Our Summary

The number of people wanting body shaping procedures is growing, especially in America where over a third of the population is obese and about 10% are suitable for weight loss surgery. While this surgery is great for overall health, it can leave behind sagging skin, especially around the stomach and lower body. This can cause skin problems, difficulty with clothing and exercise, and psychological issues. Body shaping operations can help with these problems.

In 2020, American surgeons performed over 46,000 body shaping procedures on people who had lost a lot of weight. The traditional ’tummy tuck’ has been a popular way to deal with excess skin around the stomach, but it doesn’t always deal with other areas like the sides and back. That’s why many people prefer a procedure called a belt lipectomy, which provides a more complete body shaping solution.

The practice of removing excess skin and fat from the stomach has been around since the 1800s. In 1890, the first panniculectomy (a procedure to remove excess skin and fat) took place in France. By 1899, America saw its first cases of body shaping and cosmetic stomach surgery. In 1940, the belt lipectomy was introduced as a major breakthrough in body shaping.

Body shaping for the lower body includes many different procedures. The belt lipectomy, also known as a body lift, removes excess skin and fat around the lower body. It often also includes a tummy tuck, which is a detailed procedure that involves repositioning the belly button and tightening the stomach muscles. Both the belt lipectomy and tummy tuck are typically considered cosmetic surgeries.

On the other hand, a panniculectomy solely removes excess skin and fat without moving the belly button or extensive reshaping. This surgery is often required for medical reasons, such as skin rashes or functional problems. As a result, insurance may cover this procedure.

However, insurance companies often don’t cover belt lipectomy and tummy tuck because they are considered cosmetic. If a patient wants both cosmetic improvement and has a medical need, it might be possible to use insurance to cover the panniculectomy and pay out of pocket for the additional costs of the belt lipectomy.

FAQs

  1. What is the difference between a tummy tuck and a belt lipectomy?
  2. Why might insurance cover a panniculectomy but not a belt lipectomy or tummy tuck?
  3. What are some of the possible benefits of body shaping procedures for individuals who have lost a lot of weight?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient considering a tummy tuck is to carefully research and choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in body shaping procedures. It’s important to have a consultation to discuss expectations, risks, and recovery time. Following the surgeon’s pre and post-operative instructions, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise, can help ensure the best results and minimize complications. Be sure to ask any questions or concerns you have before undergoing the procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a tummy tuck or belt lipectomy include:

  1. Individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight through diet, exercise, or weight loss surgery and have excess skin and fat around the stomach and lower body.

  2. Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery and are dealing with the aftermath of rapid weight loss, which can lead to excess skin and tissue.

  3. People who have had multiple pregnancies and are left with stretched abdominal muscles and loose skin.

  4. Individuals who have tried to improve the appearance of their stomach through diet and exercise but have not achieved the desired results.

  5. Patients who are in good overall health, at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery.

  6. Those who are experiencing physical discomfort or skin problems due to the excess skin and fat in the stomach area.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo a tummy tuck or belt lipectomy should be made in consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess the individual’s specific needs and goals.

Timeline

Before the tummy tuck procedure, a patient will typically have a consultation with the surgeon to discuss their goals, medical history, and expectations. They may be asked to stop smoking and avoid certain medications that can increase the risk of complications. The patient will also need to undergo pre-operative tests to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery.

During the tummy tuck procedure, the surgeon will make incisions to remove excess skin and fat, reposition the belly button, and tighten the abdominal muscles. The procedure can take several hours and is usually done under general anesthesia.

After the tummy tuck, the patient will need to follow post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, including wearing a compression garment, taking prescribed medications, and avoiding strenuous activities. The patient will also need to attend follow-up appointments to monitor their recovery and ensure proper healing.

In the weeks and months following the tummy tuck, the patient will gradually see the results of the surgery as swelling and bruising subside. It may take several months for the final results to be fully visible, and the patient may need to maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure long-lasting results.

Overall, the tummy tuck procedure can provide significant improvements in body contour and self-confidence for patients who have excess skin and fat around their stomach area.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about a tummy tuck or body shaping procedure include:

  1. Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck or body shaping procedure?
  2. What type of procedure would be best for me – a tummy tuck, belt lipectomy, or panniculectomy?
  3. What are the risks and potential complications associated with the procedure?
  4. What is the recovery process like, and how long will it take for me to fully recover?
  5. How much scarring can I expect, and what can be done to minimize scarring?
  6. Will insurance cover any part of the procedure, or will I need to pay out of pocket?
  7. How long will the results of the procedure last?
  8. What type of post-operative care will be required, and what follow-up appointments will I need?
  9. Can you show me before and after photos of patients who have had similar procedures done?
  10. What are your qualifications and experience in performing tummy tucks and body shaping procedures?

Reference

Authors: Mayo J, Cape JD. Journal: 2024 Jun 1. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 38861635