Body Lift in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is a body lift?
A body lift, also called a lower body lift or circumferential body lift, treats loose skin around the whole lower trunk in one operation. The surgeon removes a band of excess skin and fat that encircles the body at the waist, then draws the tissues up from below and down from above, so the abdomen, flanks, lower back, buttocks and outer thighs are tightened at the same time. When the procedure focuses on the belt of tissue around the waist, it is sometimes called a belt lipectomy.
The difference from a tummy tuck is the direction and reach. A tummy tuck works on the front of the abdomen, with a scar from hip to hip. A body lift carries the same principle all the way round, with a scar that circles the body at about the level of underwear, so the back and buttocks are lifted as well as the front. The muscle repair of a tummy tuck can be included in the front part of a body lift where needed.
At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, body lifts are performed in-house by the surgical team of the plastic surgery department, as one of the larger operations within body contouring.
Who needs it
A body lift is designed for people who have lost a very large amount of weight, whether through diet and exercise or after bariatric surgery, and who are left with loose skin that hangs around the whole waist, drapes over the buttocks and thighs, rubs, sweats and makes clothing difficult to fit.
Readiness is assessed carefully. The surgeon looks for a weight that has stayed steady for several months, good nutrition and healthy blood results, well-controlled diabetes and blood pressure, and a firm commitment to stop smoking. After bariatric surgery, protein intake, iron and vitamin levels are checked, because the body needs them to heal a long wound.
A body lift is one of several choices. A tummy tuck suits loose skin mainly at the front. Liposuction suits fat with firm skin. Some people prefer supportive garments or no surgery at all. The decision weighs the size of the operation and the long scar against the benefit of treating the whole lower trunk at once, and you make it with the surgeon after a full discussion.
What happens
The first visit is a consultation with Dr. Hamid Esmaeil, Specialist General & Cosmetic Surgeon. He reviews your weight history, any bariatric operation, your health and medicines, and examines the trunk standing and lying, front and back. Blood tests, an anaesthetic assessment and other checks follow according to your health.
Most people who have lost a great deal of weight have loose skin in several regions, so the surgeon builds a staged plan. The lower body lift usually comes first, since it treats the largest area. Other regions, such as the arms, breasts or inner thighs, are treated in later operations once you have recovered fully from the first. Spacing the stages keeps each operation a safer length and lets your body heal between them.
On the day, the planned lines are marked with you standing. The body lift is performed at Dar Al Kamal Hospital under general anaesthesia. The surgeon usually starts with you lying on your front to treat the back and buttocks, then turns you onto your back to complete the front. Excess skin and fat are removed, the tissues are secured in their new position, the wounds are closed in layers, and small drains and a compression garment are placed. A hospital stay of more than one night is usual, and the team confirms your stay beforehand.
Preparing for it
Stop smoking and all nicotine products well ahead of surgery. Keep your weight steady and follow any nutrition advice, especially on protein and supplements after bariatric surgery. Bring a full list of your medicines, including blood thinners, diabetes treatment and hormone therapy, so each has a clear plan. The team explains the measures used to protect you from blood clots, such as compression stockings and early walking. Arrange a recliner or extra pillows at home, loose clothing, and help with housework and children for the first weeks. Plan time off around your job, and avoid scheduling recovery during Ramadan fasting.
Afterwards
Walking slightly bent forward is normal at first, as the waist feels tight, and you straighten up gradually. Short, frequent walks from early on protect against blood clots. You wear the compression garment as instructed, look after the drains until they are removed, and sit with care, since the buttock area is part of the wound. Swelling settles over months, and the scar around the waist fades gradually. In the Sharjah heat, stay cool indoors, drink plenty of water and keep the skin under the garment dry.
Follow-up visits take place at Dar Al Kamal Hospital with the surgeon who operated, for wound checks, drain removal and planning of any later stage.
Contact the hospital promptly if a wound opens, leaks or becomes red and hot, if swelling increases suddenly on one side, or if you develop a fever. Go to the nearest emergency department straight away if you have chest pain, sudden breathlessness, coughing up blood, or a painful swollen calf.
Cost and insurance
A body lift is generally regarded as cosmetic surgery in the UAE and is usually self-funded. Where hanging skin causes repeated infections, skin breakdown or difficulty with hygiene that your doctor has recorded, part of the surgery is sometimes reviewed for cover under your policy with pre-approval. Each stage of a staged plan is priced and, where relevant, approved separately. The team gives you a written estimate once your plan is agreed. Call Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah on 06 599 7777 for details.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the risks of a body lift?
A body lift is a major operation, and its risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots in the legs or lungs, fluid collecting under the skin, and wound edges that separate or heal slowly, especially at the lower back. The long scar can widen or become raised, and some numbness or unevenness can remain. Smoking, poor nutrition and diabetes increase several of these risks, and the surgeon explains your own risks before consent.
How is a body lift different from a tummy tuck?
A body lift removes loose skin all the way around the lower trunk, lifting the buttocks and outer thighs as well as the abdomen. A tummy tuck treats only the front of the abdomen. A body lift suits people with loose skin at the back and sides as well as the front.
Why are body lift procedures done in stages?
Body lift procedures are staged because treating every area at once would make the operation too long and increase risk. The lower trunk is usually treated first, and other areas such as the arms or breasts follow once you have recovered fully.
How long should I wait after bariatric surgery before a body lift?
Surgeons usually wait until your weight has stayed stable for several months after bariatric surgery and your nutrition and blood results are healthy. Your bariatric team and the surgeon assess readiness together rather than working to a fixed date.
Will the body lift scar be visible?
A body lift leaves a permanent scar that circles the body at around the level of underwear. It is placed so most clothing and swimwear cover it, but it is long and takes many months to fade, and how it settles varies between people.
Is a body lift covered by insurance?
A body lift is usually considered cosmetic and self-funded in the UAE. Where hanging skin causes documented medical problems such as repeated infection, some policies review cover for part of the surgery with pre-approval. Call 06 599 7777 to check your plan.
Will a body lift help me lose more weight?
A body lift removes loose skin and some fat, but it is not a weight-loss operation. It works best once you are at a stable weight, and keeping that weight steady helps preserve the result.
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