Body surgery (torsoplasty) is a cosmetic surgery that focuses on reducing excess skin and fat to alter body proportions (predominantly) after significant weight loss.
Body surgery (torsoplasty) typically involves a combination of procedures, including Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), thighplasty (thigh lift), Brachioplasty (arm lift), and Mastopexy (breast Lift).
Dr Patrick Briggs is a specialist plastic surgeon with experience performing body surgery (torsoplasty).
Body surgery (torsoplasty) aims to treat many conditions, including excess skin and fat, deposits of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise, and localized areas of fat that are out of proportion with the rest of the body.
More information on different Body Surgeries?
Tummy Tuck/abdominoplasty
Extended Abdominoplasty
Body Lift (Torsoplasty/Belt Lipectomy) Surgery
Belt Lipectomy
Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty
Arm Lift/Brachioplasty
Thigh Lift/Thighplasty
Liposuction
NOTE: Dr Briggs does NOT offer or recommend butt lift surgery or butt augmentation.
The above body surgery procedures aim to reduce redundant skin folds after weight changes. Body surgery (torsoplasty) procedures can also remove stubborn pockets of fat that aren’t yielding to exercise and diet alone.
Furthermore, Body surgery (torsoplasty) procedures aims to alter the overall body contour without excess skin or uneven fatty tissue deposits.
Am I a Suitable Candidate for Body Surgery?
Individuals who have achieved significant weight loss through bariatric surgery or diet and exercise and are left with excess skin and fat that cannot be removed through traditional weight loss methods are generally suitable candidates for body contouring surgery. They should be in good overall health, at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations for the outcomes of the surgery. Non-smokers may also be suitable candidates, as smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery.
Candidates must discuss their medical history, medications, and any underlying health conditions with their plastic surgeon to determine their suitability for the procedure.
During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your condition, body type, health history, treatment goals, and expectations to determine if a full-body surgery is right for you.
Reasons Patients Choose Body Surgery
Body surgery can have various benefits depending on the specific procedures performed and the patient’s needs and goals. Below are some potential benefits:
- Alter body shape and proportions:
- Body contouring can alter the body’s overall appearance by removing excess skin and fat and improving the shape and contour of different areas such as the abdomen, arms, thighs, and buttocks.
- Improved physical function
- Excess skin and fat can restrict movement and cause discomfort or chafing.
- Removing these tissues can improve both physical function and comfort.
- Increase motivation for a balanced lifestyle.
- This surgery can help motivate patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and a balanced diet.
- Reduce skin irritation
- Excess skin folds can be prone to irritation or infection, especially in areas prone to sweating.
- Body contouring surgery can help reduce these issues by removing excess skin and reducing friction.
Body Surgery Before and After Photos
At your consultation, you will see before and after photos of patients who have undergone surgery by Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Patrick Briggs.
Photo Disclaimer
The photos on this website and in our office are for informational purposes. The images demonstrate the potential outcomes of procedures. Individual results will vary, and effects cannot be guaranteed. The photos do not promise or guarantee specific results. They are meant to help visualise potential outcomes.
Each patient is unique, and many factors affect surgical results.
In consultations, Dr. Briggs evaluates each patient and discusses realistic expectations.
What are the Most Common Body Surgery Procedures?
The following are the most well-known body contouring procedures:
Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty:
This surgical procedure tightens your abdomen by removing excess skin and fat.
Arm Reduction
Also known as Brachioplasty, this surgery alters the appearance of your upper arms and underarm area by removing excess skin and fat.
Body Lift
Also known as torsoplasty/belt lipectomy, this procedure can help reshape the appearance of your abdomen and buttocks by removing excess skin and fat and (when necessary) tightening the abdominal muscles.
Liposuction
This procedure removes fat deposits beneath your skin using a thin tube and a powerful vacuum.
Male Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia surgery is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of abnormally large male breasts by removing excess fat and tissue.
Thigh Lift
Thighplasty is a surgical procedure that alters the appearance of your thighs by removing excess skin and fat.
*It is essential to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if you are a suitable candidate for body (torsoplasty) surgery and to discuss the procedure’s potential complications and risks.
Download A Free Guide
Take advantage of our FREE GUIDE TO YOUR PROCEDURE which includes resources for plastic surgery patients. They’ll assist with your journey from thinking about having plastic surgery to aftercare and recovery.
If you’d like more information about a particular surgery, please call our surgical support team on 1300 599 990 between 9 am – 5 pm on weekdays
Recovery after Body Surgery
The recovery time after body surgery will vary from patient to patient.
It will greatly depend on several factors, including the type and extent of your surgery, the surgeon’s skills, your healing ability, and the results you desire.
Whether it’s an upper-body or lower-body surgery, your surgeon will give you specific instructions during your consultation on how to speed up your recovery.
Patients should generally allow 10-14 days for initial recovery following their Body Lift surgery. Your recovery will take longer than this, but the first two weeks after surgery will generally be the hardest and require the most rest.
After surgery, you must wear a firm-fitting support garment (compression garment) to help with swelling and bruising. Your surgeon will advise you on the length of time you will need to wear this.
Bruising and swelling after surgery are to be expected. Due to the extent of the procedure, patients should also expect to experience some pain and discomfort. However, this will vary from patient to patient, depending on individual pain threshold. That being said, we prescribe every patient painkillers to help manage pain levels and keep them as comfortable as possible during recovery.
Depending on job requirements, some patients may be able to return to work after approximately two weeks. However, extended periods are often required before resuming physically demanding jobs, particularly lifting and other activities. This includes exercising, raising children or grandchildren, and additional heavy lifting or strenuous activities.
You may have to wait several months before getting the all-clear from your surgeon to resume some activities.
By attending follow-up appointments, patients can ensure they receive suitable care and support to help them recover well and as expected.
Minimising Scars After Body Surgery
It is important to remember that all surgical procedures leave scars, including ‘so-called’ scarless methods.
Experienced plastic surgeons are cautious about scar placement and minimisation, with surgical scars generally fading over time.
After your procedure, we will arrange post-op appointments with our specialist nursing team to ensure everything is healing well and to monitor your progress.
You will see your surgeon, nurse, or dermal team about six to eight weeks after surgery for a scar consultation and to organise scar minimisation treatments, should you require them.
The Coco Ruby dermal team conducts a series of follow-up scar treatments using a customized selection of Skin Needling, Healite II LED, and massaging with oils, Fraxel Laser, V-Laser, Silicone strips & gels, and Steroids can also help minimize scars. Ask the Coco Ruby Team!
Note – The length of your recovery period will depend on your procedure, health, and lifestyle factors. Recovery times vary from person to person.
How much is Body Surgery? Costs and Prices
Costs and prices of body (torsoplasty) surgery vary. The cost should include your surgeon, anesthesiologist, and hospital fees, as well as the type of surgery and anaesthesia used.
During your consultation, your surgeon will give you a quote estimate with a breakdown of the costs.
Will Your Medical Insurance Cover the Cost of Your Body Surgery?
Make sure to verify your private health insurance policy to determine if you can claim the costs of your procedure.
If body (torsoplasty) surgery is done for cosmetic purposes, your private health insurance will not pay for your procedure.
However, suppose your body (torsoplasty) surgery aims to treat a specific medical condition (e.g., thigh lift to reduce skin irritation and infection). In that case, you may be eligible for a health insurance claim. That being said, patients will still have out-of-pocket costs. So, ensure you can financially afford the surgery.
By consulting with a qualified surgeon, you will know your treatment options and financing options.
Paying For Body Surgery
Some Body (torsoplasty) Surgery procedures may be eligible for Medicare.
Purely cosmetic Body Surgery procedures are usually NOT covered by Medicare or private health insurance, so you must fund the cost of the surgery yourself.
Patients can pay for Body (torsoplasty) surgery through various methods. These methods include:
- Payment in full at the time of the procedure using accepted payment methods such as credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), buy now, and pay-later products (such as Afterpay, Openpay, and Zip Pay).
- Non-commercial payment arrangements between the medical practitioner and patient, where the payment is made in installments.
- Medicare rebates if the surgery is considered medically necessary. (this will not cover the total cost, and patients will still have out-of-pocket costs)
- Private health insurance, if the patient has an appropriate level of coverage. (This is unlikely to cover the total cost, and patients may still have out-of-pocket costs)
- *It is important to note that we do not encourage patients to take on debt or access their superannuation to pay for cosmetic surgery. Additionally, we do not offer or recommend financing schemes to patients, such as loans or commercial payment plans.
How to find a Body Contouring Surgeon in Melbourne
Always choose an experienced plastic surgeon and review their online reviews and before and after patient photos.
If you want Body (torsoplasty) Surgery, Dr Briggs can help you. He is a specialist plastic surgeon in Melbourne and is known for his Body (torsoplasty) Surgery results.
In Australia, a plastic surgeon must have the following qualifications:
- An undergraduate degree in medicine, typically a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree.
- At least two years of general medical training as a junior hospital doctor.
- Completion of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) surgical education and training programme includes at least five years of accredited surgical training, with at least two years in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
- Fellowship with the RACS (Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Plastic surgeons in Australia must also be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and adhere to the standards and guidelines set forth by the Medical Board of Australia.
You also want to ensure the surgeon you choose has:
- Extensive experience in the surgery you are looking into.
- Available Patient Before and After Photos.
- Detailed recovery plans
- A great support team
- Empathy and caring with recovery and aftercare.
- A great support team with long-term follow-up.
What are the Risks of Body Surgery?
Whether it’s body surgery or torso surgery, there are potential complications associated with the procedure. Including;
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- Allergic reaction to anesthesia in the form of skin rashes and difficulty breathing
- Body weakness
- Capsular contracture (if implants are used)
- Changes in skin sensation
- Delayed wound healing
- Hematoma
- Hemorrhage
- Increasing pain at the surgical site
- Numbness in one or both sides of your body
- Pus draining from your wound
- Severe swelling
- Skin discoloration
- Skin loss
- Sutures that protrude through the skin
- Unwanted scarring
- Wound dehiscence
Body Surgery Glossary – Words related to Body Surgery
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- Anesthesia – Drugs used during a surgical procedure to relieve pain and other discomforts.
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- Capsular contracture – A complication of breast augmentation that is characterized by the formation of a tight scar around the implant.
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- Hematoma – Visible pooling of blood under your skin.
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- Hemorrhage – Uncontrolled bleeding
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- Rippling of the implant – Visible folds and wrinkles in your skin due to improper implant placement.
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- Wound dehiscence – Partial or total separation of wound edges after it has been sutured
Further reading and Medical References
Disclaimer
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intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified
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condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it
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