Body lift, body contouring and body shaping in Düsseldorf

A beautiful body silhouette is a coveted aesthetic ideal for both women and men. However, as we age, the skin's elasticity and firmness gradually diminish. When weight issues are also present, changes to the body's shape become unavoidable. Weak connective tissue or significant overstretching of the skin – for example through pregnancy or major weight gain followed by weight loss – also has an impact on the body. In all of these cases, outstanding results can be achieved with a body lift, restoring a sense of attractiveness and confidence.

With a body lift, excess skin on the abdomen (abdominal apron), buttocks, hips and thighs is removed and the skin is tightened. Various procedures are available depending on your needs:

• total body lift, also known as the Lockwood method
• lower body lift
• upper body lift

The body lift eliminates excess skin that can no longer retract following overstretching – for example as a result of significant weight gain and subsequent weight loss. This excess skin, such as the abdominal apron, is experienced by patients as both unsightly and distressing. In addition to the psychological burden, physical complaints are often present as well, such as skin irritation, infections or ulcerations. Adequate weight loss is necessary prior to a body lift. Above all, however, the target weight must be maintained consistently for several months before the procedure.

• Abdomen, groin and hips extending to the lower back
• Flat, low-projection buttocks
• Inner, outer, posterior or complete thighs
• Upper arms
• Typical signs of 'orange-peel skin' or cellulite, such as small dimples and uneven texture, can also be reduced

In the lower body lift, also known as a lower bodylift, abdominoplasty, buttock lift and thigh lift are combined. If desired, the lower body lift can be combined with liposuction of the abdomen, hips or thighs – for example, to remove so-called saddlebags. The lower body lift is an excellent body-tightening operation following significant weight loss.

The total body lift, also known as full body contouring, is a relatively extensive procedure lasting approximately 4–7 hours. For this reason, this surgical treatment takes place at the BelEtage Klinik in Düsseldorf, which offers an optimal infrastructure.

Body lifting is performed under general anaesthesia. As this is a major body-tightening operation, you should plan for a hospital stay of 4–8 days. In general, you will be physically fit again after 3–4 weeks. The result of the body lift is typically long-lasting; only in rare cases, where the skin has been excessively stretched, may a corrective procedure be required. The final result of a body lift operation becomes apparent approximately 6 months after surgery.

To reduce the risk of thrombosis, you should get up and take short walks as early as the day after surgery. You should refrain from sport until the healing process is complete. Approximately 6 weeks after body lifting you can – and should – resume physical activity. If your work involves heavy physical labour, you should allow for approximately 6 weeks off work; for light activities, this is generally around 3 weeks.

The cost of a body lift may, depending on the clinical findings, be covered by health insurance. A body lift is covered by the health insurance fund when you can demonstrate that the excess skin restricts your movement, or when skin rashes in the skin folds fail to improve with creams and skincare.

In all cases, the medical review board of the health insurance fund decides individually whether the body-tightening operation will be covered. If the health insurance fund does not cover the cost of the procedure, there is the option to finance it.