A circumferential body lift, also called a belt lipectomy or lower body lift, is one of the most comprehensive body contouring procedures in plastic surgery. It is designed for patients with significant loose skin around the entire midsection after major weight loss. At Alpenaura Plastic Surgery in Bend, Oregon, Dr. Jourdan Carboy, MD, performs circumferential body lifts for patients across Central Oregon and the Pacific Northwest who have achieved major weight loss and want to reshape the body that has emerged.
After significant weight loss, whether from bariatric surgery, GLP-1 medications, or sustained lifestyle change, many patients are left with redundant skin that hangs around the abdomen, hips, lower back, and outer thighs. This excess skin can cause hygiene problems, rashes, difficulty fitting into clothing, and limitations in physical activity.A traditional abdominoplasty addresses only the front of the abdomen and does not lift the back, hips, or buttocks. A circumferential body lift extends the incision around the entire body, addressing the front, sides, and back simultaneously, lifting the buttocks and outer thighs in the process. The result is a dramatic improvement in shape, comfort, and confidence.
Good candidates are healthy adults at a stable weight, typically at least one to two years after major weight loss, who have significant skin laxity that extends around the entire midsection. Patients should be at a stable weight, with stable nutrition, and ideally have addressed any vitamin or mineral deficiencies common after bariatric procedures.Healthy non-smokers heal best. Patients should have realistic expectations and understand that the procedure involves a longer incision and a more involved recovery than abdominoplasty alone.
The growing popularity of GLP-1 medications and continued advances in bariatric surgery have led to a significant increase in patients seeking post-weight-loss body contouring across Bend, Central Oregon, and the Pacific Northwest.Many of these patients have worked extraordinarily hard to lose weight and are eager to see the body underneath the loose skin. Dr. Carboy approaches each circumferential body lift with respect for the work the patient has already done and a clear surgical plan that addresses the specific concerns of post-weight-loss anatomy.
A circumferential body lift is performed under general anesthesia, typically with one or two nights of observation. Surgery usually takes five to seven hours. The incision encircles the body at the level of the lower abdomen, hips, and lower back, where it can usually be hidden beneath underwear and swimwear.Most patients walk the first day, return to desk work within three to four weeks, resume light exercise at six weeks, and reach full activity at eight to ten weeks. Final shape and scar maturation continue over six to twelve months.For patients with extensive contouring needs, this procedure is sometimes combined with arm or thigh procedures, often staged a few months apart.As a trusted provider of post-weight-loss body contouring in Bend, Oregon, Alpenaura Plastic Surgery offers patients across Central Oregon and the Pacific Northwest a thoughtful, expert approach to circumferential body lifts and related procedures.
Meet with Dr. Carboy to evaluate skin laxity, review your weight-loss journey, discuss your goals, and create a personalized surgical plan.
Your circumferential body lift removes excess skin around the abdomen, hips, lower back, buttocks, and outer thighs to reshape your entire midsection.
Most patients begin walking the first day, return to desk work within three to four weeks, and gradually resume normal activities as healing progresses.
As swelling resolves over the following months, patients enjoy smoother body contours, improved comfort, and increased confidence after major weight loss.
Performed under general anesthesia as a comprehensive body contouring procedure.
Most patients return to desk work in three to four weeks and gradually resume activity as healing progresses.
Healthy adults with stable weight and significant loose skin after major weight loss.
Typically performed under general anesthesia with one or two nights of observation.
We understand that choosing a procedure is a deeply personal decision. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about treatment, recovery, results, and the overall Alpenaura experience.
Most surgeons recommend waiting until your weight has been stable for at least six to twelve months. This stability helps ensure the best long-term result.
The incision encircles the body but is typically hidden beneath underwear and most swimwear. Scars fade significantly over six to twelve months and can be further refined with scar care.
Many post-weight-loss patients benefit from additional contouring procedures, such as brachioplasty (arm lift), thigh lift, breast surgery, or a face/neck lift. These are usually staged several months apart.
Some functional aspects of post-weight-loss surgery may be covered, particularly when chronic skin breakdown or hygiene problems are documented. Coverage varies by insurance plan and specific procedure. Our team helps patients navigate this process.
Most patients return to desk work in three to four weeks and reach full activity by eight to ten weeks. Final shape continues to refine over six to twelve months.
Significant weight regain can stretch tissues and affect long-term results. Maintaining a stable weight is the best way to preserve your investment in body contouring.
Breast reduction to improve comfort, proportion, and confidence with a lighter silhouette.
Revision breast surgery to refine previous results, address changes, and restore balance.
Breast lift surgery is done to restore a more lifted, balanced, and youthful breast shape.
Experience personalized plastic surgery and aesthetic care designed to enhance confidence with natural, refined results.