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What is a Belt Lipectomy?

Malcolm Tatum
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,942
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The belt lipectomy is a surgical process that is often classified as a type of body lifting. Similar to a tummy tuck, the procedure is considered practical when excess fat is located completely around the waist area and not just centered on the stomach or tummy area. Both a belt lipectomy and a tummy tuck remove both excess skin and fat from the midsection and help to create a balanced physical appearance.

As with any type of plastic surgery, it is necessary for patients to qualify for this type of surgical lifting. The patient must be in reasonably good health, have stable blood pressure, a strong heart, and be free of regular use of addictive substances. It is not unusual for the surgeon to require a complete physical before agreeing to conduct the surgical lift.

There are two main categories of patients who may be eligible for the procedure. Individuals who have previously undergone gastric bypass surgery or engaged in a stringent exercise and diet program may be considered for the lipectomy, if the weight loss has left them with sagging skin around the waist area and possibly around the hips and thighs.

A second group of people who would qualify for a belt lipectomy are people who need to undergo body contouring to bring the midsection into proportion with the rest of the body. While people carrying excess weight in the stomach region would normally qualify for a tummy tuck, the lipectomy is a better option when the distribution of excess weight includes the sides and lower back as well as the tummy.

In general, plastic surgeons discourage the use of the belt lipectomy as a quick way to lose weight. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, the patient is usually encouraged to make changes in diet and exercise patterns to lose weight naturally or consider the use of bariatric surgery before undergoing any type of body lifting.

Surgeons generally want patients to be aware of the risks involved with having a belt lipectomy. Some of the more common risks include the development of an infection, bleeding during the recuperative period, bruising, swelling, and a considerable amount of pain as the body heals from the procedure. While a remote possibility, there is also a chance of wound separation occurring at some point during recovery. The attending surgeon will also issue specific instructions regarding care during the healing process, including a list of activities that are not allowed until approved by a physician.

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Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGeek, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Discussion Comments
By LisaLou — On Jan 14, 2012

If you are considering plastic surgery to get rid of some extra skin and have a flatter stomach, I would just make sure this is a lifestyle you are going to maintain.

My sister went through all of this and has ended up gaining back most of the weight she lost. Between the cost of the gastric bypass surgery and the cost of a tummy tuck, she has spent thousands of dollars.

I know this has happened to a lot of people who have had surgeries like this done. They are great if you are able to stay disciplined and keep the weight off.

If you don't, you are right back where you started from. You have all the extra weight and have put out a lot of money for nothing.

By John57 — On Jan 13, 2012

@golf07 - No matter how much you exercise, I don't think you will be able to do anything about the extra skin without some kind of surgical procedure.

I had a belt lipectomy and it cost me a little over $7000 to have it done. This sounds like a lot of money, but for me it was worth it.

I am out the $7000 and have a scar to show for it, but feel so much better about myself. Depending on how much extra skin you have, you might be a candidate for a mini tummy tuck.

Usually the cost of a mini tummy tuck is a little bit cheaper than a belt lipectomy. At least it gives you another option to consider.

By golf07 — On Jan 13, 2012

How much does something like a belt lipectomy cost? Since this is considered plastic surgery, I know it won't be covered under my insurance.

I would love to have something like this done, or even some tummy liposuction to get rid of the extra skin around my waist, hips and thighs.

It seems like no matter what kind of exercises I do, I can't get rid of this skin that hangs down. I did have gastric bypass surgery, and have been able to keep the weight off for 5 years now.

I even continued to lose weight for several months after the surgery. While I have been pleased with the results, this was not an easy process to go through.

Now I would like to complete 'the look' by taking care of all the extra skin, but don't know if I can afford it.

By bagley79 — On Jan 12, 2012

One of my best friends had a belt lipectomy after losing close to 150 pounds. The results of the belt lipectomy before and after have been dramatic for her.

She did not have gastric bypass surgery to lose her weight, but did it through changing her diet and exercise. It took her almost two years to lose this weight, but she was left with a lot of sagging skin around her waist.

Since having the belt lipectomy she feels a lot more confident and her clothes fit much better too. Her doctor waited for awhile before going ahead with the procedure. He wanted to make sure she kept the weight off and maintained this lifestyle before going ahead with the surgery.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
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