My Plastic Surgery Group

Body Lift & Body Contouring

About Body Lift Surgery

Body liftbelt lipectomy and extended abdominoplasty (extended tummy tuck) are all cosmetic surgical procedures that expand on the tummy tuck procedure.

Procedure Details

Belt lipectomy and extended abdominoplasty are two terms describing the same cosmetic procedure. The incision we use in a tummy tuck will normally stop on or near the hip bone area on both sides of the abdomen. In an extended abdominoplasty, or belt lipectomy, the incision doesn’t stop at the hip bones; it continues around the entire body and stops right above the buttocks where it meets the other incision. This incision is placed so that it is usually able to be hidden under bathing suits, briefs and underwear. Often, major weight loss patients have significant sagging of the skin on their buttocks and outer thighs. Because this incision goes all the way around the body, some lifting of the buttocks and outer thighs will occur and will be more proportionate to your new tummy.

An extended abdominoplasty, or belt lipectomy, is a plastic surgery technique commonly referred to as extended tummy tuck surgery. During an extended abdominoplasty, skin and tummy fat are removed from the mid and lower abdomen in addition to simultaneously removing tissue from the lower sides and back to refine the waistline. Next, as with a tummy tuck, upper abdominal skin is pulled downward and the muscular wall is repaired by pulling the abdominal muscles tightly back together. As the upper skin is pulled taut downward, a new opening is created for the navel which has been preserved throughout this procedure.
Oftentimes, it is necessary to place drains in the wall space which will stay in place throughout a portion of the extended tummy tuck recovery period.
Body lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that is designed to lift the sides of the thighs. Done through the same incision as an extended abdominoplasty and belt lipectomy, it differs, however, in its extensive undermining of the outer thigh skin all the way to the side of the knee. This is a more extensive and expensive operation that fewer patients need now that improvements have been made in the extended abdominoplasty. Deciding whether or not to have a body lift or an extended abdominoplasty will require a more detailed conversation and evaluation with your surgeon during your consultation.

Minor wound complications are, unfortunately, quite common in these procedures. The operations done in most major weight loss patients involve very long skin incisions. In addition, force is applied to these incisions as the skin and underlying tissues are tightened. These two situations mean that the incision may not heal as rapidly in some areas as others. These complications, as well as what to expect during your recovery will be discussed with you, at length, during your consultation with the surgeon. Protein supplements started before, and continued after surgery have been shown to improve wound healing.

Before & After

bxa-Body-Lift-Extended-Tummy-Tuck-1bxa-Body-Lift-Extended-Tummy-Tuck-2

Real Results

View before-and-after pictures of real patients of Dr. John Aker.
Denise Reister
Denise Reister
18 January 2024
I saw Nate for laser hair removal today for the third time. I’ve also seen him for Botox injections. He carefully explains everything he is doing. He is such a kind & caring human. I will definitely use him again & again.
Peggy Brennan
Peggy Brennan
18 January 2024
Samantha was wonderful. She definitely knew what she was doing and was also friendly & personable.
jennifer foltz
jennifer foltz
17 January 2024
The staff is always friendly, professional, and accommodating. Dr. Akers is to the point but listens intently to any concerns (as does the PA!)
T B
T B
15 January 2024
I recently went for a consultation and the staff was very friendly. Dr. Akers was very nice, polite, professional, and respectful. He explained everything really well of what to expect with the procedure I’m interested in. I was very pleased.
Angie Duzan
Angie Duzan
12 January 2024
I had my consultation with Dr Akers. The office staff and the doctor are all so very friendly. They made me feel very comfortable..I have never felt so welcome in a doctor office as I do with Myplastic surgery group. They are all friendly,knowledgeable on procedures and helpful! Dr. Akers is just the most down to earth doctor I have ever met. I travel from Bloomington and will do it every time.I highly recommend this place. They offer a variety of services! Angie Duzan
Amanda Westfall
Amanda Westfall
11 January 2024
Samantha is an incredible injector. She did my Botox for forehead and crows feet- it was a very positive experience with very little discomfort - thank you so much for keeping me young!
Cheryl OBrien
Cheryl OBrien
10 January 2024
I am very pleased with my results of having a tummy tuck with Dr Aker. I am 4 months post op. The before and after pics are astounding! His office staff are always friendly and make sure that I have all my questions answered. I'm so glad that I chose this doctor. I had a great experience overall.
marisol Goodan
marisol Goodan
9 January 2024
Great overall first experience with my consultation. Dr Reddy and the staff were very professional, knowledgeable and answered all my questions thoroughly.

Meet Dr. Aker

Dr. Aker, an Indianapolis plastic surgeon affiliated with several area hospitals, has lectured and is published widely on a variety of plastic surgery topics. Dr. Aker brought several new techniques in cosmetic surgery to Indianapolis and Carmel including the endoscopic breast augmentation (“endo aug”) and Asian eyelid surgery.

Meet Dr. Reddy

After completing her undergraduate degree at Lehigh University, Dr. Reddy earned her medical doctorate degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. She went on to complete an accredited transitional year internship and ophthalmology residency at the highly regarded Emory University, where she distinguished herself as a highly skilled surgeon, having received her surgical training from world-renowned mentors at the Emory Eye Center, one of the top training programs institutions in the country.

Related Procedures

Mini Tummy Tuck

Tummy Tuck Extended

Liposuction

Thigh Lift

Scroll to Top