About this procedure
A body lift, also called torsoplasty, is an extensive operation to reshape the trunk when loose skin affects the abdomen and may continue around the sides or back. It is more involved than correcting a small isolated area and requires detailed safety planning.
What to understand about this concern
The operation may address multiple areas of sagging trunk tissue after substantial weight loss. It is not a way to lose weight, and improving the contour does not remove the underlying medical reasons for weight change.
When to seek a consultation
People may seek help for pronounced skin folds and associated discomfort after weight has stabilised. The surgeon considers coexisting conditions, nutritional status, healing capacity and whether treatment is safer in separate stages.
Differences and limitations
A body lift may involve the trunk more extensively than abdominoplasty, which primarily concerns the front abdominal wall. Combining it with thigh or abdominal procedures is not automatically appropriate; incision length and operative duration affect risk.
Assessment and preparation
Consultation includes examination of skin-fold distribution, existing scars, general health, nutritional factors, anaesthesia needs and thrombosis risk. The surgeon explains the realistic contour changes, scar locations and possibility of staged procedures.
Risks and recovery
Follow-up of large wounds is essential. Swelling, seroma, bleeding, infection, delayed healing, thromboembolic complications and further surgery can occur. Recovery and movement restrictions may be more substantial than after a small-area procedure.
When urgent medical care is needed
Sudden breathlessness, chest pain, fainting or major postoperative bleeding is an emergency; call 103. Rapidly spreading wound redness, fever or a painful swollen leg requires urgent medical evaluation.
Related information
Brachioplasty (upper arm lift); Thigh lift (femoroplasty); Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).
Signs and symptoms
Diagnosis and tests
Care and treatment approaches
When to seek urgent care
Frequently asked questions
How is a body lift different from abdominoplasty?
A body lift can address loose tissue around the trunk, while a tummy tuck mainly reshapes the anterior abdominal wall.
Will torsoplasty help me lose weight?
No. Its primary purpose is removal of excess tissue and contour improvement, not obesity treatment.
Can several areas be corrected at once?
Possibly, but the decision depends on procedure length, the person's health and overall surgical risk.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
