What is the difference between a belt lipectomy and a lower body lift?

Your question underscores the fact that these terms are often used interchangeably, even by plastic surgeons. However, a lower body lift is actually different from a belt lipectomy.  Usually the scar from a belt lipectomy sits higher on the waistline, although it is a circumferential incision like a lower body lift.  A lower body lift incision, on the other hand, usually drops down lower in the front than a belt lipectomy incision, down to the level of the mons pubis, along the inguinal creases, and then rides just over the iliac crest, around the flanks. and then drops down to a "seagull" shaped incision over the lower back and buttocks.  With this design, it is able to exert more of a lift on the lateral and medial thighs, as well as the mons pubis and the buttocks, which can also be auto augmented with some of the soft tissue and fat from the lower back and flanks.

Thank you for your question about the difference between a belt lipectomy and a lower body lift. I am glad you brought this up; this is an excellent question. A belt lipectomy is a poor term. A belt lipectomy uses the word belt to describe the distribution of the incision; the area affected, and the position of the final scar. Lipectomy, by definition, is only the removal of fat; therefore, during a belt lipectomy, technically and using the words to define the procedure, only fat should be removed. The term belt lipectomy, or skin resection, is not mentioned though it is done in practice. A lower body lift is a more accurate term. A lower body lift typically involves abdominoplasty or tummy tuck, hip and reduction, and a buttock lift and reduction. In reality, the belt lipectomy and lower body are interchangeable; what one surgeon and another do during a lower body lift is up to the individual plastic surgeon. However, whether you're performing a belt lipectomy or a lower body lift, usually the following are included: pubic lift, pubic reduction, tummy tuck, belly button reconstruction, rectus abdominis plication, hip lift, hip reduction, buttock lift, and buttock reduction. Typically all the forehand-mentioned procedures are performed during a lower body lift and a belt lipectomy. Some plastic surgeons include the light lift in lower body lifts. However, most do not. If you lost 200 pounds, I would suggest a lower body lift, includinga tummy tuck, hip lift, and buttock lift. You may also want to consider a thigh lift that can be combined simultaneously with your body lift. I hope this helps to answer your question regarding a belt lipectomy and the difference between a lower body lift.

This topic is a pet peeve of mine...I even blogged about it a few years ago.  While the procedures mentioned all involve a scar around the waistline, it is only with a Lower Body Lift that you can reliably produce an outer thigh and buttock lift.Be careful who you choose to have this operation with.  There is a difference!

Thank you for your excellent questions.  A belt lipectomy involves removing a band of skin tissue circumferentially around your torso/stomach region.  A lower body lift also removes a band of tissue circumferential around the body, but typically the lower abdomen in the front, and the gluteal region behind, resulting in a lower set scar.  A lower body lift also provides improvement to a patient's outer thighs and gluteal region to further enhance shape and contour.  The best operation for you would depend on an in-person assessment of your skin excess and laxity, as well as a frank discussion on your goals.  See a board certified plastic surgeon who can help you make the best treatment decision.  

One of the most popular procedures after massive weight loss is a
lower body lift. If you are considering a lower body lift - this
procedure (LBL) is also referred to as circumferential body lift = belt
lipectomy. This procedure is essentially 3 procedures in one: extended
tummy tuck + waist/lateral thigh lift + buttock lift. The buttock lift
can also include buttock augmentation. The lateral thigh lift will
help contour the lateral aspect of your thighs. The procedure can taken
between 5-7 hours depending on the amount of tissue/skin that needs
removal/treatment. Please see a board certified plastic surgeon to
learn more about your options.

Dr. Sugene Kim

Congratulations on your weight loss.   A common first line of attack for patients who have lost weight is a
body lift procedure. Most plastic surgeons refer to a body lift as a
circumferential body lift = belt lipectomy = lower body lift. This
procedure is essentially 3 procedures in one: extended tummy tuck +
waist/lateral thigh lift + buttock lift (with the option of buttock
augmentation). Again, a physical exam would be needed to make any
recommendations. Please visit with a plastic surgeon certified by the
American Board of Plastic Surgery to learn more about your options.Best wishes,Dr. BasuHouston, TX

Like the term belt suggests, a belt lipectomy removes a circumferential segment of excess tissue from the lower abdomen in the front and around to the back above the buttocks. The scar ends up circling the trunk like a belt would, though generally the scar is lower than a belt would lie in the front so the scar can be hidden by underwear or bathing suits.Some surgeons would call a belt lipectomy a bodylift, because basically a bodylift involves a circumferential excision of excess tissue. In my patients, a bodylift combines a belt lipectomy with some form of thigh lift. The thigh lift scars can be joined into the abdominoplasty scars to get the benefit of 2 surgeries with 1 scar. This also cuts down on operating time and therefore cost because the combined incision is sutured once.

Congratulations on your successful story. You should be very proud of yourself.Back to the question.Belt lipectomy is a circumferential reshaping of your lower body (abdomen and buttock).Body lift can be interpreted as many things. Either addressing the buttock area only, the buttock or the lateral thighs, or some times all the way around.At the end it does not matter what you call it. Just be specific about the areas that you want to address with your surgeon. Best luck on your quest.Julio Clavijo

Sadly this sort of misunderstanding happens all the time in plastic surgery. I can give you dozens of examples. Anatomic, tear drop, shaped breast implants is just one example. They are all the same!!!!A belt lipectomy, body lift, circumferential abdominoplasty all aim to do the same thing, that is remove and tighten skin from your abdomen, lateral thigh and buttock. In addition there is usually some tightening of the muscles and lifting of your mons region.You sound like you are an excellent candidate following your weight loss.Whatever it is called, it is a highly satisfying operation for patients who have lost weight.Best wishesRichard

These two terms are used interchangeably by most plastic surgeons. Some  like to use lower body lift as a more extensive procedure with dissection of the outer thigh area and lifting the thigh as well. Again, most plastic surgeon would do some degree of this as well during a belt lipectomy. In the end a clinical examination is necessary to determine the appropriate procedure and its compoenents.