Dr. de Clermont-TonnerrePlastic Surgeon

Paris 16th & Pontoise (95)

Body Lift

Circumferential Abdominoplasty — Paris 16th & Pontoise

A body lift addresses circumferential trunk skin laxity in a single procedure: abdomen, hips, buttocks and lower back are reshaped simultaneously. Indicated after massive weight loss, it comprehensively and durably redefines the silhouette. Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre performs this procedure in Paris 16th with a personalised and safe approach.

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Step by step

How the procedure works

01

Consultation

Assessment of skin laxity, fat excess and skin quality. Discussion of priority areas and personalised surgical plan.

02

Pre-operative assessment

Complete blood tests, cardiology consultation if required, anaesthesiologist consultation. Mandatory 15-day reflection period.

03

Procedure

Under general anaesthesia, duration 3 to 5 hours. Circumferential resection of excess trunk skin with aesthetic navel correction (umbilicoplasty).

04

Hospitalisation

3 to 5 nights in hospital. Redon drains maintained 48 to 72 hours. Compression garment mandatory for 6 weeks.

05

Follow-up

Suture removal at day 14 to 21. Close consultations at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. Scar massage recommended.

At a glance

Duration
3 to 5 hours
Anaesthesia
General
Hospitalisation
3 to 5 nights
Time off work
3 to 4 weeks
Return to sport
2 to 3 months
Final result
At 12 months

Benefits

  • Global and harmonious silhouette reshaping
  • Abdomen, hips, buttocks and lower back in one procedure
  • Circumferential scar concealed at the waistline
  • Lasting and stable results
  • Major functional improvement
  • Restored confidence and wellbeing

Risks

  • Long and complex procedure
  • Haematoma or seroma
  • Partial skin necrosis (rare)
  • Long and visible scars
  • Thromboembolic complications (prevented by anticoagulants)
  • Weight regain may alter the result

Insurance & Reimbursement

Partial coverage is possible after bariatric surgery if the initial BMI was above 40 kg/m², weight has been stable for 18 months and functional complications are documented (irritations, recurrent infections). A prior agreement application must be submitted. The cosmetic component remains the patient's responsibility.

Expected Results

A body lift offers a global silhouette transformation. Excess skin is permanently removed, contours are redefined and tone is restored across the entire trunk. The final result is achieved at 12 months, once swelling has resolved and scars have matured. The impact on quality of life and self-confidence is considerable.

Résultats

Avant / Après

Body Lift

Photos de patients du Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre, partagées avec leur accord. Les résultats varient selon les individus et leur morphologie.

Body lift result — circumferential abdominoplasty Paris 16th

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a body lift?+
A body lift (or circumferential abdominoplasty) is a major surgical procedure that treats skin laxity of the entire trunk in a single operation: abdomen, hips, buttocks and lower back. The scar is circular, positioned at the waistline, allowing a harmonious result across the entire silhouette.
Who is a candidate for a body lift?+
A body lift is primarily indicated for patients who have undergone massive weight loss (after bariatric surgery or a prolonged diet) and present significant circumferential skin laxity. A stable weight for at least 12 months is essential. A comprehensive medical assessment is required before considering this surgery.
Is a body lift covered by health insurance?+
Partial coverage may be granted after bariatric surgery if the initial BMI was above 40 kg/m², the weight has been stable for at least 18 months and functional complications are documented. A prior agreement application must be submitted. The cosmetic component remains the patient's responsibility.
How long is hospitalisation after a body lift?+
A body lift requires 3 to 5 nights in hospital, followed by close follow-up. A period of 3 to 4 weeks off work is generally recommended. Return to physical activity is progressive and only permitted after 2 to 3 months.
Can a body lift be combined with other procedures?+
A body lift can be complemented by an arm lift (brachioplasty) or a thigh lift to treat the entire body after massive weight loss. These procedures are generally performed in several operative stages spaced a few months apart for safety reasons.
Who is a body lift indicated for?+
A body lift is primarily indicated for patients who have undergone massive weight loss — most often after bariatric surgery (bypass, sleeve gastrectomy) or following a prolonged diet — and who present significant circumferential skin excess at the level of the trunk. Weight must have been stable for at least 12 months, nutritional status must be satisfactory and the patient should be a non-smoker or have stopped smoking for several weeks before the procedure.
What is the difference between a body lift and a tummy tuck?+
An abdominoplasty treats only the front of the abdomen: it removes excess abdominal skin and tightens the muscular core. A body lift goes further by treating the entire trunk circumferentially: abdomen, flanks, hips, lower back and buttocks are all reshaped in a single procedure. It is indicated when skin laxity is present all the way around the trunk, which cannot generally be corrected by a tummy tuck alone.
Is a body lift performed in a single operation?+
Yes, a body lift treats the entire trunk in a single surgical procedure. The patient is operated on successively in the supine position and then the prone position (turned over during the procedure) in order to treat the front and back of the trunk. This single-stage approach offers advantages in terms of the overall result and discreet circumferential scar, but involves a long procedure (3 to 5 hours) and prolonged general anaesthesia.
How long does a body lift take?+
The operating time for a body lift is 3 to 5 hours depending on the extent of skin laxity, volumes to be treated and associated procedures (complementary liposuction, buttock lift). The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia with the patient repositioned during the operation to access the front and back of the trunk successively.
Where are the scars from a body lift placed?+
The body lift scar is circular, running completely around the waist like a belt. It is strategically placed in the zone naturally covered by underwear and swimwear. It may be positioned higher or lower depending on patient anatomy and the areas to be treated. Although it is long, its horizontal position at the waist makes it discreet when dressed, and it fades progressively over 12 to 24 months.
How long is recovery after a body lift?+
Recovery after a body lift is longer than after a simple tummy tuck. Hospitalisation lasts 3 to 5 nights. Recommended time off work is 3 to 4 weeks for an office job, and longer for physical work. Walking in a slightly bent position is normal for the first few days. Return to sporting activities is only permitted after 2 to 3 months. The final result is visible at 12 months, once swelling has subsided and scars have matured.
Is a body lift covered by health insurance after massive weight loss?+
Partial coverage by the French health system is possible after bariatric surgery, provided several cumulative criteria are met: initial BMI above 40 kg/m² (or 35 with comorbidities), weight stable for at least 18 months after bariatric surgery, documented functional complications (irritations, repeated skin infections, hygiene difficulties). A prior agreement application must be sent to the CPAM before the procedure. The cosmetic component remains entirely the patient's responsibility.

Patient Testimonials

After losing 50 kg following a bypass, my body no longer felt like mine. Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre performed an exceptional body lift. The scar is well concealed and my silhouette is finally harmonious. A life-changing result.

Isabelle

The follow-up from Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre before and after the procedure was remarkable. The result exceeded my expectations. My body finally matches the effort I put into losing weight. Highly recommended.

Stéphane

After losing 40 kg, the skin laxity was very inconvenient daily. The body lift changed everything. The medical team was attentive and professional from start to finish. Many thanks to Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre.

Martine