also, 10 days before the operation, the use of painkillers such as Vermidon, Voltaren, and Apranax should be stopped. If painkillers are needed, Novalgin or Minoset can be taken.
- At least 7-10 days before the surgery, CO-enzyme Q, Biloba, Ginseng etc. Multivitamin pills containing substances should be stopped. Slimming products; Consumption of tomato seeds, cherry stems, flax seeds, green tea and similar herbal products should be stopped as well.
- If the patient has any infection, the surgery is postponed until recovery.
- A drawing is made to determine the details of the procedure to be applied in the surgery. Photo shoots are done. In this way, it is easier to compare the pre and post-operative results.
How is 360 Degree Body Lift Surgery Performed?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Although the duration of the operation differs for each patient, it is around 5-7 hours.
The sagging skin in the waist and abdomen is removed. These areas are tightened and reshaped. The incision made on the anterior abdominal wall remains within the bikini area. This incision, which turns from the sides to the waist area, wraps the whole body 360 degrees.
Thanks to this incision, the pubis and buttocks areas are tightened. The sagging between the abdominal muscles is removed, the belly button can be repositioned during this operation.
Excess fat and skin tissue in the hip, lumbar area, and legs are removed.
Some patients need a second session planning. In the next surgery, stretching is applied to the pubic, jowl, back and arm areas.
The incision line made during the surgery starts approximately 8-10 cm below the belly button and extends to the hip fold. This incision line is closed and covered under the skin with hidden stitches after the operation.
Drains are placed to ensure that any excess water that will accumulate in the area is discharged.
On the other hand, a corset is attached to completely cover the patient’s stitches line and waist. This prevents swelling of the surgical area.
After 360 Degree Body Lift
- Most often, a urinary catheter is used on the first day. After the patient has the ability to stand up, the urinary catheter is removed.
- If your doctor has told you which position you should lie in, you should act accordingly. Otherwise, tension occurs in the surgical area. It is recommended that you pull your knees to your stomach and lie down with your waist bent.
- From the first hours after the operation, the patient is told to move their legs frequently. During the recovery period, sports activities should be stopped for the first 6 weeks.
- The first day is tough. Therefore, strong painkillers are used.
- It is normal to have swelling and pain for a few days after surgery.
- Drains remain for at least 1 day, they are usually withdrawn after 4 days.
- The stitches are dissolvable. Therefore, it is not required.
- It is better to sleep in a partially upright position for the first 10 days to avoid damaging the stitches.
- The patient should walk in a forward bend for the first 2 weeks.
- The patient should start by eating and drinking liquid foods. After a while, they switch to soft foods.
- In the first weeks, it is recommended to eat little by little at frequent intervals. Gas-producing foods should be avoided.
- Heavy lifting should not be done for 1-2 months. Sauna, Turkish bath and intense sun should be avoided, smoking is not allowed during the recovery period.
- You will need to use a corset for 4-6 weeks. The wearing time of the corset varies according to the condition of the patient and the type of operation.
- The scars left by the operation remain under the underwear and appear red for a long time. But after 1 year, these become more uncertain. However, if it continues to cause discomfort, it can be removed with the help of laser treatment.
In conclusion, 360-degree body lift or Belt Lipectomy is a surgical procedure that removes saggy skin and excess fat in areas such as the outer thigh, lower and middle abdomen, coccyx, and hips. The procedure requires a detailed examination of the patient’s medical history and current health, as well as certain pre-operative precautions such as avoiding smoking, sun exposure, and certain medications. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 5-7 hours. After the operation, the patient may experience swelling and pain, but will be given pain medication to manage it. During the recovery period, the patient should avoid strenuous activities and maintain proper posture to ensure a successful recovery.
