Body Lift Surgery in Sydney and the North Shore
A body lift, also known as a lower body lift or belt lipectomy, is a comprehensive procedure that aims to reshape the abdomen, flanks, lower back, buttocks and thighs.
A body lift is particularly suited to people who have undergone significant weight loss and are left with excess, sagging skin that affects comfort, clothing fit, and confidence. This procedure is also referred to as a 360° body lift, circumferential abdominoplasty, or belt lipectomy. Body lift surgery aims to reduce discomfort, improve fit in clothing, and increase ease with physical activity. Results vary depending on weight stability, skin quality and healing.
Dr Varun Harish — Specialist Plastic Surgeon (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons - FRACS) based on Sydney’s North Shore — offers tailored body lift procedures focused on safety, and aims to improve comfort and quality of life.
To discuss body lift surgery or potential Medicare eligibility, please contact our St Leonards office.
Understanding Body Lift Surgery
Who is a Candidate for Body Lift Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for body lift surgery in Sydney if you:
- Have achieved major weight loss (through bariatric surgery, lifestyle measures, or newer weight-loss medications such as Ozempic or Wegovy) and are left with loose or hanging skin.
- Experience rashes, skin infections, or hygiene issues in skin folds.
- Struggle with clothing fit or activity due to excess skin.
- Have maintained a stable weight for at least 6 months.
- Are in good overall health and a non-smoker (or willing to stop before and after surgery).
- Have a GP referral if you wish to claim Medicare rebates, as this is required for all specialist consultations.
If abdominal muscle separation (rectus diastasis) is your main concern, see our dedicated section on rectus diastasis repair.
Body Lift After Bariatric Surgery or Weight-Loss Medications (Ozempic/Wegovy)
Body lift surgery is often considered after major weight loss, whether achieved through bariatric surgery (such as gastric sleeve or bypass) or newer medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. This is because the skin often does not contract once weight loss is achieved. A body lift in either scenario is usually considered once weight has been stable for 6–12 months. Patients who have had bariatric surgery or Ozempic/Wegovy-related weight loss may qualify for Medicare item numbers (including 30179) if strict eligibility criteria are met, such as documented skin problems, interference with daily living, and failed non-surgical management.
Learn more about Medicare rebates for post–weight loss body contouring at our North Shore rooms.
Who Should Avoid a Body Lift?
Not everyone is suitable for a body lift. The procedure is best avoided or delayed if you:
- Are actively smoking or unwilling to stop before and after surgery.
- Have not yet achieved a stable weight or are still losing weight.
- Have a BMI that places you at high surgical risk.
- Have uncontrolled medical conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Areas Addressed in a Lower Body Lift
A body lift – sometimes also called a belt lipectomy after massive weight loss – is designed to treat several regions of the body in one operation. This comprehensive approach aims to improve definition of the torso and lower body. The areas targeted include:
- Abdomen – removal of loose skin with tightening of core muscles (if required).
- Flanks and waistline – improved contour and waist definition.
- Lower back – removal of skin folds for smoother back contour.
- Buttocks – lifting and reshaping lax tissues.
- Outer thighs – tightening and smoothing lax skin.
Not every person requires all areas addressed. Some patients may be better suited to a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) alone, while others benefit from a circumferential 360° body lift. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your goals and anatomy.
Call us or email us to arrange a body lift consultation in Sydney on the North Shore.
Male Body Lift (Body Contouring for Men After Weight Loss)
Body lift surgery is not only sought by women. Many men in Sydney and across the North Shore choose a body lift after major weight loss to remove excess skin around the abdomen, flanks, back and thighs.
For men, the focus is often on achieving a firmer, more defined torso and improving comfort during daily activity and exercise. A male body lift may also relieve skin irritation, make clothing fit better, and restore confidence in professional or social settings.
Book a consultation at our St Leonards clinic to discuss whether male body lift surgery may be suitable for you.
The Surgical Process
The Body Lift Procedure
Body lift surgery is planned around your goals and anatomy. At your consultation, Dr Harish will examine skin quality and laxity, review your medical history and weight stability, and design a surgical plan with incisions that sit low and are hidden in underwear or swimwear.
For people who have lost weight through diet, bariatric surgery, or medications such as Ozempic, this surgery can help with the skin folds that remain afterwards.
The operation is also known as a belt lipectomy, 360° body lift or circumferential abdominoplasty. It involves carefully removing excess skin and tightening the remaining tissues to improve waist and torso definition. Often, the rectus diastasis (muscle separation of the six-pack muscle) will require tightening after skin removal. Learn more about rectus diastasis repair (muscle repair) in Sydney. The operation is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited Sydney hospital on the North Shore. Where appropriate, liposuction may be added. Drains may be used, and wounds are closed in several layers.
Surgery typically takes 4–6 hours. Most people stay in hospital for 3–5 nights. A compression garment is fitted and gentle walking begins early, with clear aftercare instructions.
Combining procedures (such as arm lift, thigh lift or breast reduction) may be possible in one sitting, though longer surgery can increase risks such as wound complications, blood clots, or fluid shifts. For extensive areas, staging procedures are often the safer approach.
What Do Body Lift Scars Look Like?
As the images above show, a body lift involves a circumferential (360°) incision placed low around the body, often hidden beneath underwear or swimwear. Scarring patterns vary depending on the extent of surgery and individual anatomy. In most cases:
- Abdomen and flanks: a low horizontal scar extending around the waistline.
- Lower back and buttocks: the incision continues across the lower back and buttock area to lift sagging tissues.
- Outer thighs: skin is tightened with the same incision, reducing the need for additional scars.
Scars are permanent but usually fade and soften over 12–18 months. Silicone gels, massage, sun protection, and follow-up care all help to optimise scar healing.
At consultation on the North Shore, Dr Harish will discuss scar location for your body lift so you can make an informed decision.
Recovery & Lifestyle
Recovery & Results
First Few Days
Most people stay in hospital for 3–5 nights. Expect swelling, bruising and tightness. Pain relief, compression garments and gentle walking help recovery.
Weeks 2–4
Energy improves and light tasks resume. Many return to desk work after 3–4 weeks. Driving can resume when safe and comfortable.
Weeks 4–8
Activity increases gradually. Low-impact exercise is usually reintroduced once wounds have healed. Continue garment use and scar care.
3–6 Months
Swelling reduces and contour refines. Clothing comfort improves. Results become more visible.
6–12 Months
Scars mature and fade. Final results are typically seen within a year and are long-lasting with stable weight.
Call us or email us to arrange your consultation with Dr Harish.
Scar Management
Scar therapy to reduce or minimise scarring is essential. Silicone gels or tapes, massage and sun protection improve scar quality and help them fade over time.
Exercise and Driving
Gentle walking begins immediately. Driving can usually resume after 2–3 weeks when movements are comfortable. Gym and high-impact exercise typically resume at 6–8 weeks with surgeon clearance.
Returning to Work and Childcare
Most office-based work can resume within 2–3 weeks. Physically demanding jobs may require 6 weeks or more. Parents should plan help with young children during early recovery as lifting is restricted.
Sleeping and Showering
You will be advised on safe sleeping positions to avoid strain on incisions. Showering is generally safe once dressings allow, usually within the first week.
Life After a Body Lift: Comfort, Confidence & Lifestyle
A body lift may improve comfort, lifestyle and confidence. Many people find everyday activities easier and more enjoyable once excess skin is removed.
Common lifestyle improvements include: freedom from rashes and chafing, better fit in clothing, easier hygiene, easier exercise, and renewed confidence in exercise and social settings. However, outcomes may vary.
Other Procedures
Many patients who lose a large amount of weight benefit from more than one procedure — such as a body lift together with a breast lift, arm lift or thigh lift. These can sometimes be performed in a single operation, or planned as staged surgeries. The best approach depends on your health, the number of areas to be treated, and your lifestyle needs.
Dr Harish will guide you through the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed choice. Some patients value a single recovery, while others prefer the safer, step-by-step approach of staging. The decision is tailored to your body, your goals and your safety.
Having multiple procedures in one sitting means only one hospital admission, one anaesthetic and one recovery period. However, longer operative times may increase anaesthetic and surgical risks, blood loss, fluid shifts, and the chance of wound healing problems or blood clots. For this reason, staging is often recommended if extensive areas need contouring or if safety may be compromised.
Practical Information
Risks and Considerations
Body lift surgery is generally safe. Serious complications are uncommon. Careful planning and monitored aftercare help reduce risks.
Potential risks include:
- Infection, bleeding or haematoma
- Delayed wound healing
- Seroma (fluid collection)
- Changes in skin sensation
- Unfavourable scarring
- Asymmetry or contour irregularities
- Blood clots
Costs, Medicare & Private Health Insurance
The cost of a body lift in Sydney varies depending on complexity, hospital stay and anaesthetic fees. If you meet strict Medicare criteria you may qualify for a Medicare item number and private health fund support. Item numbers include 30166, 30169, 30177, 30179.
The most relevant item for a circumferential body lift is MBS 30179, which requires stable weight loss, functional problems such as skin infections or rashes, and documentation of failed non-surgical care for at least 3 months. A GP referral is required to access rebates.
Call us or email us to discuss body lift costs and Medicare eligibility in Sydney.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a body lift and a tummy tuck? How do I decide?
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) treats the front of the abdomen—removing excess lower-abdominal skin and, if needed, repairing separated muscles. A body lift is circumferential (360°): it continues around the flanks and lower back and lifts the outer thighs and buttocks. If your loose skin is mainly at the front, a tummy tuck may be enough; if it wraps around your sides/back or affects your buttocks/thighs, a body lift is usually the better match.
Am I eligible for Medicare item 30179 (and related lipectomy items)?
Eligibility requires all of the following:
- Stable weight for at least 6 months
- Circumferential excess skin and fat complicated by irritated skin that has not responded to ≥3 months of conventional (non-surgical) treatment
- Excess skin and fat that interferes with activities of daily living
- A GP referral to access Medicare rebates for specialist care
How long is the hospital stay and recovery?
Most patients stay in hospital for 3–5 nights. Light tasks are possible in 2–3 weeks, desk work often by 3–4 weeks, and gym/exercise after 6–8 weeks with clearance. Scars and swelling continue to improve for 6–12 months.
Where are the scars and will they be visible in swimwear?
Incisions are placed low to sit within underwear or swimwear lines. Scars are permanent but fade with time. Scar care and sun protection help optimise appearance.
When can I drive, return to work and exercise?
Gentle walking begins early. Driving usually resumes in 2–3 weeks when you are comfortable and off strong pain medication. Office work is possible in 2–3 weeks; more physical roles may take 6 weeks. Exercise is usually resumed by 6–8 weeks.
Is a body lift painful?
Tightness and discomfort are expected but pain relief protocols, compression garments and early mobilisation make recovery manageable.
Can procedures be combined or should they be staged?
Some patients have a body lift with other procedures in one operation, while others stage them over separate surgeries. Combining means one recovery but longer surgery; staging may be safer if extensive areas are involved. We will guide you on the best plan for your body.
Can I have a body lift after Ozempic or Wegovy weight loss?
Yes. Patients who lose weight with Ozempic or Wegovy often notice that skin folds remain, particularly around the abdomen and back. A body lift after Ozempic treatment in Sydney may be an option once your weight has been stable for at least 6–12 months. Your anaesthetist will advise whether to pause GLP-1 medication before surgery based on fasting guidance and your symptoms.
Is a belt lipectomy the same as a body lift?
Yes. A belt lipectomy after significant weight loss is another name for a circumferential 360° body lift. It addresses loose skin that extends around the abdomen, flanks, lower back and buttocks in a single operation.
Is body lift covered by private health insurance?
If you meet Medicare criteria and have private health cover, your fund may contribute to hospital and surgical costs. Coverage depends on your policy.
How much weight can you lose with a body lift?
A body lift is not a weight-loss procedure. Whilst skin and tissue may be removed, the main goal is contour and comfort.
How long do results last?
Results are long-lasting if weight is stable and lifestyle healthy. Ageing continues naturally.
Do I need to be a non-smoker?
Yes. Smoking increases one’s risk profile significantly. Patients must stop before and after surgery.
What is the downtime for a body lift?
Patients can expect a hospital admission for 3–5 nights with 2–3 weeks off work, with return to exercise at 6–8 weeks. Swelling and scarring improves over months with final results obvious at 6 to 12 months.
About Dr Harish
Why Choose Dr Varun Harish for Your Body Lift Surgery?
Choosing the right surgeon is a vital part of your journey. Patients across Sydney and the North Shore consult Dr Harish for his specialist qualifications, personalised approach and commitment to safety. Reasons to choose a plastic surgeon to discuss your body contouring surgery include:
- Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) with expertise in post-weight loss body contouring.
- Member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
- Accreditation at recognised, major hospitals on the North Shore.
- Tailored procedures to each patient for natural, balanced results.
- Focus on safety, recovery, and long-term outcomes.
Arrange a Body Lift Consultation in Sydney and the North Shore
Serving Sydney and the North Shore
Our body lift surgery services are available across Sydney and the North Shore, with many patients travelling from nearby suburbs for specialist care after significant weight loss.
Patients visit our St Leonards clinic from:
Lower North Shore
Crows Nest, North Sydney, Neutral Bay, Mosman
Central North Shore
Chatswood, Lane Cove, Ryde, Killara
Upper North Shore
Hornsby, Wahroonga, Turramurra, St Ives
Northern Beaches
Manly, Dee Why, Mona Vale
Inner West
Ashfield, Burwood, Newtown
North West
Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills
Central Coast
Gosford, Terrigal, Woy Woy
Our clinic is located close to major North Shore hospitals and beside Royal North Shore Hospital, with easy access via Crows Nest Metro and St Leonards Station. Secure parking options are available nearby, making it convenient for patients across Sydney to attend consultations and follow-up appointments.
By choosing Dr Harish — an experienced FRACS-qualified plastic surgeon — for body lift surgery in Sydney, you can access specialist care focused on safety, comfort and outcomes that can be long-lasting when weight is stable.